A brighter smile can transform your confidence and make a powerful first impression. At Madison Lakes Dental, we offer professional teeth whitening treatments in Madison, WI, providing dramatic, even results you simply cannot achieve with store-bought products. With the convenience of a customized take-home whitening system, Dr. Ellickson can help you achieve a brighter, more confident smile from the comfort of your own home.
Take-Home Whitening Systems
For patients who prefer to whiten at their own pace, we offer custom-fitted take-home whitening trays. Unlike one-size-fits-all strips from the drugstore, our trays are fabricated from impressions of your teeth for a precise, comfortable fit that ensures even gel distribution and minimizes gum irritation.
You wear the trays with professional-grade whitening gel for a prescribed amount of time each day, typically one to two weeks. This approach allows you to control the degree of whitening and touch up results whenever needed using the same custom trays.
Professional Whitening vs. Store-Bought Products
- Strength: Professional gels contain higher concentrations of active ingredients, delivering faster, more dramatic results.
- Custom Fit: Our trays ensure even coverage and protect your gums; generic strips leave gaps and can cause uneven whitening.
- Supervision: Dr. Ellickson evaluates your teeth first to ensure whitening is appropriate and addresses any underlying issues like cavities or sensitivity.
- Safety: Professional products are formulated to minimize sensitivity while maximizing results.
- Predictability: We set realistic expectations based on your specific tooth shade and composition.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Teeth whitening works well for patients with surface stains from coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, or natural aging. It is most effective on yellow or light brown discoloration. During your consultation, Dr. Ellickson evaluates the type and cause of your staining to determine if whitening will achieve your goals or if an alternative treatment like veneers or bonding would be more effective.
Whitening is not recommended for patients with untreated cavities, active gum disease, or extremely sensitive teeth until those issues are addressed. Existing dental work (crowns, fillings, bonding) does not respond to whitening gel and may need to be replaced for a uniform shade after whitening.
Managing Sensitivity
Some patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity during or after whitening. This is normal and typically resolves within a few days. At Madison Lakes Dental, we take steps to minimize sensitivity including using desensitizing agents, adjusting gel concentration, and recommending sensitivity-specific toothpaste before and during treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of professional teeth whitening depends on your individual needs and the customized take-home whitening system selected. Our team will review your options and provide specific pricing during your consultation. Teeth whitening is typically considered a cosmetic service and is not covered by dental insurance.
Results typically last one to three years depending on your diet, habits, and oral care routine. Patients who avoid staining foods and beverages and maintain good hygiene tend to enjoy longer-lasting results. Touch-up treatments with your custom trays can extend results indefinitely.
Yes. Professional whitening products have been extensively studied and are safe when used as directed under dental supervision. Dr. Ellickson ensures your teeth and gums are healthy before recommending whitening and monitors your treatment to prevent overexposure.
Professional whitening does not damage tooth enamel when used appropriately. The active ingredient (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) penetrates the enamel to break up stain molecules without altering tooth structure. Overuse of non-professional products can cause sensitivity, which is why professional supervision is recommended.
Results vary based on your starting shade, the type of staining, and the treatment method. Most patients achieve several shades of improvement. Dr. Ellickson sets realistic expectations during your consultation based on your specific situation.
Brighten Your Smile Today
Ready for a whiter, more radiant smile? Madison Lakes Dental in Madison, WI offers professional teeth whitening that is safe, effective, and tailored to your needs.