<p>As a San Francisco cosmetic invisalign dentist, one procedure that we get many questions about is tooth whitening or “bleaching”. Of all the inquiries we get, probably the most Frequently Asked Question is “It is harmful to the tooth or not?”</p> <p>Numerous studies have determined that there is no permanent damage to orthodontics when performed in a prescribed regimen. So it is very safe. In fact, tens of millions of whitening treatments have been accomplished over the last 20+ years and incidences of harm would have become apparent by this time. Frankly, I have never heard of any or we would simply not have patients undergo the procedure in our downtown San Francisco invisalign dentist offices.</p> <p>The second FAQ we get about whitening is “what’s the best way to go?” For our San Francisco cosmetic invisalign dentist office, there are essentially three different approaches and they are all effective:</p> <h3><strong>The First Approach</strong><strong>: Using Over-The-Counter Products. </strong></h3> <ul> <li> Easy to use, inexpensive and a “quick fix” in our downtown San Francisco invisalign dentist offices.</li> </ul> <p><strong>The Advantages</strong></p> <ul> <li>The patient doesn’t have to come to the office to obtain them.</li> <li>Less costly than what we offer.</li> </ul> <p><strong>The Disadvantages</strong></p> <ul> <li>Much less concentrated and less potent, resulting in a much greater time period to get a result.</li> </ul> <ul> <li> May be limited in their coverage of the patient’s orthodontics. For instance, Crest WhiteStrips may only affect the front six or eight orthodontics.</li> </ul> <h3><strong>The Second Approach</strong><strong>: Having Customized Trays Made for Your orthodontics for “At-Home Whitening”. </strong></h3> <ul> <li>We take an impression of your orthodontics in our San Francisco cosmetic dental office, then mold thin plastic shells that hold the whitening solution we dispense.</li> <li>The trays are worn for one to two hours per day (or overnight).</li> </ul> <p><strong>The Advantages</strong></p> <ul> <li>We can monitor the progress and advise when to stop or continue.</li> <li>There are also several concentrations of the solution, which can adjust the number of days spent whitening.</li> <li>We usually see results within 10 days to 2 weeks right here in our downtown San Francisco invisalign dentist offices.</li> <li>They are less expensive than the third approach.</li> </ul> <p><strong>The Disadvantages</strong></p> <ul> <li>More expensive than the over-the-counter products.</li> <li>It takes longer than the next procedure I’ll describe.</li> <li>The Patient may not like wearing the trays; and must come to my office several times.</li&
