Everybody loves a pearly white bright smile…but not everyone has one. Consuming certain foods and drinks can stain the teeth and thinning enamel as we age allows yellow-tinged dentin to show through.
The good news is that there are affordable methods for people to attain a nice bright, white smile. However, each method has its own pros and cons. Let’s explore a few options to help you decide which one might be right for you.
At-Home Teeth Whitening vs. Professional Treatments
Consumers have tons of at-home tooth whitening options they can try. From strips to LED pens to trays with gels, there are many products out there. Just search “tooth whitening near me” on Google and you’ll find all sorts of hits.
While these products all tend to be significantly cheaper than professional tooth bleaching at a dentist’s office, they are usually not as effective. You’ll also have to wait a few days or weeks to see results, all while applying the product as specified by the directions. Treatments in the dentist office usually provide superior results in one visit.
Another thing to keep in mind is that professional treatments tend to be gentler on your teeth and gums.
Dentists make a distinction between whitening and bleaching. Whitening simply removes stains on the exterior of the teeth whereas bleaching has a deeper effect, whitening the internal structure of the tooth. If your at-home treatment doesn’t contain peroxide, either in the form of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, it is whitening and not bleaching your teeth, which can be harsher and more damaging, particularly to your gums.
Both over-the-counter and professional treatments require proper oral hygiene to help keep the tooth discoloration from reappearing. However, the results from professional treatments tend to last longer.
DayWhite Tooth Whitening System
The DayWhite tooth whitening system is a professional product that consists of take-home trays that you get from your dentist. Rather than wearing trays all night long as in some over-the-counter products, this system is designed to work in two half-hour treatments during the day.
Don’t worry, though, most of that time is hands-off. All you have to do is fill the trays with gel and pop them in for up to 30 minutes. After that time has passed, take out the trays, rinse out your mouth, and clean the trays thoroughly. All done!
This system is effective in whitening organic stains and yellowish dentin. In as little as 10 days, you can enjoy teeth that are up to 14 shades whiter.
Zoom! Teeth Whitening System
This highly effective tooth whitening treatment is performed by your dentist at the office. It consists of a hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel that bubbles and breaks down stains and yellowing. The system also uses a special infrared filter that reduces tooth sensitivity during the procedure.
The gel is applied to your teeth for three 15-minute sessions under a mercury metal halide light to activate the gel.
Results vary depending on the severity and cause of your tooth stains, but many people experience satisfactory results.
Veneers
After any type of whitening treatment, your teeth are exposed to the same environmental factors that may have caused the discoloration in the first place (dark foods, drinks, smoking, etc.). To that end, occasional retreatment is needed on top of your proper oral hygiene routine to keep your teeth nice and white.
Additionally, certain types of stains, particularly intrinsic stains that are not on the surface of the teeth, can’t be removed with external whitening treatments.
For these cases, and those looking to avoid retreatments, patients may opt for veneers, a more permanent solution. This involves placing thin sheets of material in the desired color over the front of your teeth. This can also be used to treat chipped, broken, or slightly crooked teeth.
Getting Your Teeth Whitened
Searching Google for a “dentist near me?” It is important to note that virtually all forms of tooth whitening agents should not be used if you are struggling with gum disease or tooth decay problems. Work with your dentist to first get those problems under control before trying a whitening treatment.
Furthermore, if you already struggle with sensitive teeth, this condition can be made worse by tooth whitening treatments. Professional tooth bleaching will have a lesser effect and your dentist will work with your particular situation to ensure the best results.
Also, keep in mind that over-the-counter methods, especially when not used according to directions can lead to painful gum irritation and tooth sensitivity. Working with your dentist can help avoid these problems as well.
Ready for your movie star smile? If you’re looking for tooth whitening in Boise, ID, turn to the experts at Staley Dental. We can help you get a brighter, whiter smile with little to no painful side effects.
