In recent years, demand for teeth whitening services has surged. What was once a specialty service is now a commonplace cosmetic dentistry procedure. This increased interest has resulted in many new products that offer to deliver stain-free white teeth. But with so many options, what teeth whitening solutions should Marietta patients trust?
The Main Options for Getting Whiter Teeth
While consumers now have a wide range of teeth whitening options, safety should always be your main priority. Taking care of your teeth will ensure they stay safe and healthy throughout your life. Let’s look at some popular options for whiter teeth.
Whitening Toothpaste
Every popular toothpaste and mouthwash brand offers products with whitening properties. Sometimes toothpaste is sold as a whitening product, at the same time other varieties promote whitening as an added feature. These products usually contain mild abrasives that may indeed remove minor surface stains. However, don’t expect dramatic results with an over-the-counter (OTC) toothpaste or rinse.
Whitening Strips
Home whitening strips are another OTC dental product that’s usually more potent than toothpaste and mouthwash products. Strips containing hydrogen peroxide (among other ingredients) are placed over the teeth for around two weeks in most cases. Low levels of peroxide-based gels found in OTC products means that strips are actually not among the best teeth whitening solutions. However, if applied correctly they can reduce minor staining.
Whitening Trays and Gels
Teeth whitening trays and gels also use peroxide-based solutions to reduce surface staining. Gels are applied directly onto the teeth, and the trays fit in place around the teeth.
But in these products the ingredients are fairly mild (just as with whitening strips), so in cases of significant staining they usually won’t produce the desired results.
Professional Teeth Whitening Solutions
When you want a professional teeth whitening treatment, speak to your dentist about cosmetic dentistry options. At Shining Smiles Family Dentistry we use Philips Zoom® teeth whitening for its speed, safety and impressive results. During the treatment, a bleaching gel is applied to the teeth, which is then activated by the proprietary LED light.
Using this proven technology, the ability to control the shading of the teeth is far greater than with any OTC option, and in a 45-minute treatment patients can see teeth whitened by up to eight shades. Among the many advantages of this professional approach is the safety and confidence patients will experience in the familiar surroundings of their dentist’s office.
Veneers
While not technically a teeth whitening solution, porcelain veneers are also an option if you are unhappy with your teeth. Custom veneers can be applied to the front surface of the teeth, providing a stain-free, natural appearance.
Contact Us for Professional Teeth Whitening Solutions
Shining Smiles Family Dentistry is Marietta’s trusted family and cosmetic dentistry provider. To learn more about our teeth whitening options, speak with our dental team today. For assistance, call (770) 420-8550 or request a dental appointment now.
