As a cosmetic dentist, Dr. Jason L. Downey takes great pride in creating beautiful smiles for his patients. One way in which Dr. Downey can improve the appearance of the smile is by enhancing the color of the teeth. For our patients,teeth whitening bleaches the teeth and erases signs of surface stains, resulting in a smile that is significantly brighter and whiter. In order to accommodate the unique needs of patients, we offer our Las Vegas patients two Opalescence® teeth whitening techniques: an in-office and at-home treatment option. Although the two techniques differ slightly, both result in our patients obtaining a beautiful, white smile.
In-office Treatment
Many patients prefer the in-office Opalescence® teeth whitening technique because it offers the fastest results. With just a single in-office treatment, patients can brighten the teeth eight shades or more. Because the treatment is performed by a dental professional, it is completely safe, with very little risk of complications. Dr. Downey applies a hydrogen-peroxide-based gel directly to the teeth. This gel bleaches the teeth to improve the color and break up and eliminate stains. In under an hour, treatment is complete and patients leave our office with a brighter and whiter smile. Our in-office treatment technique offers immediate and dramatic results.
At-home Treatment
Although an in-office treatment is fast and effective, we understand that it is not the right option for everyone. For some patients, it is more convenient and comfortable to choose an at-home teeth whitening option. Unfortunately, teeth whitening products that are available over-the-counter lack the strength of professional products and can take several months to produce results. The Opalescence® at-home teeth whitening technique combines a professional strength whitening gel with the convenience of at-home care.
Using trays that are customized to fit each patient’s teeth, patients can apply the Opalescence® bleaching gel at home. For maximum results, patients should wear the bleaching trays for three to six hours a day. While the results will not be as immediate as an in-office treatment, patients can achieve results that are similar to our in-office treatment in a fraction of the time of over-the-counter teeth whitening products. Because custom-fit trays are used and because treatment is supervised by Dr. Downey, this is also a safer option for patients, with very little risk of complication or soft tissue damage, which is the primary risk of over-the-counter teeth whitening products.
Which Is Right for Me?
Both of the Opalescence® teeth whitening techniques offered by Dr. Downey offer their own unique benefits. While the in-office treatment offers the fastest results, at-home treatment is also advantageous in that it offers significant results that can be achieved at home, on the patient’s own timeframe. Because both techniques offer effective results, the right treatment for each patient will be dependent on their own lifestyle and scheduling needs.
Schedule a Consultation
If you would like to whiten the teeth and brighten your smile,schedule a consultation with Dr. Jason L. Downey to discuss your teeth whitening options. We can recommend a teeth whitening technique that will improve tooth color in a manner that is convenient for you and your unique needs.