If you are looking for a brighter and whiter smile, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to teeth whitening solutions. However, teeth whitening is not for everyone. It is ideal for patients with unrestored, healthy teeth and gums. The following are some of the main options for whitening your teeth.

Whitening Toothpastes

All toothpastes are able to get rid of surface stains since they consist of mild abrasives. Some whitening products contain chemical compounds that are more effective in stain removal. These professional products contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide that lightens the color that is deep within the tooth. Whitening toothpastes are capable of lightening your tooth’s color by one shade whereas in office bleaching is able to lighten your tooth’s color by up to eight shades.

In-office Bleaching

One of the fastest ways to whiten your teeth is through in-office bleaching. In this procedure, your dentist will apply a whitening product to your teeth. The product is used in combination with a special light, heat, or laser to achieve fast and more intense results. You are able to see changes in one 30-60 minutes treatment. In-office bleaching is the most expensive whitening treatment.

Tray Based Tooth Whitening

In this procedure, your dentist will give you a tray-based system to whiten your teeth. The treatment involves filling the tray with whitening gel or bleaching agent. You are required to wear the tray for a specific period, usually a few hours every day for four weeks or longer.

Effects of Teeth Whitening

The effects of teeth whitening are not permanent. The level of whiteness achieved varies from one person to the other depending on the severity of stains, and the bleaching method used. If you constantly consume foods and drinks that stain teeth, the whiteness will begin to fade in less than a month. If you avoid staining elements, the whiteness can last for up to a year and longer before another whitening touch-up.

Risks of Whitening Your Teeth

The two common side effects associated with whitening of teeth are mild irritation in the mouth and heightened tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity takes place in the early phases of the bleaching procedure. Irritation in the mouth may be caused by an improperly fitting mouth tray. These conditions are temporary and dissipate in 1-3 days after either withdrawing or completing your treatment. Some of the ways to reduce sensitivity include:

  • Suspending the whitening treatment for a few days
  • Using a high fluoride product to remineralize the teeth
  • Using toothpaste that specifically addresses sensitivity. These product consist of potassium nitrate, an element that soothes the nerve endings of your teeth.

Call our dental office in Scottsdale or Phoenix at 480-860-0092 to schedule a professional teeth whitening.