Professional Laser Teeth Whitening in Seattle

There are many different places to get professional teeth whitening in Seattle. Keep in mind, though, that there are various methods to get the job done. All of the following methods of teeth whitening can be done by a dental professional in Seattle.

Chairside bleaching takes place in a dental office. A gel or some sort of shield is applied to protect soft tissue the bleach is applied, then a special laser is used to enhance the effects. This procedure may take 30 to 60 minutes and a few visits to the dentist to complete. Currently whitening agents with the use of a laser are not on the ADA (American Dental Association) list of accepted products. However, there are dental professionals everywhere, including Seattle, who perform safe laser teeth whitening.

Many people in Seattle and elsewhere prefer the convenience of at-home teeth whitening. Usually a tray or nightguard is made for your mouth. This apparatus is molded to your teeth and filled with a peroxide containing gel. Depending on the product instructions, these nightguards are worn anywhere from twice daily to overnight for two weeks. Over-the-counter trays and gels are sold just about everywhere. Some of the trays are to be boiled and shaped to your teeth while others are generic. Again, if you are concerned about ADA approval, only the dentist-dispensed trays are on the list of approved methods.

Toothpastes are available with whiteners and many come with the ADA seal of approval. These whitening toothpastes contain additional polishing and whitening agents over traditional toothpastes which also remove surface stains.

A more invasive form of teeth whitening is veneers. These thin "shells" are custom made and they fit over each tooth. Dental professionals in Seattle and elsewhere can make veneers for your teeth. Of course, veneers are pricier than the other methods mentioned.

Over time, these methods of teeth whitening must be continually employed, especially if you drink coffee or dark colored beverages. If you are fitted for veneers, you will probably be told to curb your intake of beverages and foods that are capable of staining your teeth.

Your Seattle dental professional will be able to assist you with questions and the decision-making process of choosing the method of teeth whitening with which you are most comfortable.