Teeth whitening is all the rage. On social media, billboards, in magazine ads on television shows and movies, people sport teeth that are so white, they glow. But, in truth, teeth are not naturally white. They are closer to a yellow tone. Even so, that does not stop people from wanting the perfect pair of pearly whites. So, if you want to join the white teeth revolution, which of the many methods should you try?
Natural Ways to Whiten Teeth
Not all methods of whitening teeth involve whitening treatments. The easiest way to whiten teeth is to regularly brush. In addition, there are many substances which discolor teeth:
- Smoking
- Dark-colored drinks (such as coffee, tea, and wine)
If your goal is white teeth, the first step would be to stop smoking and reduce your intake of such liquids. Then, you’ll be positioned to start the whitening process.
Is Teeth Whitening for Everyone?
Most people desire a whiter smile. However, teeth whitening is not for everyone. For example, if you have a lot of dental work, the work was designed to match the natural color of your teeth. So, these products will not whiten with commercial products. Also, whitening methods can make your teeth and gums sensitive. So, if you already struggle with sensitive teeth, whitening will exacerbate the problem. Pregnant women and children should also avoid teeth whitening.
Whiten Teeth in the Dentist’s Office
The fastest and safest way to whiten your teeth is at a dentist office. Our methods take as little as 30 minutes and can have dramatic results. We can also protect your gums and tooth enamel, counteract tooth sensitivity. One of the methods we use involves blue LED lights, which speeds up the teeth bleaching process. Although this method may cost more than an OTC method, it is far more effective.
If you prefer to skip the in-office treatment, we also offer take-home trays and custom mouth guards. By wearing these at home while you sleep or work around the house, you’ll see great results. And the good thing about this option is that teeth constantly re-darken in time. So, just whitening one time won’t don’t the trick. In fact, many say that if you aren’t whitening, you are staining your teeth. So, teeth bleaching is not a “one and done” solution. Take-home kits allow you to whiten daily at first. Then, once you achieve the results you want, you will only need to use the at-home trays on an as-needed basis.
OTC At Home Teeth Whitening Methods
If you choose to use an at-home whitening method, options abound. For example, you may choose whitening strips or gels. If you go this route, however, you must be careful to protect your gums from chemicals. So, make sure you carefully follow instructions. Overexposure to the whitening chemicals can strip away tooth enamel and cause tooth sensitivity and pain. You also should avoid whitening treatments that use sodium chlorite, which can become toxic when exposed to certain foods. This can strip away tooth enamel. Other at-home whitening methods such as rinses also exist but are typically not very effective.
About Dr. Fred Wong of Blue Ocean Dentistry in Glendora
Dr. Fred Wong and the staff at Blue Ocean Dentistry use the latest available dental treatments, equipment, and materials – all of which make a marked difference in our patients’ experiences. We are committed to helping our patients achieve optimal dental health. We creatively combine dental science and artistry — which can literally redesign your smile. Since even a subtle change in your smile will help you to project self-confidence and high self-esteem, we love helping you feel good about yourself. We deliver the finest dental care at the most reasonable cost and accept most dental insurance plans as well as CareCredit. For more about the dental treatment plans we offer or to schedule an appointment, call today (626) 852-6999.