WHAT ARE THE MOST EFFECTIVE TEETH WHITENING METHODS?

Tooth yellowing or discoloration can affect the appeal of your smile and make you feel embarrassed and self-conscious. If your teeth aren’t as white as you’d like, teeth whitening treatments are ideal for helping brighten your teeth for a youthful and dazzling smile.

Given the many myths and misconceptions about teeth whitening treatments, you want to ensure that you use safe and effective treatments that meet your smile needs. It’s worth noting that some whitening treatments may not be effective, while others can cause various side effects such as:

• Gum irritation
• Teeth sensitivity
• Enamel erosion
• Increased risk of tooth fractures and tooth decay

This article looks at the various teeth whitening available to help you decide which is right for you to ensure you whiten your teeth and maintain a healthier smile.

Type of Teeth Whitening Treatments

Before using any of the following treatments below, you will need to see your dentist to determine which types of stains you have and whether teeth whitening is effective. Some deep or internal stains, like those caused by medicine and dental trauma, might not respond to teeth whitening.

• Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional whitening is the most effective, safest, and quickest teeth whitening treatment. It comes with two options: in-office teeth whitening and take-home whitening kits.

In-office teeth whitening  is completed at your dentist’s office and takes less than two hours. During the treatment, the dentist begins by cleaning your teeth to remove plaque, tartar, and other debris from the teeth. Next, the teeth are isolated to protect the gums and mouth from the whitening ingredients.

Then, the dentist applies a highly concentrated whitening gel (with hydrogen or carbamide peroxide) on the teeth. They can use a special laser or light to activate and quicken the whitening procedure.

After treatment, the dentist will clean off the whitening gel and clean your teeth thoroughly. You can use fluoride toothpaste or varnish to make your teeth less sensitive. In-office teeth whitening is the quickest way to brighten your teeth multiple shades whiter in less than 2 hours.

If you can’t have the in-office treatment, your dentist can give you professional take-home teeth whitening kits to whiten your teeth at home. The treatment consists of a whitening gel (with a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide) and custom trays. The gel goes inside the custom trays, which are then worn over the teeth every day for several hours. The treatment can take several weeks, but results show after about 1 to 2 weeks.

Before wearing them on your teeth, you place the gel in the custom trays to eliminate staining and discoloration. Your dentist will explain how to use the kit for the best results. Results vary, but most people start seeing results from take-home teeth whitening in approximately 10-14 days.

• Over-the-counter whitening products

If you’re looking for a cheaper solution to whiten your teeth, over-the-counter products like whitening toothpaste, strips, trays, and mouthwashes may be effective. However, since these products contain lower bleaching ingredients, they may not be ideal for moderate to deep teeth stains.

When using OTC whitening products, ensure you use products with approved seals by reputable bodies like the FDA. Some products might contain abrasive ingredients that can hurt your gums and teeth. When using OTC whitening products, follow the manufacturer’s user instructions strictly. Consult your dentist before using store-bought whitening products.

• Natural remedies

Baking soda, activated charcoal, apple cider vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide are the most common home remedies for teeth whitening near you. While these products might seem effective for certain stains, their success comes with downsides.

For instance, most of these products contain abrasive ingredients that erode your teeth’ enamel if used regularly. It can lead to tooth sensitivity and an increased risk of fractures and decay. Similarly, there isn’t scientific evidence that these products effectively remove teeth stains.

Are you interested in teeth whitening near you?

Ready to transform your smile with teeth whitening? Contact We Care Dental to book your appointment with our dentist in Phoenix, AZ.