What Are Some Teeth Whitening Methods
Having your teeth whitened is a great way to quickly and affordably freshen your smile and luckily, there are quite a few ways to achieve that brighter smile! Most dental offices offer some form of professional whitening in eden prairie minnesota but if that is not an option for you, there are plenty of at-home whitening methods available on the market. Let’s review your options!
Professional Teeth Whitening
Choosing to use an in-office whitening treatment is very quick and very convenient! Professional whitening treatments have a higher concentration of the peroxide solution than what is available to consumers in stores. Your dental office may even offer a take-home kit with a higher percentage that would allow you to gradually whiten your teeth if you are prone to sensitivity.
In-office whitening is great for patients who just want to get it done and go about their lives! The whole process only takes about an hour and a half and even though it is more expensive, the convenience and ease may outweigh the price difference for some. Results are immediate and continue to brighten for a few hours after treatment.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
At-home teeth whitening treatments can give you results that are comparable to in-office whitening! The only downside is that they usually take a couple of weeks to accomplish the same level of greatness that is achieved in an hour and a half in the office. That said, patients who have sensitive teeth usually do better with gradual whitening even if they are using a take-home kit from their dental office with that higher peroxide concentration. Some at-home whitening treatments include whitening trays, strips, oral care products, and gums.
Over-the-Counter Strips and Trays: Whitening strips and trays have a whitening gel pre-applied to the strip or tray and all you have to do is apply the strip or tray and wear them for 30 minutes to an hour every day for up to two weeks. If you achieve the whiteness that you want before you finish the kit, you can stop using them and use the remainder for touch-ups!
Oral Care Products and Gums: Some patients do not have much staining but their teeth are slightly dull and perhaps a little yellow. Toothpaste containing baking soda and mouthwash containing peroxide can help remove staining and whiten your teeth! Chewing a sugarless, whitening gum after meals is a great way to help remove any food particles that may become trapped and could cause staining and decay.
Whichever method of teeth whitening you choose, it can be very beneficial to have your teeth professionally cleaned before beginning any whitening treatment. Your hygienist will be able to remove surface stains and any plaque and tartar buildup that could get in the way of the whitening solution. After you finish your whitening treatment, it is important to avoid foods and beverages that can stain your teeth for at least 48 hours. A good rule of thumb is to consider if what you are about to consume will stain a white T-shirt. If it will, don’t consume it!
Those oral care products are great for keeping your teeth right after professional whitening or using whitening strips. Keeping a regular schedule with your hygienist will help keep your teeth white as long as possible!
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