Teeth Whitening in San Marcos
Depicted: Opalescence© Go Tray, mint
If you’re looking for a way to make your teeth whiter as quickly as possible, our office can help. Dr. Molenda uses several whitening methods, which include: Opalescence © BOOST, passive tray whitening, and professional-strength whitening strips.
Boost is a safe, fast, and effective way to whiten your teeth quickly. This whitening method is completed in our office, and in just over an hour your teeth will be noticeably whiter. The convenience and speed of this treatment make it the perfect choice for the busy individual who doesn’t want to deal with using whitening strips day after day. The procedure is simple: after a short preparation to protect your lips and gums, Boost whitening gel is applied and activated with a specially designed light. After this, a fluoride treatment completes the whitening procedure. You can expect your teeth to become at least six to ten shades whiter, if not more. In many cases, teeth will continue to get whiter for the first few days after the procedure–you’ll be amazed by the results! Gel trays are recommended afterward for maximum whitening and maintenance.
The easiest and most affordable way to lighten your teeth effectively is with our take-home whitening system. By using trays that are custom-fitted for you, you can whiten your teeth as it’s convenient for you and your lifestyle. The tray method of teeth whitening involves having impressions of your teeth taken using laboratory fabricated custom vinyl trays. A carbamide peroxide gel is placed in these trays which are then worn daily for about 3 hours, or overnight. The entire whitening process takes 3–4 weeks of consistent daily use. Three different strengths of gel may be used. The higher the strength of the gel, the greater the likelihood of reactions or tooth sensitivity. Our office will be able to recommend a strength that’s right for you. The tray method is often recommended for badly stained teeth, such as tetracycline staining (staining caused by an antibiotic). This type of staining may take several months of tray use to see significant color improvement. For maintenance of whitened teeth, the trays should be used occasionally every few months.
Professional-strength whitening strips are another option for brightening your smile. There are a variety of whitening strip types. These systems can be used at home, though if you have any questions about how to apply them, our office will be happy to help. Teeth whitening strips are thin strips of flexible plastic coated with whitening gel. The strips are applied so that the gel is held against the surface of your teeth and can begin the whitening process. Regular whitening strips are usually applied daily over the course of a few weeks. If you intend to use whitening strips at home, be sure to visit our office in advance. Dr. Molenda can recommend an appropriate strength of whitening strips. It’s also recommended to have a brief dental exam to make sure that your teeth are healthy before applying whitening strips, as the bleaching agent in the strips can be harmful to unhealthy teeth or gums.
If you’d like to make an appointment to have your teeth whitened, or if you would like more information about methods for whitening your teeth at home, please contact the office of Dr. Larry D. Molenda in San Marcos, TX.
