Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is a procedure carried out under the expert supervision of a dentist. It’s both safe and effective, delivering noticeable results. By choosing a dentist for this treatment, you can expect long-lasting, safe, and optimal outcomes. In short, when performed correctly, teeth whitening is a highly safe and effective procedure.

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Professional Teeth Whitening Tray

A teeth whitening tray is a custom-made, flexible device that molds to your teeth, allowing a whitening agent to be applied directly to the surface. At Nebraska Family Dentistry, we offer a personalized at-home whitening solution tailored to your unique dental needs. Unlike over-the-counter options that may not fit properly and can lead to sensitivity or less effective results, our professional whitening trays are custom-designed for your smile.

If you’re a good candidate for professional whitening, the process starts with impressions of your teeth. These molds are then sent to our lab, where we create your custom whitening trays. Because they are precisely crafted to fit your teeth, sensitivity is typically minimal.

Once your trays are ready and you’ve completed your in-office treatment, you can continue the whitening process at home. The bleaching gel for home use is professional-strength, but at a lower concentration than what’s used during the in-office procedure. This means you’ll see gradual improvements over time, rather than immediate, dramatic results. However, the gel in our take-home kit is still much more potent than the 5-14% found in over-the-counter treatments, ensuring better and more consistent results. To achieve the best outcome, it’s important to follow the provided instructions carefully.

Commonly asked Questions about

Teeth Whitening

What Is the Best Teeth Whitening System?

For patients with sensitive teeth, professional-grade bleaching is an excellent whitening option. Sensitivity often arises from tooth dehydration, which can occur when high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide are used in whitening treatments. Additionally, the use of UV or LED lights can intensify this issue. Gums may also become sensitive if the whitening solution spills over, making it crucial to use custom trays and avoid overapplying the whitening gel.

Whether you experience sensitivity to cold or have had trouble with other whitening products, we recommend our professional whitening solution. Unlike over-the-counter kits, our whitening gel is specially formulated to minimize sensitivity. When paired with custom-fitted trays, this system ensures that discomfort is greatly reduced—or in many cases, completely avoided.

How Can You Relieve Tooth Sensitivity After Whitening?

Peroxide, the active ingredient in many whitening solutions, can irritate the nerves in your teeth, often causing sensitivity, especially when consuming cold beverages. Typically, this sensitivity lasts no more than 48 hours. To help ease the discomfort more quickly, using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth, such as Sensodyne® or Colgate® Sensitive, can be effective.

A great way to prevent sensitivity in the first place is by using custom-made whitening trays, which ensure that your gums are protected from exposure to whitening agents.

Is Teeth Whitening Suitable for Everyone?

While teeth whitening provides quick results, it may not be the best option for individuals with highly sensitive teeth. It works most effectively for those with mild to moderate discoloration. Keep in mind that the results from professional whitening are temporary and will need touch-ups over time.

We highly recommend professional whitening services for smokers or those who regularly drink coffee or red wine, as these habits can cause significant staining. Whitening is particularly effective for removing stubborn stains or general yellowing. Over-the-counter whitening products often don’t deliver immediate results.

If you have any questions or concerns about teeth whitening, our dentists in Lincoln, NE, are happy to assist—just give us a call!

Can You Whiten a Crown or Filling?

The short answer is no. Whitening agents only work on natural tooth enamel and do not affect fillings or crowns. If you have a visible filling or crown, your dentist will likely suggest other options to enhance your smile.

Why Does Teeth Bleaching Cause Sensitivity?

Sensitivity can occur when the whitening agent spills over and comes into contact with the gum tissue, leading to gum irritation. To prevent this, it’s important to use custom trays and apply the correct amount of whitening solution.

Additionally, a high concentration of peroxide can cause tooth dehydration by drying out the enamel during the bleaching process. The use of LED or UV lights can also exacerbate sensitivity.

Everyone deserves to look and feel their best. Both at-home and professional teeth whitening options in Lincoln, NE are safe and effective. Why not boost your confidence? Book your appointment today!