Whitening

Q: I want my teeth to be whiter. Do you recommend at-home or in-office whitening?

A:  Dentist directed at-home whitening and in-office whitening procedures are both effective ways to brighten your smile. In either case, your dentist customizes the treatment to ensure your happiness with the results.

Your custom home-whitening kit involves a special tray that is customized to fit over your teeth. You also receive prescription whitening gel, which is inserted into the tray before you wear it. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions about how long you should wear the tray each day, and you should expect the entire home-whitening process to take between two and four weeks, leaving you with a dazzling smile.

If you desire immediate results, visit Garland and Johnson Dental for an in-office whitening procedure. Again, the treatment utilizes a special tray that fits around your teeth. However, with your dentist’s supervision, a much more powerful whitening gel is used, giving you amazing results in just a few hours!

Q: How can I whiten my teeth?

A:  There are multiple ways to whiten your teeth.

  • At-home whitening trays and products use peroxide-based gels to bleach your teeth. Generally, the process, which lasts about two weeks, involves the daily application of the gel in a formed “mouth guard.” Side effects may include short-term tooth or gum sensitivity.
  • ZOOM! whitening (a.k.a. in-office whitening) is a procedure that takes place in a single visit to your dentist. It involves the application of a specially formulated gel that, when exposed to a type of light energy, penetrates the stains in your teeth, breaking them up and leaving your smile brighter and whiter. The entire process takes under an hour.
  • Many people who have tetracycline-stained teeth and cannot whiten their teeth with traditional means, or people who want a more permanent solution will opt for porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are a great way to whiten your teeth in a more permanent fashion. The veneers do not stain with time, and they also correct many other concerns you may have, including crooked teeth, gaps in teeth, and gummy smiles. Most of the smile makeovers you see on television are accomplished with porcelain veneers.

Q: Will I be referred to a specialist if I need a root canal, tooth extraction, or other specialized treatment?

A: Most patient concerns and needs are addressed in the office. The doctors at Garland and Johnson Dental routinely and confidently perform a wide range of dental procedures and techniques, including oral surgeries, such as implant placements and extractions, as well as endodontic procedures, such as root canal therapy. Being able to take care of your needs in one location goes a long way in your satisfaction and comfort.

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