There is no doubt how powerful a whiter smile can be in improving your confidence. Teeth whitening has become one of the most popular dental procedures today because obtaining a brighter and whiter smile is more achievable than ever. With the various methods available to people today, it may also be challenging to determine which might be the best option for you. So, read on to learn more about the various teeth whitening methods so you can decide how you want to achieve your best smile.
Before we dive into the various teeth whitening methods, it is essential to understand the basics. The ingredient in most teeth whitening products responsible for bleaching your enamel and making your teeth whiter is peroxide. Depending on the whitening treatment, the strength of the peroxide will vary between 10%, 16%, and 22%.
It is also important to remember to consult with your dentist before moving forward with any teeth whitening procedures. Only your dentist will be able to determine whether your teeth and gums are healthy enough to withstand a whitening process. They can also give you the best advice in choosing the most effective method for your circumstances.
In-Office Bleaching
In-office bleaching is a procedure performed in the dental office and only takes a bit over an hour to complete. While this option is more expensive than the other teeth whitening methods, in-office bleaching offers excellent, instant results and saves you time.
Teeth Whitening Gels and Trays
Teeth whitening gels and trays are also an effective option; however, the results you want may take longer to achieve compared to in-office bleaching. You would have to wear the clear trays for a couple of hours a day or overnight, depending on the strength of the peroxide gel you are using. This process can take anywhere between three days to a couple of weeks before you can notice any results.
You can also find teeth whitening trays and gels from your dentist or over the counter. The important difference between the two is that the kits purchased at the dentist will most likely produce faster and more effective results since they will contain a more potent peroxide bleaching agent than those offered over the counter. It may also help to know that teeth whitening kits from your dentist will be custom made to fit your teeth precisely, while over-the-counter trays are sized for the generic population. This may be an issue if the bleaching agent gel comes into contact with your gums and causes irritation.
Teeth Whitening Strips
One of the most popular teeth whitening methods is teeth whitening strips. Teeth-whitening strips are sold over the counter and are more affordable than the previously mentioned methods. In addition, they are effortless to use and will give you your desired results over time. The time it takes to achieve the shade of white you are looking for depends on the strength of peroxide the strips contain.
Teeth Whitening Toothpastes
Teeth whitening toothpaste works by containing mild abrasives that remove surface stains on your teeth. Even more, some whitening toothpaste might have additional, special chemicals and polishing agents that have proven to be more effective against stains than your regular toothpaste. However, it is important to note that teeth whitening toothpaste is not designed to bleach your teeth.
Other Teeth Whitening Products
Nowadays, teeth whitening products are being put on the market all the time. From whitening chewing gum to dental floss and mouthwashes, there are various teeth whitening products to choose from. However, there hasn’t been much research to prove the effectiveness of the newer products on the market. So, if you are unsure, make sure to speak with your dentist to learn more about the best options for you.
If you would like to speak to a dental professional about the best teeth whitening options, give North County Dental Care a call today at 760.940.4266!
North County Dental Care brings together a host of dental specialists to provide a full spectrum of dental care for you and your family, all in one convenient location. Our family dentistry office in Vista, California, does not require referrals or running from one specialist’s office to another to receive the care you need. Best of all, we treat patients of all ages so that you can schedule your entire family’s dental appointments all in one place.
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