If you have plans for Spring break this year or just want to refresh your smile, you may be considering teeth whitening. Before you invest your hard-earned money in an over-the-counter kit, you should know that professional whitening offers a safer, more predictable approach.
Why Store-Bought Whitening Kits Fall Short
Over-the-counter whitening products use generic concentrations deemed to be safe for the greatest number of people. Unfortunately, this one-size-fits-all approach does not consider your unique needs and can lead to tooth sensitivity.
Store-bought kits include generic whitening trays that don’t fit well. Trays that don’t conform closely to your teeth can produce inconsistent results and allow whitening gel to come in contact with the gums, causing discomfort and irritation.
There’s also no professional oversight with OTC kits. If you experience sensitivity or disappointing results, your option for getting help is to call an 800 number and hope you can speak with a human.
Professional Whitening Options at Ryan Rush, DDS
At Dr. Rush's office, we offer the following professional whitening options:
- Opalescence Boost™ is a chemically activated in-office treatment completed in a single appointment. We select the concentration based on your specific needs, and it’s applied safely by our dentist or hygienist.
- Opalescence Go™ uses pre-filled trays designed to conform closely to your teeth. The fit is significantly better than generic OTC trays, which reduces gel contact with the gums and the irritation that comes with it.
- Custom whitening trays are made using impressions of your teeth for a precise fit. You load them with our professional-strength whitening gel, and they can be reused for touchups after your initial treatment.
Professional Oversight Matters
Before any whitening treatment begins, Dr. Rush assesses your teeth for existing restorations, enamel condition, and sensitivity. This step matters because not all discoloration responds to whitening, and applying bleaching agents without this information can produce uneven or disappointing results.
If you experience sensitivity during treatment, Dr. Rush is available to adjust your approach. That's not something an 800 number can offer.
For teeth whitening in Fort Collins, CO, contact Ryan Rush, DDS, to find out which option is right for you.