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Outside of a proper dental care routine, one of the best ways to improve your smile is to whiten your teeth. Many choose to try their luck with over-the-counter teeth whitening products rather than visiting the dentist for a whitening treatment, but can these products really offer results? Keep reading to learn how effective these items are and whether you should seek a different option.
Whitening Toothpaste
All toothpastes help remove surface stains, but whitening toothpastes are specifically formulated to help break down and dissolve stains or create an optical illusion to make teeth appear whiter. When used twice every day, it is possible to brighten your teeth in 2 to 6 weeks, but this product is not on your teeth long enough to have any real effect. The ADA recommends brushing your teeth for two minutes, but in order to really make a difference on stains, most whitening products would need to be on your teeth for at least 20 minutes. The abrasives in these toothpastes can also end up scrubbing away your enamel.
Whitening Gels and Strips
Whitening gels often contain about 14 percent hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which can penetrate your enamel and whiten your teeth. They can be applied to the surface of your teeth with a small brush or by using pre-filled whitening trays. Bleaching gels have a better possibility of whitening your teeth than whitening toothpaste, but there are some obstacles. If you brush the gel onto your teeth, you can run the risk of it being washed off by your saliva. Applying the gel to your teeth using a tray may be a better choice, but because they are not made to fit your teeth, they are not capable of providing the best coverage. Whitening strips have a no-slip grip that helps them stay in place. However, the chemicals in whitening gel may cause dental sensitivity for hours or days after use.
The Safest Way to Whiten Teeth
Just because these products are easy to access does not mean they are safe. Some have burned their gums with over-the-counter whitening gel or brushed away their enamel due to the product’s abrasive properties. The safest way to whiten your teeth is to receive professional teeth whitening from your dentist. With a Zoom! Teeth Whitening treatment, your dentist will apply a protective coating to your gums and use a combination of a concentrated whitening gel and low-UV light to whiten your teeth. Your smile can be up to eight shades brighter in as little as one hour! This option is able to remove years’ worth of stubborn dental stains due to age, coffee, tobacco and wine.
No matter which option you use to whiten your smile, the best way to keep your teeth free of stains and decay is to practice a proper dental care routine. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing regularly and visiting your dentist at least twice a year is a great way to achieve and maintain the bright, healthy-looking smile you deserve.
About the Practice
When you entrust your smile to the team of dentists at NeoSmile Dental Care, you will receive top-quality dentistry in a comfortable environment. Drs. Amy Farrell and Krunal Patel frequently attend continuing education courses in order to provide their patients with the latest techniques and treatments. If you’re ready to improve your smile with a Zoom! Whitening treatment, contact the office at (215) 643-5220 or visit the website to schedule an appointment today.
