Tray bleaching is probably the best and most popular way for patients to whiten their teeth. It has been in use since the 1990's and is a procedure that has truly stood the test of time. It appears to be safe and is a most affordable option for our New York patients. Unlike in office teeth whitening procedures the patient can apply the bleach to his own teeth as often as he or she desires. For an initial expense of about $500 the patient has a shrink wrap mold made of his or her mouth. This mold is often worn at night with a special bleaching solution (usually 16% carbamide peroxide solution) for a period of one to three weeks while the teeth gradually whiten. During this whitening period the patient briefly stops into our office for a quick visit so that we may monitor the teeth whitening process. When the teeth reach the desired shade of whiteness the process is over. The whitening can last for years but does tend to diminish slowly over time.

Keep in mind that the actual results vary from patient to patient and that when the process is finished some smiles look better than others. In my experience almost all patients feel their smile has been improved.

Bleaching might not be the best option for patients who have a crown or crowns on anterior teeth, since the crown(s) will remain the same color before and after bleaching. If a patients crown(s) are lighter than their natural teeth bleaching can still help provide a patient with a better looking smile...

Also bonded fillings will not change color and may not match as well after the bleaching process.

Patients often discolored bonding after the bleaching process is finished.

Some patients experience a transient sensitivity of their teeth, which goes away in a day or two, if they take a break from bleaching. Usually after the break they are able to continue the process. If the sensitivity returns they can take breaks in the process as needed. They are usually able to complete the whitening process.

Touch ups, although not required, are usually best done once per year and are accomplished by wearing the trays with bleaching solution for one or two nights only! (Approximate cost $25)

Often patients choose a combination teeth whitening option which allows them to have both light assisted in office teeth whitening treatment and also have custom trays made to allow a better and faster result than they might accomplish with either process alone.

Light Assisted bleaching gives the patient a head start on the process and will probably allow a patient to spend less time using their trays in order to get desirable results.

When Light assisted in office whitening procedures are used as the only whitening treatment patients may sometimes require multiple sessions and lack a good way to touch up their smiles when the whitening eventually fades.

Lawrence Spindel is a cosmetic dentist practicing in Midtown Manhattan in N.Y.C. For more information about Lawrence Spindel is a dentist practicing in Midtown Manhattan in N.Y.C. For more information about This New York Dentist, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, veneers or other dental topics visit http://www.lspindeldds.com