Would you like to have a smile that dazzles? Almost everyone does. There are a number of teeth whitening systems and products available today that can help turn stained or yellow teeth into pearly whites.
How do you know which one will work best for you? Before you glide down the path to whiter teeth, make sure you have good oral health. Whitening solutions can make cavities or gum problems worse and more painful. To a certain extent, you need to be realistic. Whiteners work for most people, however, they might not correct all types of tooth discoloration.
Whitening Options
If teeth whitening is something you’d like to pursue, there are several ways to put the sparkle back in your smile.
Whitening Strips, Toothpastes And Rinses
All toothpastes contain mild abrasives that help remove surface stains. Whitening toothpastes also contain gentle polishing or chemical agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness. It’s important to remember that these products are designed to remove stains, not make the teeth whiter.
Some whitening rinses and strips contain products like hydrogen peroxide which can lighten tooth color. But because a rinse is in contact with the teeth for such a short time – typically just two minutes a day – the effect will likely be minimal compared to other products and systems. These products are fairly inexpensive. They can be effective for younger people who haven’t built up a lot of stains.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
Take-home gel applications are a step up from whitening strips and rinses. You can get them from the dentist or at the drug store. If going to the dentist, they’ll take an impression of your teeth and make a custom-fit mouth guard tray. A gel containing peroxide which whitens teeth goes inside the mouth guard. The guard can be worn overnight if using a lighter-strength gel or for about an hour each day for a higher-strength one.
Over-the-counter gels also contain a peroxide-based whitening solution. Because the concentration of the bleaching agent typically is lower than what the dentist offers, it might take longer to see results.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Getting teeth whitened at the dentist’s office can provide the quickest way to results. It can also lighten your teeth up to eight shades brighter in one visit. A gel or rubber shield protects the gums and bleach is applied to the teeth. A special light or laser might be used to enhance the whitening. As with anything, your experience can vary.
“At Dental Touch Associates we have found this process, like Zoom, to be somewhat inconsistent so we don’t recommend it very much anymore. We find that the at-home whitening works best for our patients,” notes Dr. Blaine McLaughlin.
Regardless of the dental procedures you might need, Dr. Blaine McLaughlin and the professionals at Dental Touch Associates, Cedar Rapids, can help put the shine in your smile. To learn more about whitening procedures and other dental treatments, call or email them today to schedule a consultation.