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What are my options for teeth whitening?

Most people's goal is to have a white, bright smile. But what is the best teeth whitening option for you? Our Taber dentists explain teeth whitening options and the effects they can have.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to lighten the colour of your teeth using peroxide-based bleaching agents in an attempt to give a whiter smile. As the active ingredient breaks down, oxygen acts on the tooth enamel, creating the whitening effect.

What are my options for teeth whitening?

Today, you have a number of options for whitening your teeth. Each procedure has its advantages and can offer positive results. As with any other procedure, there are also some disadvantages to each procedure.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

The most effective teeth whitening procedures are performed by your dentist in a dental office. This is because the whitening agents in your dentist’s gel are much stronger and produce much more effective results than over-the-counter products.

The procedure usually takes about an hour. Your dentist will use a concentrated whitening solution to remove surface stains from your teeth and lighten their natural colour. This yields somewhat more efficient results than at-home whitening solutions, which take days or weeks to work.

At-Home Professional Teeth Whitening Trays

This take-home option would be supervised by your dentist. During an initial visit to your dentist, a dental impression will be created to make your whitening trays.

You’ll take the whitening trays home and manage the teeth whitening application yourself. You’ll wear the whitening gel for between 30 minutes to a few hours a day, for 1 to 3 weeks depending on what your dentist prescribes.

The whitening solution will gradually remove surface stains from your teeth and lighten their natural colour.

Toothpastes

Whitening toothpastes work to remove surface stains to slightly whiten your teeth. However, keep in mind that whitening toothpastes will not affect the natural colour of your teeth. Whitening toothpastes will be unable to lighten stains that have penetrated below the tooth’s surface.

Enamel strengthening toothpastes can help to defend your teeth from cavities and protect your enamel from further damage, which can prevent stains from developing in the first place.

Whitening Strips

These small plastic strips are coated with peroxide-based gel. When you apply the strip to your teeth, the peroxide coating removes surface stains, lightening the colour of your teeth.

You would typically apply whitening strips daily for a 2- to 3-week period, and keep them on your teeth for no more than 30 minutes at a time. Please consult the manufacturers directions for specific timing the whitening strips requires. Because these products contain only a small amount of peroxide, you will usually see only subtle whitening effect.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a thin strips of porcelain that are affixed to the fronts of your teeth to improve the appearance of their colour, shape and symmetry.

If only one or a few of your teeth are discoloured, porcelain veneers may be a practical solution to even out the colour of your teeth.

How do I know which are the best teeth whitening products?

The best teeth whitening products for you will depend on a number of factors, from personal preference to the time you have available in your schedule, and your budget. You may want to consider looking up teeth whitening reviews online for tips and ideas from other people who have opted to take the professional and/or at-home route.

Are you wondering which teeth whitening options would be right for you? Our Taber dentists can examine your smile and recommend treatments. Contact us today.

(403) 223-3135