Forsyth Family Dental offers professional take-home teeth whitening using custom-fitted trays and prescription-strength carbamide peroxide gel — a clinically proven system that delivers significantly more consistent results than over-the-counter strips or trays. Dr. Woodward takes impressions of your teeth to fabricate trays that fit precisely, ensuring the whitening gel contacts every surface evenly without pooling on the gums. Most patients achieve four to eight shades of improvement over a two-week treatment period, with results that can be maintained with periodic touch-up applications.
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Whitening gel only affects natural tooth enamel — it has no effect on porcelain, composite resin, or ceramic restorations. If you have crowns or veneers on visible front teeth, Dr. Woodward will discuss this with you before treatment, as whitening your natural teeth may create a shade mismatch with existing restorations that would need to be replaced to match your new, lighter shade.
Some degree of tooth sensitivity during the whitening period is common — typically described as brief, sharp twinges to cold air or water. This is caused by the peroxide temporarily increasing enamel permeability and resolves completely within 24–48 hours of completing treatment. Using a sensitivity toothpaste containing potassium nitrate in the weeks before starting whitening significantly reduces this effect for most patients.
Yellow and light brown staining — the most common type, caused by coffee, tea, red wine, and aging — responds very well to peroxide whitening, with most patients achieving a noticeably bright result. Grey staining from tetracycline antibiotics or fluorosis is more resistant and may require multiple extended treatment cycles or alternative cosmetic options such as veneers for optimal results.