With so many options and products on the market today, it can be difficult to know which whitening method is for you. One thing to note is that any past fillings may not have the same lift as your natural tooth. Certain chemicals used in teeth whitening can also cause tooth sensitivities or potential damage to enamel, so it is always best to discuss your plans for teeth whitening with your doctor.
For a more intense treatment you may opt for an in-office teeth whitening session. Your dentist will sit down with you and discuss realistic expectations for the whitening process and then administer a topical gel to your teeth. Altogether the appointment should be around 90 minutes long and you will see a difference in the shade of your teeth right away.
While this is an at-home treatment, the materials must be obtained from your dental doctor. Tray bleaching is an effective way to lighten the teeth, but requires an average of 14 days of treatment. This requires placing a gel solution in a fitted tray over the teeth daily or nightly to whiten the teeth over a couple of weeks. While not ask quick as an in-office treatment, it can be more affordable and produce more subtle or natural looking results.
A popular over the counter option, these strips come from different brands with different recommendations. In general, strips will be worn for 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes at night for the duration of treatment. Strips are less regulated, but many people do see results. Some people report sensitivity after longer consecutive use and this may not be recommended by your dentist if you are looking to get a significantly whiter smile in a short period of time.
It is also possible to buy paint-on teeth whiteners over the counter. Using a small brush the solution can be applied directly to the teeth. This whitening method is said to be less effective than using tray bleaching or teeth whitening strips. While it is generally considered safe to use this whitening method, you should always check with your dentist before applying new products to your teeth.
Although many toothpastes and mouthwashes claim to lighten and whiten teeth, results are often very subtle. As these products are used every day the whitening agents are a lot more diluted then you would find in a whitening strip, for example. While toothpastes and mouthwashes may fight stains and lighten your teeth, you should not expect radical results from this method. If you are looking to whiten your smile, please feel free to book a consultation with our dentist to figure out which method is right for you.
