The best way to achieve a brighter smile is by checking out the different options for teeth whitening. Many products are available, although choosing which one will work the most effectively for you can be challenging. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to see if home-whitening or in-office professional whitening will be your best solution.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office whitening is a popular and quick way to get high-quality results. Your dental professional will apply the gel on your teeth during an appointment that only takes about 90 minutes. The best part is that you will see how it is working right away.
Tray Whitening
Tray bleaching uses custom-made trays and whitening gel that you will only access via your dentistry. This home-whitening method goes as follows:
- Trays are filled with whitening gel
- Then placed to fit perfectly over your teeth
- Results will begin to show within 3 to 5 days, and full results will show within 10 to 14 days.
Hydroxyradicals help whiten your stained teeth while the peroxide in the gel breaks down. This process is different from using strips as it allows your natural teeth to whiten and may consist of ingredients that provide comfort. Paint-On Teeth WhitenersAn accessible at-home whitening product purchased over-the-counter is usually referred to as a “paint-on” teeth whitener. Paint-on whiteners are usually less expensive yet less effective than whitening strips or professional methods. This option uses gel that is applied to the tooth using a small brush, which hardens into a film that coats the teeth and then dissolves in the mouth.
Teeth Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are thin, flexible plastic (polyethylene) strips with a thin film of hydrogen peroxide on one side. Whitening strips come with two types of strips:
- Upper Teeth
- Lower Teeth
The agent that whitens your teeth is applied by placing the strips over your teeth, gently pressing the strips, ensuring that they come in contact with all of your teeth. Strips are generally worn for 30 minutes a day, twice a day. The timing will vary for each person.
Whitening Toothpaste and Mouthwash
Whitening toothpaste and mouthwashes are the least expensive methods, designed to have “whitening” capabilities. These two options will work to:
- Remove surface stains using mild abrasives
- It will not lighten the actual color shade of your teeth, yet you may see a slight difference in the color.
The whitening toothpaste affects surface stains. Contact Us TodayDr. Firouzi is located in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area and conducts a wide variety of cosmetic and neuromuscular services, including teeth whitening, gum recontouring using veneers or surgery, smile makeovers, and more. To learn more about Dr. Firouzi and his practice, contact us today at (412) 274-1126.