There are many ways to get whiter teeth, between over-the-counter whitening strips, whitening toothpaste and teeth whitening services from the dentist, it can be hard to tell which one is the best option. Below is a breakdown of each of the most popular teeth whitening methods to help you make your choice.
Over-the-Counter Teeth Whiteners
Many drug stores carry teeth whiteners, which either comes as a gel or strips. These whitening treatments are made from carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide, which help lift stains off the surface of your teeth. Over-the-counter teeth whiteners are straightforward to use and one of the most affordable options. Although, over-the-counter whitening agents do come with various disadvantages.
First, they are not custom to each person, so it can be uncomfortable to use for many patients with teeth and gum sensitivity. Second, this method can have inconsistent results. Many whitening gels and strips are incapable of getting into the spaces between teeth or at the bottom of the tooth which can result in yellow spots. This method could also take some time to both apply and start working. Most solutions can take anywhere from days to weeks before you begin to see results.
Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste is ideal for maintaining a bright, white smile; however, it is not the best for making your teeth whiter than they currently are. That is because whitening toothpaste does not change the actual colour of your teeth; it simply helps improve the brightness of your smile and removes surface stains. Everyone’s teeth are different, coming in an array of shades, which is why you may not get that bright of a white smile using whitening toothpaste alone.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
Many dental offices offer take-home teeth whitening kits. These kits can help you save money and enable you to whiten your teeth at your leisure. Although, there can always be a human error when whitening your teeth yourself. Before applying the solution, always read the instructions and talk to your dentist to ensure you completely understand how it works. Take-home whitening kits can produce excellent results when used correctly.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
One of the most effective methods to get your teeth whitener is through in-office whitening. Unlike the other techniques, through this way, your dentist can check your whole mouth for stains and speak with you about your whitening goals. They can then determine which method is best for you. Dentists can also get between your teeth and improve the condition of your entire mouth and not just where the gel reaches
In-office teeth whitening systems use a bleach solution that can change the colour of your teeth. Your dentist can ensure this gel does not go on your gums to prevent uncomfortable sensitivity from the bleach. Most appointments take between half an hour to a full hour, but you will notice an improvement after just one visit. Because in-office methods use bleach products, you can expect the results from this method to last the longest. Toothpaste and other over-the-counter methods use weaker ingredients that can result in quicker fading.
When looking for a brighter, whiter smile, always consult your Oshawa dentist first. If you are in the Oshawa area, contact KR Dental for all of your teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry needs. We are happy to help improve your smile.