Our most popular form of tooth whitening is our in-office method that was developed by Dr. Miller. It is very similar to the laser whitening that has come out in the last couple of years. Dr. Miller perfected his own system and has been using this method successfully for the last nine (9) years. This system gets terrific results and is very safe.

Using the conventional whitening method: Custom trays that look like a clear flimsy football mouth guard are made for your teeth. When you look at these trays you can recognize the image of your own teeth. Drops of the whitening agent are put into the trays and they are worn for several to many hours a day, weeks at a time. Gradually over several weeks the patient will notice that the teeth gradually whiten.

The in-office method of whitening is more popular in our office. The in-office whitening system allows Dr. Miller to control the whitening process better. When using the conventional method using custom fitted trays, the whitening starts at the top of the teeth and slowly migrates toward the gum-line. Most everyone is darker at the gum line and the whitening is apparent in those areas only toward the end of treatment.

Often the teeth appear two-toned after the conventional method of whitening has been used. Frequently patients have teeth that are two-toned. The teeth have a band of darker color toward the gum-line. To overcome these and other shortcomings of the conventional whitening process, Dr. Miller perfected his in-office whitening system nine (9) years ago. It is quite similar to the laser whitening systems that have come out in the last couple of years. In this method cheek retractors are placed in the mouth while a protectant is placed over the gum tissue and over any sensitive areas on the teeth. (This is not done with the conventional tray methods, which do not protect the gums from the whitening agent and since sensitive areas are not protected, can make sensitive areas worse.) Once the protectant is in place the whitener is painted on the teeth and a special light is shown on the whitening agent to accelerate the process. A typical whitening appointment using the laser whitening process takes 3 hours. Our system takes an hour or less. Most patients will have 2 or 3 sessions of whitening. The approximate cost of laser whitening is $1,000 per session while ours is about $200.

How long does it last?

Tooth whitening does not fade like a suntan. The degree to which your teeth will remain white depends on your personal habits such as smoking and drinking coffee and tea. Home care also makes a difference. If patients have regular cleaning appointments then the stains will not penetrate the deeper layers of the tooth as much and therefore can be polished off more effectively. The key here is regular maintenance.

How does it work?

The active ingredient in most of the whitening agents is a form of hydrogen peroxide. When water contacts these white crystals, the release of hydrogen peroxide lightens the teeth.

Is it safe? Any side effects?

Several studies have proven its safety during the last 10 years. The American Dental Association has granted it seal of approval on these type of hydrogen peroxide based systems. Some patients may experience slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, which will resolve after treatment ends.

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