Years of smoking or drinking coffee can take a toll on the color of your teeth. If you feel self-conscious about the seemingly permanent stains on your teeth, you should know that there may be a whitening treatment that can help you achieve a brighter smile!
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a process in which a specially formulated tooth bleach, either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, is used to break down stains into small pieces to reduce the concentration of the tooth stain and make your teeth brighter. Your dentist may only recommend teeth whitening if you have healthy teeth and gums.
Which Treatment Should You Use?
The in-office or at-home whitening treatment your dentist may recommend will depend on the severity of your teeth discoloration and your desired level of whitening. When choosing at-home whitening products, be sure to select those with the American Dental Association seal. An ADA seal indicates that the product has been scientifically tested and is confirmed to be safe to use. Here are your options for treatment:
Tray Whitener Kits
Whether it's an over-the-counter kit or one provided by your dentist, tray-based teeth whiteners typically work the same way. The tray, which is similar in shape to a mouth guard, is filled with a whitening gel that contains a peroxide ingredient for bleaching. You'll wear the tray for up to a few hours each day for up to four weeks.
Whitening Toothpastes
In addition to using mild abrasives to eliminate surface stains like regular toothpaste, whitening toothpaste also contains gentle chemical agents that can provide an enhanced stain removal. Whitening toothpaste does not contain bleach, however, so it's only effective against surface stains. They work well enough to lighten the color of your teeth by about one shade, but nothing more.
Whitening Rinses
Whitening rinses can help prevent dental plaque and gum disease just like your standard mouthwash, but they also contain hydrogen peroxide or a similar substance to help whiten your teeth. It can take up to 12 weeks to see whiter teeth.
Non-Prescription Whitening Gels and Strips
Over-the-counter whitening strips and gels both contain peroxide that can help lighten deeper stains. The gels are applied directly to your teeth with a small brush, while the thin whitening strips are applied over the teeth. Both applications should be done twice a day for two weeks. Users will typically begin to see noticeable results within a few days.
In-Office Whitening
The whitening treatment administered in the dentist office is activated with heat or a specialized laser or light. You will be able to see results after just one treatment. However, it may take multiple treatments to see dramatic results.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you are looking for a safe way to obtain a bright smile, contact us at Premier Dental Care. We are accepting new patients and are ready to provide you with the tailored dental services you may need.