How to Choose Your Tooth Whitening Solution
If your teeth are looking darker or more discolored than they used to be, you might be interested in trying a teeth whitening solution. There are so many different options on the market today that it can be quite challenging to make your decision — where do you even start? It might actually be simpler than you think. To help you better understand your options in teeth whitening solutions, we’ve divided the options into two general categories: the over the counter ones and the ones available only from your dentist. Here’s what you should know about both.
The Over the Counter Teeth Whitening Solutions
The amount of over the counter teeth whitening solutions seems to expand every time you go to the drugstore or grocery store — there’s a nearly dizzying array of choices. While some are better than others, most of the over the counter teeth whitening solutions are far inferior to those offered by your dentist. The over-the-counter teeth whitening options include:
- Teeth Whitening Pens: teeth whitening pens are made for on the go use. They’re pen-sized tools with a brush at the end, and you twist the bottom of the tube to dispense the whitening gel. These teeth whitening pens may give you some results, but you’re unlikely to notice any dramatic whitening change even if you use it consistently. The whitening gel contained within simply isn’t powerful enough to really lift the stains out of your teeth effectively.
- Whitening Trays: teeth whitening trays are one size fits all molds that you fill with whitening gel, and then wear for a few minutes at a time. The main problem with one size fits all molds like this is that they actually don’t fit anyone very well. This means that if you get any results at all, they may be uneven due to the patchy distribution of the whitening gel. As with whitening pens, the gel in this product generally isn’t strong enough to deliver impressive teeth whitening results.
- Whitening Toothpaste: whitening toothpaste has products like baking soda included with the goal of lifting stains out of the teeth. Unfortunately, most of these toothpaste won’t be powerful enough to deliver the type of results you’re looking for.
In general, over the counter teeth whitening solutions are at best ineffective and at worst dangerous. The whitening products that are sold over the counter aren’t properly regulated, so you don’t know for certain what you’re exposing your teeth and gums too. If you want true results using safe products, it’s best to go with teeth whitening solution at your dentist’s office.
Teeth Whitening at the Dentist
Teeth whitening solution used by the dentist is both safe and effective. It’s also customized to get the optimal result. A mold of your mouth is created so that a personalized mouthguard can be created. This mouthguard holds the teeth whitening solution closely and evenly against the teeth.
You’ll use the mouthguard every night for between three and four hours. Most patients use this system for a total of one to two weeks depending on their teeth whitening needs and goals. After this short treatment period, the results are impressive. Most patients enjoy significant whitening, and some patients even say it’s nothing short of a miracle.
The teeth whitening solution offered by the dentist is far more powerful than anything you can obtain over the counter – the bleaching agent is so strong that it can only be dispensed by dental care professionals. If you’re looking for a big change – and you want a smile that makes you feel confident, teeth whitening with your dentist is always the best option.
Interested in whitening your teeth safely and quickly? The Artistic Touch Dentistry team, headed up by experienced dentist Dr. Maryam Brazdo, is here to help. Contact us anytime to arrange a consultation so you can learn more about teeth whitening at Artistic Touch Dentistry.