Flower Mound and Lewisville Dentistry – Types of Whitening Products and Whether They are Effective
FLOWER MOUND AND LEWISVILLE, TEXAS – If you feel that your smile is less than dazzling, you may be considering trying some of the whitening treatments that are available on the market.
“Even if you avoid the things that might stain your teeth – red wine, cigarettes and coffee – you may still not be happy with your smile”, said Dr. Jonathan Golab, a Flower Mound and Lewisville dentistry professional. “Whether you’re looking for a simple in-home treatment or an in-office treatment, there is a product for every budget”.
Whitening Toothpastes
All toothpastes that contain a mild abrasive will remove surface stains. Some pastes that claim to be best suited for whitening typically contain extra polishing agents or chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide, which are efficient at removing stains. These do not contain any bleach and the usual results are teeth that are one shade lighter.
Whitening Strips
These thin, clear strips are coated with a peroxide-based gel. You apply them twice a day for 30 minutes for two weeks. These strips can whiten your teeth by up to two shades and will last for about four months. Some users experience sensitivity when using this product for prolonged periods of time.
Tray Whiteners
These can either be purchased at your local pharmacy or custom-made by your dentist. Simply fill the mouth guard-like tray with a gel whitening solution that contains a peroxide agent, and wear the tray for the recommended amount of time. The desired level of whitening will dictate how long you will need to wear the tray. Some people wear it for a few hours a day, while others wear it every night for up to four weeks.
Whitening Rinses
Whitening rinses are much like mouthwashes in that they kill bacteria, freshen breath and remove plaque. Unlike regular mouthwash, whitening rinses contain ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, which whitens teeth. Simply swish the wash around in your mouth for one minute twice a day before brushing your teeth. This option can take up to three months to see results.
In-Office Whitening
This is the quickest and most effective way to whiten teeth. In-office bleaching solution is applied directly to the teeth and can be used in conjunction with heat, a special light or a laser. Teeth can become three to eight times lighter in one 30- to 60-minute treatment, but several appointments are usually needed. While it is the most effective, it is also the most expensive way to whiten teeth.
“It is important for people to note that teeth whitening is not permanent”, said the family dentist. “The degree of whitening will depend on the condition of the teeth, nature of the stain, the type of bleaching system used and how well the person avoids staining drinks”.
Individuals with dental restorations such as dental implants may have uneven results when using a whitening agent because these agents can’t alter the shade of dental restorations. Any whitening treatments should be done before the placement of restorations.
“Before trying the various whitening treatments available, it is recommended that you consult your dentist”, said the Lewisville Invisalign provider. “They can give you realistic expectations of whitening products and may even be able to guide you to the right product before you waste your money on all of them”.
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