A Guide to the Different Teeth Whitening Options
Are you thinking about whitening your teeth but aren't sure which method to choose? Here is a guide to the different teeth whitening options.
Each year, Americans spend significant amounts of money on their teeth. People care about their teeth and seek several treatments for them, such as braces or standard dental work.
That's why roughly 45 million Americans receive professional teeth whitening services. That's almost 14% of the population!
In addition to straight and healthy teeth, many Americans also want a bright, white smile. Fortunately, there are several ways to achieve this whiteness for your smile.
What are these teeth whitening options? If you're uncertain, keep reading!
We'll explore the various teeth whitening methods in this guide. You can then use this knowledge to find the best option for your dental care. Let's get started right away!
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
First, let's discuss how teeth whitening works. Generally, teeth whitening products include a crucial ingredient called peroxide.
This ingredient bleaches the enamel on your teeth. When this happens, your teeth become whiter. The strength of this treatment generally depends on how strong the peroxide is in that product.
Most teeth whitening products include either 10%, 16%, or 22% peroxide content. When choosing between these products, remember to consult your dentist.
Teeth whitening products can potentially worsen existing damage to your teeth. So, your dentist can recommend products that whiten your teeth without damaging them.
If the dentist clears you for using teeth whitening products, you can then choose between the products. We'll discuss those products in-depth below.
In-Office Bleaching From a Dentist in Laurel, MD
Some of the fastest and most efficient teeth whitening methods come from visiting a dentist's office in-person. During this time, dentists can provide top-quality dental trays to whiten your teeth. These trays generally produce the fastest results.
However, there are some downsides to this approach. The main detractor is that these teeth whitening options are among the most expensive. Ask your local dentist about their rates to decide if this option meets your budget.
Teeth Whitening Trays and Gels
These products are among the lesser known teeth whitening products. Teeth whitening gels are solutions that contain bleaching ingredients in their context. Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most common ingredients; other options include carbamide or hydroxyapatite.
From there, you can brush these gels into your teeth. Alternatively, you may choose teeth whitening trays. These trays include bleaching ingredients that soak your teeth in the bleaching ingredients.
Usually, you have to wear these trays in your mouth for a few hours during the day. You may also wear these trays overnight. These products often require three days to one week before you begin noticing results.
Teeth Whitening Strips
The next product option is teeth whitening strips. These strips likewise contain peroxide or bleach to ensure they whiten your teeth.
Most whitening strips coat this bleach over a thin plastic called polyethylene. Some types of strips contain more than other types.
From there, you can apply the strips to your teeth. Make sure you follow the directions left on the strip packaging so that the strips make contact with your enamel. Otherwise, the strips won't whiten your teeth.
Some strips can only stay on during a time limit. Other strips, however, have no time limit.
Teeth whitening strips have several benefits. The most popular reason for using these strips is affordability. It's much easier to use teeth whitening strips for their low rates than to have a whitening operation at the dentist's office.
Likewise, teeth whitening strips are easy to use. Most strip kits come with a couple of sets of strips, one for the upper teeth and one for your lower. Usually, whitening strips require you to wear them twice a day for two weeks.
Whitening strips also deliver quick results. Your teeth usually look whiter after just a few days of using the strips. These results should last for roughly four months.
Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
Many people assume that toothpaste products can whiten their teeth. After all, isn't that the point?
In fact, toothpaste has an abrasive quality that cleans and polishes your teeth. However, whitening toothpaste takes this to another level.
Whitening toothpastes usually have additional buffing compounds, such as baking soda or silica. These abrasives can break down and dissolve surface level stains.
When you use these toothpastes twice daily, this toothpaste can whiten your teeth within 2-6 weeks. Some toothpastes may include an ingredient called blue covarine that produce faster results.
However, these toothpaste products are usually among the least effective whitening options. Many toothpaste products may claim a whitening effect but have a lower quality in reality.
When looking for a teeth whitening toothpaste, it's best to search for one approved by reputable dental associations. The American Dental Association (ADA) is the most famous example.
When these associations approve a toothpaste product, it indicates they are safe products. However, it's better to search for other alternatives even if you can find these products. They produce deeper results and also fit many price ranges.
Find a Dentist in Laurel, MD, You Can Trust
As you can see, there are several methods for teeth whitening. Each of these options include differing degrees of effectiveness. Similarly, they offer different price ranges.
Researching these options can make it seem impossible to find the best choice. That's why it's best to consult a dentist in Laurel, MD, to learn the best way to whiten your teeth.
To that end, start your search by visiting our dentist office! Our family dentist offers several dental care services, including cosmetic dentistry, like teeth whitening.
Don't hesitate to take advantage of these services.
Schedule an appointment with us today to find the treatments you need!