Teeth whitening can do wonders for your complexion, smile, and confidence. Smoking and consumption of teas, coffees, and other foods and drinks can quickly stain your teeth. Harsh brushing and other habits can also cause your teeth to stain over time. Luckily, this discoloration is reversible with the help of a properly trained teeth-whitening dentist.
Many grocery and drug stores carry over-the-counter teeth whitening products. These mouthwashes, toothpastes, gels, and other items often are not strong enough to remedy stains that have been years or decades in the making. The products we use include concentrations of teeth whitening agents that cannot be used without proper training. Only a specially trained teeth-whitening dentist can determine what product is right for you in order to achieve the results you desire.
Studies consistently show that whitening is a safe process, especially when performed by a teeth-whitening dentist. Many people attempt to remedy their teeth discoloration at home and end up damaging their teeth through harsh overuse of whitening products. Some may end up with tooth sensitivity or even worse. Others may use these products and see no results due to the varying nature of teeth and teeth staining. A professional teeth whitening dentist can determine your specific case and help you decide which route will work best for you.
Methods
Bleaching is a method that can be done in-office or at home. This process can offer immediate results. Bleaching involves the use of gels or solutions that are applied either directly onto the teeth or onto a mouth tray. For in-office treatments, this method is often supplemented with use of a light that activates the whitening action.
In-Office Treatments
Rembrandt One Hour Smile Whitening: This formula is 35% hydrogen peroxide that is activated by a Sapphire Light. This is a Genetic Teeth Disorders one-time procedure that takes approximately 60 minutes to complete. This is perfect for people who have sensitive teeth.
Zoom! 2: This very popular option can whiten teeth at an average of ten shades in only one visit. Gel is applied to your teeth and is then activated by a special light. This procedure involves three, 15-minute sessions.
Opalescence: This whitening solution is 38% hydrogen peroxide and includes fluoride and potassium nitrate to strengthen enamel and fight against cavities. This is purely chemically activated and requires no lights or machinery. This procedure lasts approximately 60 minutes. Your dentist may suggest that you take an at-home kit of Opalescence to maintain the whiteness.
At-Home Treatments
These products are provided at the dental office and are much more powerful Aspen Dental Prices and efficient than those that are found in grocery or drug stores.
Nite White: This gel-based solution is applied to a custom tray at night. This tray will allow the gel to sit perfectly against your teeth to whiten them. This solution also reinforces the enamel and fills in microscopic blemishes.
Day White: This is also a gel-based solution. However, the custom tray is molded to cradle your teeth almost invisibly. This method allows you to work, do errands, and other every-day things that you may need to do without the embarrassment or hassle of generic mouth trays. This treatment lasts about 30 minutes each time.
Our San Jose office would be very happy to assist you in determining the best teeth whitening method for you no matter what your case, time, or budget constraints may be. Once your teeth are at the whiteness that you desire, all you will need is some minor at-home upkeep or a short visit once or twice a year in order to maintain your bright smile.