Have you ever seen a dull set of pearls? If so, it’s likely that they’ve lost their luster and could use a good cleaning. The same goes for your pearly whites! If your teeth have lost their sheen and sparkle, it might be time to invest in some whitening treatment.
Everything you know about tooth bleaching or whitening may be limited to the existence of whitening strips, but there is actually a wide array of options for brightening your smile. For starters, most dentists offer professional, in-office teeth whitening treatments.
Teeth Whitening at the Dentist
Using a highly concentrated bleaching gel, your dentist is able to remove both deep stains and surface stains from your teeth. If you are a smoker or you consume a lot of coffee or tea, in-office teeth whitening is ideal for getting rid of those stubborn stains. This procedure usually takes about an hour and results are immediate. That’s definitely something to smile about! Although professional cleanings have the benefit of fast results that are longer lasting, they do come with a higher price tag. (odd wording with ‘professional cleanings’, not sure what point you’re trying to get across).
Ideal Dental patients also have the option of an at-home teeth whitening kit! This allows our patients to do professional-quality teeth whitening from the comfort and privacy of their own home. Consistently using your custom-fitted tray and the aforementioned bleaching gel, you’ll be able to get teeth several shades lighter over the course of a couple weeks. Our team will show you how to use your new product and offer answers to any questions or concerns you may have.
At-Home Teeth Whitening Options
If you prefer the familiarity of your favorite brand, the list of ‘drug store’ whitening products is nearly endless. For at-home teeth whitening, it’s important to keep a few different factors in mind when choosing the best kit for you. The strength, application time, and commitment level will vary from product to product whether you purchase a professional or over-the-counter whitening option. For example, hydrogen peroxide is a common ingredient in a lot of whitening products. A higher concentration will usually work more quickly, but it may also cause greater tooth sensitivity.
It’s also important to figure out when, and for how long, you are able to sit through the whitening process. Some patients prefer products that fit over their teeth and allow them to whiten on-the-go. There are many options that let patients whiten their teeth while running errands, working, drinking water, and performing other daily tasks. Other patients who have (or are trying to add in!) more leisure time may not mind products that have a longer application time.
If you’re not the kind of person who can stick with and maintain a treatment over several weeks, opt for a quicker solution. You can also choose to use a powerful toothbrush combined with a whitening toothpaste, so you can whiten at your leisure as part of your regular tooth-brushing routine.
Price is also a factor. There are many effective options that are $30 or less, but if you’re someone who wants the best option for the least amount of money then traditional whitening strips are a good place to start. If you have a brand that you prefer for toothpastes or toothbrushes, it’s likely this brand offers a whitening solution.
Other Cosmetic Options
Your dental history will also affect the type of whitening product that is right for you. If you have crowns, bridges, or fillings, then many whitening products will not work as effectively for you. The last thing you want is to spend money for a product that won’t effectively whiten your teeth.
If you are someone who does have extensive dental work or missing/misshapen teeth, a less traditional approach may be ideal for you. Dental veneers can be a fantastic solution for patients with these or similar special circumstances. Veneers are made up of thin, lightweight layers of porcelain and are custom fitted over your natural teeth. Price will vary based off of the complexity of the case as well as the number of teeth being corrected. Veneers are very durable, and can be ideal for patients who have chipped, worn down, misaligned, or abnormally spaced teeth.
In cases where multiple dental issues are present, full mouth reconstruction may be the best solution. This approach allows your dentist to restore all of your teeth simultaneously. For patients who have extensive tooth loss, extremely worn teeth, bite problems, or severe tooth decay, then full mouth reconstruction can be the solution to regaining your confidence. Everyone should be proud of their smile, and full mouth reconstruction can provide “instant orthodontics” for patients who have sustained an injury or trauma. Talk to your dentist about your concerns to review what treatment options are best suited for your needs.
No matter the whitening strategy you choose, your teeth will thank you… just like YOU will be thanking all the strangers who compliment your bright, white smile.
What’s your favorite whitening product? Tell us in the comments!