A bright, white smile that exudes confidence is one that many people want. Unfortunately, today’s lifestyle of eating junk food and drinking, coffee, tea, and red wine don’t always make achieving that goal easy. Thankfully, today’s dentists have a variety of tooth whitening options available to patients and all at an affordable price. There are also a wide variety of over-the-counter options that make it easier than ever to get the look you want.
Gels and Strips
A new generation of powerful, effective whitening gels and strips are now available, These rely on a peroxide base, however, usage instruction will depend on how strong the peroxide solution is. Gels are typically placed in trays and then placed in the mouth.
Strips are very thin and are pretreated with a peroxide solution. They are then placed over the teeth where you wait for the prescribed time.
Gels and strips provide whitening with a week or so. Before you use any gel or strip whitening solutions, be sure to talk with your dentist.
Toothpastes
Toothpastes aren’t a great singular whitening option, however, they’re perfect as a part of a whitening routine. This is because they work great at removing surface stains. It’s recommended that after your drink or eat any tooth staining food, you should brush to remove the resin.
Rinses
Like toothpastes, rinses aren’t a one-stop option. However, they can help curb staining when used after drinking or eating staining foods and drinks. When used appropriately you can begin to see results in about 12 weeks, so these aren’t for people seeking immediate gratification.
In Office
In office whitening is probably the most effective method of whitening. Dr. Wang oversees the procedure and creates a treatment plan that is designed to cater to your unique needs. During in office whitening, you will have a tray custom made for your mouth. The doctor will seat you and perform the procedure in just a few sessions.
This is totally painless and you get the best results because the treatment was custom made for you.
Patients who do not want to have teeth whitening performed in office can still have trays custom made for their mouths, as well as a take home kit that is effective, yet meets FDA guidelines for take home kits.
What are the side effects of teeth whitening?
Generally, there aren’t many negative side effects to teeth whitening. The most common issue patients run into is sensitivity to cold or hot things. This can often be mediated through using a sensitive toothpaste, which helps strengthen enamel and ensure your teeth have the correct ion charge.
Is teeth whitening for me?
If you’re seeking an an attractive smile and don’t have any underlying issues, then teeth whitening might be perfect for you. It provides you with a confident smile at an affordable price.
Patients who are immunocompromised or have prosthetic dental devices might not be candidates. The best way to know for sure is to talk to Dr. Wang. He will help determine whether you have any risk factors and what the best option would be for you.