Teeth Whitening: A Powerful, Effective Way to Transform Your Smile

No matter how frequently and thoroughly you brush and floss your teeth, some stubborn stains cannot be removed with good oral hygiene alone. As a result, stains and discoloration can make you feel self-conscious every time you talk or smile. 

Teeth whitening is a simple and cost-effective way to improve the brightness of your smile. Dr. Arlene Kubit offers both in-office whitening and take-home treatments for patients in Erie, PA, so that you can achieve a brighter smile on a schedule that works for you. Professional teeth whitening is also faster and more effective than over-the-counter products, so it is ideal for patients with important upcoming events. 

Candidacy Recommendations 

Teeth whitening is non-invasive, meaning no enamel is removed. This means it is appropriate for virtually any patient who wants to improve the brightness of his or her smile. However, whitening is not recommended for patients who have restorations such as crowns, bridges, or porcelain veneers because they will not respond to the bleaching agents. Additionally, if you have intrinsic stains, or discoloration that resides in the dentin beneath your enamel, teeth whitening may not be effective. Instead, Dr. Kubit might recommend dental bonding or porcelain veneers. 

Professional In-Office Whitening 

When overseen by a doctor, teeth whitening is a powerful and safe way to transform your smile in just one treatment. 

In-office whitening is chosen by many patients because it delivers fast results in just one session. In contrast, store-bought products can take a few weeks to show even slight improvements. During an in-office whitening treatment, Dr. Kubit will: 

• Clean debris and particles from the surface of your teeth 
• Evenly and carefully apply the whitening solution to the surface of your teeth, avoiding your gums 
• Leave the whitening solution on your teeth for approximately 40 minutes 
• Thoroughly remove the gel to reveal your results 

The ULTRADENT Opalescence Quick solution we use is much stronger than other systems. It contains 40 percent hydrogen peroxide, making it very powerful and highly effective. 

Take-Home Kits

We have two options available for patients who want to complete their whitening treatment at home:

• Disposable trays: Opalescence Go disposable trays resemble clear aligners and are filled with a whitening solution. The gel is easy to apply and thoroughly covers all of your teeth. 
• Custom trays: Opalescence PF custom trays allow patients to choose the concentration and flavor of their whitening solution. This system helps patients select the best methods for themselves, depending on their levels of sensitivity, how quickly they would like to see results, and how long they want to wear their trays.