The Ins and Outs of Teeth Whitening Nov 2021 Blog
Craving sparkly teeth that mimic the beauty of winter snow and not sure where to turn? A whiter brighter smile is a great way to usher in the new season! To keep you from having to do a deep dive researching the best teeth whitening options, we’ve done the leg work for you.
Types of Teeth Whitening
There are multiple ways to tackle whitening your teeth. Over-the-counter options include gums, strips, toothpastes, rinses, and paint-on gels, whereas professional teeth whitening delivers more powerful gels through chairside services, pre-filled and customized trays.
About each of these options:
Whitening toothpastes have mild polishing abrasives or chemicals to remove superficial stains up to one shade maximum. But, as they typically do not contain proven lighteners like carbamide or hydrogen peroxide, they will not achieve dramatic results.
Over-the-counter whitening strips are typically 10 to 14-day teeth whitening treatments, including thin strips covered with a lightening peroxide gel. Brightening can be seen anywhere from two to three days, with maximum results seen around three to four months. Many people find them difficult or impractical to use.
Whitening gels contain peroxides that can be painted onto the teeth with a small brush. The drawback with these gels is that they are rapidly diluted with saliva.
Whitening rinses help control plaque, gum disease and bad breath in addition to lightening with hydrogen peroxide. However, they are not as effective as other dental whitening products due to the short period of time they are used.
Tray-based tooth whiteners are available from a dentist or drugstore. With trays, you will dispense a peroxide-based gel into a wearable tray. The time period you wear the trays varies from brand to brand and strength of formulation, as well as how dark your teeth are and your whitening goals. There are both standard pre-made trays as well as custom-fitted trays.
In-office bleaching delivers the fastest, most dramatic results, often in just one hour. First, a protective gel is applied to the gums, making this solution ideal for those with sensitivity. Then, the whitening gel is administered to the teeth. Depending on the formula and brand, light, heat or a laser may be needed to activate the gel. The number of teeth whitening services varies according to the degree of staining and lightening is desired.
Those with mild staining may benefit from drugstore options, but professional teeth whitening has more advanced formulations that achieve longer-lasting whitened smiles.
Why Opalescence from New Look Dental?
For the best smile makeover, an Opalescence teeth whitening service or product is only available from a dentist and will achieve faster, safer, longer-lasting results. New Look Dental is an Opalescence provider as they have the most effective professional solutions to meet each patient’s preferences.
- Speed: Opalescence Boost one-hour teeth whitening treatment
- Customized Fit: Opalescence PF custom tray whitening
- Convenience: Pre-filled Opalescence Go
Most over-the-counter options only have peroxide strengths ranging from 10% to 20%, whereas professional formulas, like Opalescence, have strengths up to 45% and are specially-formulated to reduce sensitivity and prevent stain reoccurrence longer!
Who Is a Candidate?
Most people with yellow, stained teeth can benefit from teeth whitening. However, if you have sensitive teeth, extremely dark staining, extensive crowns, fillings or dental restorations, and unhealthy gums, it is best to schedule a dental appointment to determine if you are a candidate. And don’t think you have to see an expensive cosmetic dentist to get checked out or receive a teeth whitening service. New Look Dental is an affordable dental office geared towards making family cosmetic dentistry accessible. Even if you decide to whiten your teeth at home, before embarking on whitening, visit your family dentist so we can help guide you on the best options for you.
Play It Safe
With all of these options, regardless of strength or where you purchased your system, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s directions. This includes only wearing the strips or trays for the recommended time so as not to have uneven lightening, sore gums or undue sensitivity.
Where To Whiten Teeth
You can try teeth whitening at home or visit a family dentist who routinely performs teeth whitening for safe, superior results.
Maintaining Whitened Smiles
To keep newly whitened smiles bright, maintenance is key! Preserve your new pearly white hue by skipping acidic and pigmented drinks and foods like soda, juice, coffee, tea, wine, sports drinks, berries, curry, soy and tomato. Can’t or won’t skip your morning java or evening vino? You can try sipping through a straw and rinsing afterwards, but know that your smile can start to lose its awesome post-treatment luster within a month! Instead, treat yourself to delicious cheese or other high calcium foods and the scrubbing power of produce to prolong your results.
You can do a touch-up anywhere from six months to one or two years. When you will need a touch-up varies depending on your diet and other lifestyle habits. Ditching tobacco and seeing your dentist regularly are two habits that will help ensure your smile stays healthy and bright longer!
