Professional teeth whitening procedures can effectively make your smile whiter and brighter. Over time, teeth can become dull, 
discolored or stained due to aging, certain foods and beverages or smoking. Two common types of professional teeth whitening procedures include in-office treatments applied by a dental professional and at-home teeth whitening kits provided by your dentist. At Sanford Center For Total Health Dentistry, Dr. Robert Sanford, your Allentown, PA dentist, offers both types of professional teeth whitening procedures.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening procedures performed in-office by your dentist in Allentown, PA produce the most dramatic results of any other whitening treatment currently available. Teeth will be visibly whiter after just one treatment. The patient’s desired level of whitening can typically be achieved in one or two appointments with results lasting up to five years before additional whitening procedures are needed.
During an in-office whitening session, a professional strength hydrogen peroxide gel is applied directly to the teeth by the dentist. The gel is stronger than any over-the-counter whitening product, which is why it produces results so quickly. Before applying the whitening gel, a different non-whitening gel is applied to the gums and surfaces of tooth roots to protect them during the procedure. The whitening gel is left on the teeth for an hour before being removed.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
If in-office teeth whitening procedures are not an option for you, professional take-home whitening treatments are a great alternative. A take-home whitening kit includes two flexible plastic trays that are custom made for each patient based on a mold of the patient’s teeth. At home, the patient adds a whitening gel to each tray and fit the trays over the top and bottom rows of teeth. The trays are left in place for about an hour during each whitening session. Within a few weeks, the teeth will be noticeably whiter.
Whether you choose an in-office teeth whitening procedure or an at-home one, professional teeth whitening treatments produce exceptional results that are long-lasting. In short, professional teeth whitening procedures can give you a brighter looking smile. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sanford, your Allentown, PA dentist, to discuss which whitening procedure is right for you, contact the Sanford Center For Total Health Dentistry at (610) 820-6000.