Teeth Whitening Options

The easiest way to enhance your look is to have whiter teeth. Not only will that make you look healthier and oftentimes younger, but it will also boost your confidence. You’ll smile more, spreading positive vibes to the people around you.

Discolored teeth produce an awkward or closed-mouth, uncomfortable smile and look unhealthy. Because of this, a wide selection of teeth whitening products is now made available in the market. All of them promise great results in little time and effort.

Our dentist will give you recommendations on the best solutions available based on your budget, the condition of your teeth, and how quickly you want the results to show.

Teeth Whitening Solutions You May Want to Try

#1 Whitening Toothpaste

Among all the options, this is the easiest. It doesn’t require additional effort on your part as it is a part of your daily brushing your teeth routine.

Using regular toothpaste daily can whiten your teeth to some degree as the abrasive properties of the toothbrush help remove surface stains. But using whitening toothpaste tops up the effect with the additional ingredients it contains. One notable ingredient is hydrogen peroxide, which is known for its whitening properties.

The downside of using this method is how long the whitening takes effect. Also, using this method exclusively is less effective, as the whitening agents are in contact with your teeth for such a short duration.

#2 Whitening Rinses 

You use this product as a regular mouthwash. This means that you have to swish it in your mouth for 30-60 seconds after you brush your teeth. Similar to whitening toothpaste, these contain hydrogen peroxide.

The benefits of using whitening rinses are how little time and effort it requires. In addition, it is inexpensive, and because it’s liquid it can cover areas that toothbrushes cannot. However, since it remains in your mouth for a short time only, the whitening effect may not be significant.

#3 At-Home Whitening Strips and Trays

These items are available in drugstores and supermarkets. The application may take 15 minutes to an hour or longer daily. Treatment duration depends on the brand, but is usually between 7 and 14 days.

Whitening strips and trays work by coating your teeth with a gel-based peroxide solution. They are quite a bit more expensive than toothpaste or rinses, and they require much more of a daily time commitment.

#4 In-Office Whitening Session

This procedure is done in the office of cosmetic or family dentists and usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. It involves applying a much more concentrated solution to your teeth than you can buy over the counter, and many dentists amplify its effects by using light and/or heat.

Although having your teeth whitened in-office usually costs more than any over-the-counter solution, it is, without question, the most effective method.

Give our office a call and let’s explore your best teeth-whitening options.