What are the Best Teeth Whitening Methods?
Discolored teeth can harm your self-esteem in social situations. To restore your confidence, you can use teeth whitening options. However, selecting a suitable method that caters to your needs and goals for optimal results is essential. Keep reading to discover the correct teeth-whitening approach for you.
Professional Teeth Whitening
The most dependable and efficient way of whitening teeth is through professional chairside teeth whitening, which occurs at the dentist’s office and only lasts 90 minutes.
These teeth whitening treatment in Oswego, IL, involves your dentist applying high-concentration hydrogen peroxide on your teeth, leaving it on for up to 30 minutes, and then repeating the process. Some dentists may also use a special light to speed up the whitening process. Chairside tooth whitening can quickly improve the color of your teeth by multiple shades, and the results are visible immediately.
There are two ways in which dentists perform whitening in the clinic:
The Gel Method
This is the oldest type of teeth whitening treatment available at dental clinics. However, it is not widely used nowadays because of its inconsistent results. The main difference between this method and newer versions is the absence of heating lights or lasers to activate the whitening gel.
Opalescence Boost is a popular brand that uses this gel-only method, containing 40% hydrogen peroxide for effective whitening without the need for activation light. Not all professional whitening brands produce the same results, and prices vary accordingly. It’s advisable to discuss your needs and budget with your dentist for personalized treatment options. Studies show that the concentration of hydrogen peroxide used in whitening gels directly affects the results, making Opalescence and similar high-concentration products more promising.
Laser-Assisted Whitening
This provides quick results and is a relatively short process. This technique is increasingly popular due to its utilization of modern technology, allowing dental bleach to absorb and act faster. A comparative study between laser-assisted whitening and power bleaching has concluded that laser whitening is a more practical approach.
Several laser teeth whitening methods are currently available, including ZOOM whitening, which is the most common. Other methods include BriteSmile and KoR deep whitening, each utilizing different bleaching formulas with varying prices. For further details, contact our representatives to choose a method that suits your budget and preferences.
Take Home Whitening Kits
You can achieve a brighter smile in the convenience of your own home with professional take-home whitening kits. A dentist prescribes these kits, and although you perform the procedure independently, they provide you with a kit containing custom trays and a whitening gel with a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide than chairside treatment.
The custom trays are made to fit your teeth perfectly, and you simply apply the gel to them before wearing them to remove stains and discoloration from your teeth. Your dentist in Distinctive Dental Care in Oswego will give you instructions on how to use the kit to get the best results. While individual outcomes may differ, most people begin to see positive results from take-home teeth whitening within 10 to 14 days.
Whitening Toothpaste and Mouthwash
If you want an inexpensive way to address teeth discoloration, try whitening toothpaste or mouthwash. Whitening toothpaste has special abrasives that can gently remove staining on the tooth surface. However, it does not have any bleaching agents to whiten teeth.
On the other hand, whitening mouthwash has hydrogen peroxide, which can brighten discolored teeth. Simply swish your mouthwash for one minute twice a day before brushing. It might take up to 12 weeks to see results since the mouthwash only stays in contact with your teeth for two minutes daily.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Strips
Over-the-counter whitening strips are plastic strips that stick to your teeth to improve their appearance. They contain whitening agents such as hydrogen peroxide and come in pairs, one for the upper teeth and one for the lower teeth. Using whitening strips can whiten your teeth up to two shades brighter, and you may notice results after several days of use.
To summarize, if you want fast and efficient results, professional teeth whitening services are a good option. They offer the expertise of a trained dentist and personalized treatment to meet your specific requirements.
However, a take-home whitening kit or an over-the-counter product might be a better choice if you prefer a gradual whitening process at home. It is essential to discuss your dental goals and oral health with your dentist in Oswego before any whitening treatment to ensure that your dental wellness is protected while achieving a brighter smile.