Teeth Whitening

teeth whiteningOver time, stain-causing foods and beverages, smoking, and thinning enamel can dim the brightest smile. If you are feeling self-conscious about your teeth, your dentist can help you discover the whitening treatment that is best for you.

At-home Whitening

Home treatments can be helpful in reducing surface stains. These methods are less expensive than in-office whitening, but, because they can’t offer the strength of professional whiteners, they aren’t as effective, and they usually require several weeks of daily application.

Whitening Toothpastes and Rinses

Whitening toothpastes and rinses use mild abrasives and bleaching agents, most often peroxides, to remove surface stains caused by foods, beverages, and smoking. They can also help keep teeth their brightest after a professional whitening. While toothpastes and rinses can’t do much to affect tooth color or deep staining, surface stains can show some improvement after several weeks.

Whitening Strips

These flexible plastic strips come in two sizes, to fit both upper and lower teeth, and are coated on one side with a thin film of peroxide-based gel. The gel-side of each strip is positioned on the front of the teeth and gently pressed into place. The strip needs to adhere to each tooth completely to ensure even whitening, and shouldn’t touch sensitive gum tissue to avoid irritation. The strips are usually recommended for use twice a day, for 30 minutes each time. Total treatment time can vary from several days to several weeks.

Stock Gel Trays

Gel tray whitening systems provide a mouthguard-like appliance that is filled with whitening gel and placed over the teeth. Trays can come pre-filled with gel or with individual gel applications in syringes. Stock trays aren’t always a perfect fit, and it’s important to make sure the whitening gel doesn’t contact the gums and other soft tissue in the mouth. Use time will vary with different manufacturers.

While all these whitening methods can brighten your smile, there are some circumstances which make a professional whitening your best option. Professional whitening agents are more powerful and can help eliminate darker stains which over the counter (OTC) products can’t remove. For those with deeper or darker staining, or for those who would like to see immediate results, in-office whitening is the best choice.

In-Office Treatment

An office whitening treatment is generally faster, more effective, and lasts longer because dentists use gels with a higher concentration of peroxide than those gels found in OTC products. Your dentist will examine you first to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy, protect your surrounding gum tissue and mouth during the procedure, and monitor treatment throughout. Office whitening usually takes from 30-90 minutes.

Light-Activated Whitening

Some office whitening treatments make use of halogen, LED, or UV lighting as part of the procedure. Light doesn’t whiten teeth itself. Instead, it works with the gel solution, activating the molecules in the whitening gel and speeding up the chemical reaction which eliminates stains.

Custom Gel Trays

Custom trays created in the dentist’s office are an option for those who want to use a whitening gel at home. Professionally crafted trays will fit your teeth perfectly and allow a more precise application of the peroxide gel, which will also be provided. Custom trays can require about two weeks of use for maximum whitening.

Some teeth are not good candidates for typical whitening procedures at home or in-office. If you have deeper discoloration caused by trauma or medications taken during tooth formation, or if you have dental bonding, veneers, crowns, or bridges which are darker than your natural enamel, talk to your dentist to decide which whitening treatment or cosmetic procedure is the best option to achieve your brightest smile.

Our Location

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

History of Our Practice

Dr. Gary Cook started our practice in 1975. Dr. Cook grew up in Kent City and attended the University of Michigan Dental School. After 4 years of general practice, he sold his practice to Dr. Lee McFall in 1979, and went back to U of M to specialize in Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Cook later returned to Grand Rapids to practice in Pediatrics.

Dr. McFall graduated from Sparta High School in 1970, Albion College in 1974 and the University of Michigan in 1978. He practiced in Sheridan, Michigan for one year as an associate before buying Dr. Cook’s practice at 9161 Sparta Avenue. In the beginning, he practiced with one chair for himself and one for a hygienist. He had 3 employees: a hygienist, an assistant and a receptionist. In 1981 Dr. McFall bought his first computer system to be used to print and track insurance claims. The practice grew and a second chair for the doctor’s patients was added. In 1985 a second computer system was installed and was still used mainly for printing insurance forms at the reception desk. The practice continued to grow and a 4th chair was added for a second hygienist. By this time there were 10 employees.

In 1995 a networked computer system was installed with a dedicated file server, and with software that could be used in the treatment rooms as well as the front desk. This computer and software system was the beginning of a long-range technology plan to completely change how the practice would deliver dental care. We began using this system at the front desk to send insurance claims electronically. At that time we were one of the first offices in West Michigan using electronic submission of insurance claims for our patients. In January of 1997 a complete remodeling of the office was done and an intraoral camera system was installed to use for patient education and for photos to send to insurance companies for our patients.

In July of 1999 Dr. Andrew Knowlton joined our practice. Dr. Knowlton graduated from Belding High School in 1991, Andrews University in 1995, and University of Michigan Dental School in 1999. In the year 2000 we placed computers in the treatment rooms to more accurately and efficiently record treatment. We were also able to schedule appointments in the treatment rooms. This shortened the amount of time it took for our patients to “check out” after treatment. At this time we had 14 employees.

The practice grew steadily between 2000 & 2004 and in October of 2004, Dr. Knowlton & Dr. McFall became equal partners. The name of the practice changed from C. Lee McFall DDS PC to Knowlton & McFall Dentistry, PLLC. In 2005 we added a 5th treatment room but by that time we actually needed even more space than the rented building had room for. In 2006 we purchased land at 9654 Sparta Ave. and began plans for a new office. The office was completed in late 2008 and is one of the most technologically advanced general practices in West Michigan. Digital records, digital x-rays, and digital photographs are all utilized in the new facility. We believe it is a beautiful and comfortable place for patients to come for their oral health care.

In 2013, Dr. McFall was searching for a dentist to replace him as he was nearing retirement.   Dr. Jordan Masson fit the bill.  Dr. Masson graduated from Lake Orion High School in 2000, Western Michigan University in 2004, and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2008.  He was first hired as an associate dentist, but in July of 2014, Dr. Masson purchased Dr. McFall’s portion of the practice and officially became equal partners with Dr. Knowlton.  The name of the practice was changed from Knowlton & McFall Dentistry, PLLC to Knowlton & Masson Dentistry, PLLC.

Though our practice has evolved over the years, we remain committed to providing the best, individualized, and comprehensive care that we can for our valued patients.