Looking for a brighter, better smile? If you want to give your pearly whites a brand new shine, you have the option of whitening teeth at home or whitening teeth at your dentist’s office.
Whether you choose at-home or in-office whitening, if you want to elevate your smile, or are tired of unsightly stains and yellowing, effective teeth whitening is the solution!
Discoloration is a fairly common occurrence, but this can negatively affect the appearance of your teeth and hurt your self esteem, besides. Giving yourself a radiant, healthier smile can renew your confidence and provide you with a refreshed new look.
In-Office Teeth Whitening Performed by Your Dental Practitioner
With just a single visit to your dentist’s office, you can increase the whiteness of your teeth by as many as eight shades. Your dental team uses a laser light, which quickly activates bleaching agents that are applied directly to your teeth, so you’ll achieve quick, lasting results.
Take Home Teeth Whitening
Another great option available from your dentist is an at-home tooth whitening kit. They are particularly effective if your stains and yellowing are only minor. Your dentist will provide a bleaching gel and design a personalized whitening tray, custom-built just for you. Once home, you simply follow the instructions provided for this safe and easy treatment.
These take-home whitening kits can also be used to maintain the fresh new look of your dental in-office whitening treatment.
Store-Purchased Teeth Whitening Products
Most over the counter teeth whitening products are peroxide-based. The concentration of peroxide influences the effectiveness of a whitening product. Usually, teeth whitening products contain between 10% and 22% peroxide.
Over-the-counter teeth whitening products include:
- Whitening toothpaste - effective at removing surface stains, but often contains abrasives, like regular toothpaste. It does not contain bleach, which only makes teeth about a shade lighter at most.
- Strips and gels - these products create more dramatic results than whitening toothpaste. Strips, which are usually coated in a peroxide based gel, are applied for around 30 minutes, several times a day, for two weeks. Gels, which are applied to the tooth surface with a small brush, are also applied several times a day for two weeks.
- Whitening mouthwashes - These mouthwashes contain hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth by swishing them in your mouth twice a day for about one minute. This makes them less effective than other store bought products, mostly due to the limited amount of time they are applied.
Does Teeth Whitening Last?
While not permanent, professional teeth whitening can last for a long time, in fact, most in-office whitening treatments last for years. Expert at-home treatment lasts for a shorter period, but can also provide satisfying results for a significant period of time. Store bought products typically only last for four months or less.
While no method of whitening can provide results that last forever, you can extend your new, dazzling look with good dental hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, as well as keeping scheduled visits to your dental practitioner. It’s also a good idea to avoid things that can stain teeth, such as smoking, eating chocolate, or drinking coffee.
Ready to Learn More About Teeth Whitening?
So, whether you’re looking for in-office or at-home teeth whitening, Dr. Todd is ready to help with experienced, skilled professional teeth whitening. Reach out to us today!