Teeth Whitening Options

 

There are countless products and techniques available today for people who want to achieve a whiter smile and, with so many options available, it’s sometimes difficult to choose the method that is right for you. It’s always a good idea to talk to your trusted dental professional about the best way to get the results you are looking for.

 

The first decision for you to make if you want to start a teeth whitening regimen is to see a dentist. Your dentist or dental professional will give you a full dental check-up and sound advice on whether “professional” or “over-the-counter” whitening products are right for you.

 

“Professional” whitening products are generally only available from dental professionals. These include two main types of whitening or “bleaching.”

 

The first professional option is commonly referred to as “in-office” whitening, because the procedure is performed in a dental office. In-office whitening is a process where a dental professional administers the whitening procedure right in the office. An in-office whitening treatment may include the use of a whitening lamp or laser to enhance the effectiveness of the whitening gel by accelerating the peroxide, while other systems do not incorporate the use of a light or laser. During an office visit, your dental professional will apply the whitening gel and, depending on the system being used, will shine a light source directly onto the teeth. The entire office visit generally takes about 90 minutes with immediate results.

 

The second professional option is commonly called “take-home” or “at-home” whitening. Also known as “tray bleaching,” at-home professional whitening is one of the most popular methods of achieving a brighter smile. Professional at-home bleaching requires custom-made trays, and professionally dispensed whitening gel only available from a licensed dentist. The whitening gel is placed in custom-fitted trays that fit perfectly over your teeth. As the peroxide in the gel breaks down, hydroxyradicals enter the tooth to naturally whiten the stains. Unlike strips, this process whitens all your natural teeth and may contain ingredients intended to provide maximum comfort. At-home professional tray whitening generally takes 10-14 days, although some with some treatments, you can begin to see results in as little as 3-5 days.

 

In addition to these “professional” products and procedures, there are a multitude of OTC or “over-the-counter” teeth whitening options as well. One type of readily accessible whitening product is commonly referred to as “paint-on” teeth whiteners. Paint-on whiteners can be purchased over-the-counter, and are generally less expensive and less effective than whitening strips or professional options.    Paint-on teeth whiteners consist of a gel that is applied to the tooth using a small brush. Colgate Simply White is an example of a paint-on whitener that is intended to be applied twice daily for 30 minutes, while Crest Night Effects® and Colgate Simply White Night® are intended to be applied before bed, and to be left on the teeth overnight. Paint-on whitening gel hardens into a film that coats the treated tooth, and dissolves in the mouth.

 

Paint-on whiteners can contain either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide as their primary bleaching ingredient. As with any teeth whitening regimen, it is wise to consult with a dental professional before treating discolored teeth.

 

Another popular OTC whitening option are “whitening strips.” There are several types of whitening strips available. The Proctor & Gamble Company was the first to introduce an over the counter teeth whitening product on a broad scale with Crest Whitestrips. Since then many companies have followed suit and now there are numerous whitening products on the market, such as Listerine Teeth Whitening Strips and Rembrandt Whitening Strips.

 

Whitening strips are thin pieces of plastic covered with a tooth whitening gel that contain peroxide. By wearing the strips as indicated on the product packaging, the gel comes into contact with the surface of your teeth and works to slowly take away surface stains, and stains in your enamel.

 

One of the least expensive options are the toothpastes and mouthwashes that are designated as having “whitening” capabilities. Teeth whitening toothpaste and mouthwash have both become very popular over-the-counter options for people who want to have a whiter smile. There are dozens if not hundreds of these types of products that claim to whiten your teeth.

All toothpastes actually help remove surface stains using mild abrasives. However, unlike bleaching materials used in professional whitening procedures, these products do not lighten the actual color shade of the tooth. Rather, whitening toothpastes affect surface stains to mildly lighten your teeth.

 

If you have any questions about teeth whitening toothpaste or mouthwash, or teeth whitening in general, you should consult with a dental professional who will help you get your smile its whitest.