No doubt, tooth color significantly determines how you feel about yourself and even your relationships with others. Discolored teeth are not only unsightly, but they can also make you self-conscious and less confident. Your teeth can get discolored for various reasons, including aging, foods, and drinks that stain, tobacco use, poor dental hygiene, medications, environment, or dental restorations. When it comes to teeth whitening, you have two options – in-office teeth bleaching or at-home care. Both approaches use peroxide-based bleaching agents, but the whitening product used in in-office teeth whitening Jamison contains a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide and therefore offers the most dramatic results. Read on to learn your teeth whitening options.
In-office whitening
Teeth whitening done by your dentist is the safest and fastest way to brighten your teeth. With this approach, your dentist applies the whitening product directly on your teeth and uses heat, light, or a combination to speed up and intensify the whitening process. Results are often noticeable in only one treatment, which may take 30 minutes to one hour. Another benefit of in-office bleaching is that you get a professional cleaning and mouth exam; this allows your dentist to identify any dental issues that need treatment.
Tooth whitening strips and gels
Whitening gels are peroxide-based; you use a small brush to apply the gel directly to the surface of your teeth. Read the instructions since they usually vary depending on the peroxide concentration. You must apply the gel at least twice daily over 10 or 14 days. Final results last about four months, but initial results are seen in a few days. Whitening strips are virtually invisible strips coated with peroxide-based gel. Read the instructions on the label about how to apply the strips.
Whitening rinses
Whitening rinses are among the latest whitening products available. Like your regular mouthwash, they freshen your breath and reduce your risk of gum disease. But whitening rinses contain additional ingredients like hydrogen peroxide to whiten your teeth. To use, swish the mouthwash in your mouth for one minute; do this twice a day before brushing your teeth. However, rinses have less effect because they are only in contact with teeth for two minutes a day, compared to 30 minutes for most strips. You give your whitening rinse a boost by rinsing first, then brushing with whitening toothpaste afterward.
Tray-based whitening systems
Tray-based whitening systems contain a mouth guard-like tray with a peroxide-based bleaching gel or paste. You place the tray over your teeth for one to several hours daily for up to four weeks or longer. How long you use the tray depends on the severity of discoloration and whitening level you desire. Tray-based whitening systems are available over the counter, but you can have one custom-fitted by your dentist.
Whether your dentist performed the whitening or you used an at-home whitening system, the results are not permanent. However, you can help keep your teeth bright by avoiding foods and drinks that stain, following good oral hygiene practices, and getting regular cleans at your dentist’s office.
Reserve a session with your dentist at Jamison Innovative Dentistry for in-office whitening to restore the integrity of your smile.