Teeth whitening treatment is one of the most common cosmetic dental procedures. Professional teeth whitening treatment is either applied or prescribed by your dentist and is capable of producing dramatic results in a short amount of time.
If you’ve ever wanted whiter teeth, you may have considered a variety of products that all work in different ways and have different active and inactive ingredients. Learn how teeth whitening works and which type gives you the best results.
Types of Teeth Whitening Treatments
Here are some of the most common teeth whitening treatments available. Some are available in stores and online, and others are only available through your dentist’s office.
Store bought whitening products:
- Whitening toothpaste. One of the most common teeth whitening products is toothpaste. These typically contain hydrogen peroxide as a bleaching agent and sometimes baking soda to scrub off surface stains. Whitening toothpaste typically provides minimal results that you may notice after using it for a few weeks.
- Whitening strips. There are a few different brands of these, but whitening strips are made of clear plastic containing a whitening agent that you wrap around your teeth and leave in place for a specified amount of time. Of the store bought products available, these offer some of the best results after a few treatments.
- Whitening wands. Another product you can purchase from the store or order online is a whitening wand, which contains a whitening agent you apply directly to your teeth with a brush or swab. This may offer similar results to the whitening strips.
Professional teeth whitening provided by dental practices:
- Professional dental office whitening. Many dental practices offer whitening treatments that can be applied in the office. These are professional grade, or essentially prescription strength. In-office treatment provides the most dramatic results in the shortest amount of time. The dentist will apply a rubber guard or a protective gel to your gums, and then apply the whitening agent to your teeth. A special light is used to activate and accelerate the whitening ingredient. Your smile will be noticeably whiter in just one application.
- Professional take home whitening. Another professional whitening product available from your dentist is take home whitening treatment. Your dentist will create a custom fit tray for you to wear when applying the whitening agent. This offers a comfortable option that helps you apply the whitening ingredient evenly. You should see results in a week or two depending on the length of time you wear your whitening trays. This also allows you to customize your results, stopping when you feel you’ve achieved your desired shade of white.
Comparing Active Ingredients
Most store bought products contain hydrogen peroxide and most professional treatments contain carbamide peroxide. Carbamide peroxide is a stronger, more effective whitening agent. Because it is more powerful, it should only be used under the supervision and approval of your dentist. Both hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide can cause tooth sensitivity or make existing sensitivity more severe. However, it typically only lasts a few hours to a few days after treatment. Using sensitive toothpaste following whitening treatment can help reduce sensitivity.
When Teeth Whitening Doesn’t Work
In some cases teeth whitening treatments may not work, such as:
- Severe stains. Some types of stains on teeth can’t be removed or lightened with teeth whitening treatment.
- Dental work. Whitening treatments don’t work on tooth colored fillings, dental crowns, or veneers because they are made of artificial materials.
- Plaque or calculus buildup. If your teeth are coated with plaque or calculus, teeth whitening treatments will not be effective. You’ll need a professional teeth cleaning first.
Alternatives to Teeth Whitening
One option for teeth that don’t respond to whitening treatments is veneers. Veneers are thin, shell-like covers for your teeth. They can be made of porcelain or composite material that resembles natural tooth enamel. Veneers attach to the front sides of your teeth that are visible when you smile. They conceal a wide variety of imperfections including stains, uneven lengths, crooked teeth, and gaps between teeth.
Where Can I Get Professional Teeth Whitening?
If you want whitening treatment that will give you dramatic results, Paramount Dental Arts provides professional teeth whitening. After a brief evaluation we can discuss the treatment options available to give you a better looking smile.
Call 973-777-1772 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.