Invisalign^® is a series of clear, removable teeth aligners that both orthodontists and dentists use as an alternative to traditional metal dental braces.

The most obvious advantage of the treatment is cosmetic: the aligners are completely transparent, therefore far more difficult to detect than traditional wire and bracket braces. This makes the method particularly popular among adults who want to straighten their teeth without the look of traditional metal braces, which are commonly worn by children and adolescents.

The least invasive, the least expensive and causes least sensitivity is the purchase of the Crest White Strips "professional strength." This product is only sold in dental offices because it is a higher concentration carbomide peroxide than the over the counter formula sold in stores. The whitening strips are adhered to the front side of the teeth for a duration of time, allowing the strip and its formula to do the whitening over a consistent period. The whitening capability is limited, however, it can be a great beginner method for someone who has never whitened before and is "testing the waters" or someone with very sensitive teeth.

A second option we give our patients is the purchase of the carbamide peroxide whitening trays. This is a very popular option for our patients because for the longest time, this was the standard for whitening. It is a "do-it-yourself" method that allows patients to have complete control over how white they get--at home! The manufacturer recommends whitening target time to be anywhere from 4 to 10 days, depending on your baseline color. The average patient should experience the effects of whitening anywhere from 5 to 8 shades lighter. An attractive benefit is that the trays will fit as long as your mouth remains stable (i.e. minimal dental work). All the procedure entails is impressions of upper and lower teeth. We make a flexible, rubber-like custom fit trays for our patients and the patient is sent home with the trays, the gel that is placed inside the trays and directions for use.The key to any whitening retention is consistency. Touch ups are necessary and can be maintained easily for years to come. All you need to purchase is the gel refill. We discuss the different concentrations of gel we have available with each of our patients to find what is suitable for their needs.

The third option is a great option for the patient that just wants to come to the dental office and have his or her teeth whitened for them. We have Zoom!^® available to whiten teeth in about an hour. The outcome is faster and in many ways better than the tray system. However, the benefit you are gaining is time. You come to the dental office, we zoom your teeth AND we send you home with a touch-up kit so you can maintain the whitening with trays and gels for years to come. Please visit www.zoomnow.com for more details.

We strongly encourage consultations to our patients interested in exploring different whitening options. Whitening is NOT for everyone. People with extreme sensitive teeth or patients that have certain front teeth restorations may not be candidates for any whitening procedure. Also, active disease such as periodontal disease and decay is a contraindication for whitening. Options and possibilities should be discussed at each patient's consulation.