Whiter teeth can do wonders for your smile and appearance, so it’s no surprise that teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry options.

In addition to discoloration caused by the accumulation of surface stains acquired from the use of tobacco products and the consumption of certain foods or beverages, the average person’s teeth naturally have light grayish-yellow shades and naturally darken with age. age. Teeth whitening methods give everyone the opportunity to enjoy bright smiles that would not otherwise be available to them.

Not all treatments are right for everyone, so it is important to consult with your dentist before deciding which teeth whitening option to choose. Some treatments use bleach while others do not, and not all teeth are suitable for whitening.

Teeth whitening is ideal for people who have healthy gums and teeth, without fillings. Teeth with yellow tones respond better to whitening.

Most bleach products are peroxide based. Peroxide is what actually whitens tooth enamel and makes teeth whiter. The strength of the peroxide generally determines the strength of the whitening treatment. Peroxide percentages currently found in teeth whitening products are 10%, 16%, and 22%.

Not all discolored teeth respond to whitening treatments. For example, whitening will not work for patients with root canals, fillings, crowns, and/or extremely dark stains on their front teeth. Only your dentist can tell you if your teeth and gums are healthy enough to go through a whitening process.

If your dentist has determined that you are a candidate for teeth whitening, you will need to decide which method of teeth whitening to use.

Your teeth whitening options include whitening toothpaste, over-the-counter whitening strips and gels, whitening rinses, tray teeth whiteners, and in-office whitening. These can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to show results. If you want white teeth now, Zoom! Bleaching is an option that can make your teeth 5 to 8 shades whiter in one dental appointment.

Toothpastes for teeth whitening

Whitening toothpastes are limited to removing surface stains from the teeth. They use special abrasives, as well as additional polishes or chemical agents that help remove stains. Because abrasives are usually just finer versions of those used in regular toothpastes, they are unlikely to cause excessive wear on your teeth. However, because whitening toothpastes do not contain bleach, they can only make your teeth one shade lighter.

Over-the-counter whitening strips and gels

Professional and over-the-counter whitening products produce more noticeable results because they contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide that helps lighten the color deep within the tooth.

Whitening gels are clear, peroxide-based gels that are applied directly to the surface of the teeth with a small brush. They usually need to be applied twice a day for 14 days. Typically, you’ll see initial results within a few days, and final results typically last about four months.

Whitening strips are thin, virtually invisible strips coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel. You apply the strips for 30 minutes twice a day for 14 days. You can see the initial results in a few days and enjoy the final results for about four months.

Whitening Rinses

Whitening rinses, like most mouthwashes, freshen breath and help reduce dental plaque and gum disease, as well as include teeth-whitening ingredients like hydrogen peroxide. They should be swished in the mouth for 60 seconds twice a day before brushing. Some experts say that rinses are less effective than other over-the-counter whitening products because a whitening rinse is only in contact with teeth for two minutes a day, as opposed to 30 minutes for many strips. The manufacturers say they can take up to 12 weeks to produce results.

teeth whiteners in tray

Tray-based teeth whitening systems work by filling a tray similar to a mouthguard with a gel bleaching solution containing a peroxide bleaching agent and then wearing the tray for a period of time, usually anywhere from a few hours a day. to every night for up to four weeks or more (depending on how discolored your teeth are and how white you want them to be). They can be purchased over the counter or from your dentist. The ones from the dentist produce faster and more effective results because they contain a stronger peroxide bleaching agent than over-the-counter bleaching products. They’re also custom-made to fit your teeth exactly, while over-the-counter trays come in generic sizes and could allow the whitening agent to get on your gums and cause irritation.

In-Office Whitening

In-office whitening is the fastest way to whiten your teeth. While dentist-administered procedures are generally very expensive, they produce the best results. Also, they will give you a better idea of ​​how effective the treatment will be. It consists of applying the whitening product directly on the teeth and combining it with heat, a special light and/or a laser. This light-activated whitening by your dentist can make your teeth three to eight shades lighter. You can see dramatic results in a single 30-60 minute treatment, although multiple appointments are usually required.

However, one visit could produce quite satisfactory results.

Zoom! Teeth whitening

As its name suggests, Zoom! Bleaching is one of the fastest ways to whiten teeth. Although it is one of the most expensive methods, it is an option that more and more people are beginning to turn to, due to its immediate and noticeable results.

With just a brief in-office treatment, your teeth can become 5-10 shades lighter. In many cases, they actually continue to whiten for days after treatment.

The patented zoom! The whitening gel and the specially designed light that activates it are designed for a quick, simple and painless treatment. With care and occasional home touch-ups, the spectacular results of Zoom! Whitening can be maintained for years.