Are your teeth in need of whitening? It is common for your teeth to develop a yellow tint over time, mostly due to the foods and beverages you consume, but also due to age. As you age, your enamel naturally thins, and the inner tissues begin to show through, which can make the teeth appear yellow.
Teeth whitening treatment can improve your smile and make your teeth look healthier. If you want to whiten your teeth, there are a few different options available. Consider the 3 most popular options for teeth whitening.
1. Over the Counter Whitening Products.
There are many different teeth whitening products available in stores and for online purchase. These include whitening toothpaste, mouthwash, gels, and strips. Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash may provide minimal results but rarely give you the desired shade of white you’re looking for. Gels and strips that you apply directly to your teeth may be more effective, yet still may not achieve the dramatic results you want.
These products may seem like a good idea because they are affordable and the advertisements promise results. However, you may be wasting your money on ineffective products. You may also find that you have to keep buying more and repeating the use of them to achieve and maintain the desired shade of white.
2. Professional At-Home Whitening Treatment.
If you prefer to whiten your teeth at home, you will get better results from a professional whitening treatment that is designed for self application. A custom tray is made by your dentist that fits your teeth so that you can apply the whitening agent evenly across the surface. You will be instructed to wear your whitening trays anywhere from a few hours to all night for up to 4 weeks. Instructions will depend on the shade of white you are trying to achieve.
Results of professional at-home whitening treatment can last up to a year with periodic touch-ups in between treatments. The whitening agent is gentle on your teeth and gradually whitens for minimal sensitivity.
3. Professional In-Office Whitening Treatment.
The most dramatic results come from professional in-office whitening treatment. A protective gel or rubber guard will be placed over the gums to prevent irritation. The whitening agent is applied to your teeth by your dentist. A specialized light is used to activate the bleaching agent and accelerate the whitening process.
Professional teeth whitening treatment is applied in a controlled environment for the most natural looking results and minimized sensitivity to your teeth and gums. This option gives you the safest and most effective results. In as little as one treatment, you could have dramatically whiter teeth that can last up to 3 years.
Choosing the Right Option For You
How do you know which whitening option to go with? First, determine your top priority when it comes to teeth whitening:
- Results. If your top priority is getting the whitest teeth possible regardless of other factors like price, in-office teeth whitening treatment is your best bet.
- Budget. If saving money is your top priority, take-home treatment offers effective results at a lower cost than in-office treatment. Over the counter products seem as if they would save you the most money, but in order to achieve and maintain your results, you have to keep buying more, meaning you may end up spending more over time.
- Convenience. The definition of convenience is different for everyone. If it is more convenient for you to whiten your teeth at home, go with an at-home option for whitening. If it is more convenient for you to have your teeth whitened in a single appointment, in-office whitening treatment may be best for you.
Teeth Whitening Services at Aliso Smiles
To learn more about your options for teeth whitening, contact us today at 949-916-7800 or request an appointment online.