Do you want a whiter smile? One of the defining features of a healthy looking smile is white teeth. But over time your teeth become discolored for a variety of reasons. Teeth naturally become more yellow as you age because the enamel gradually breaks down and the pulp (nerve) recedes with age, allowing the yellow color of the inside layers of your teeth to show through. Certain beverages and foods can also stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, dark berries, and tomato sauce.
If your smile has been looking a little dull lately, you may be wondering about whitening treatments. What’s the best method for whitening your teeth? Here’s an overview of the options available and what gets the best results.
Method 1: Store Bought Whitening Products
As you may know, there are a wide variety of whitening products available in stores. From whitening toothpaste to mouthwash to whitening strips, these products promise to remove stains and whiten your teeth. The active ingredient or bleaching agent in these products is usually hydrogen peroxide. Whitening toothpaste will sometimes include baking soda to scrub away surface stains.
Method 2: Home Remedies
You may have heard that you can save some money by making your own whitening products out of ingredients you have at home. These ingredients may include baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and even strawberries and pineapple. The natural acids in fruit are what is said to remove stains from the teeth but I do not recommend it.
Method 3: Professional Whitening Treatments
Another option for whitening your teeth is professional whitening treatments you can get from your dentist. There are in-office treatments that can be applied in one appointment for dramatic results. There are also at-home treatments that include a custom made tray from your dentist and a whitening gel you can apply at home. This may take a few weeks of treatments to get the desired results.
Which is the Most Effective Whitening Treatment?
Between these 3 options you will most likely find that professional whitening treatment gives you the best results. Professional strength whitening treatment includes a different active ingredient, carbamide peroxide, which is a stronger bleaching agent. This is why it is only available from your dentist who can ensure that it is a safe option for your teeth. Your dentist will apply the treatment in the office or provide you with instructions for using it safely and effectively at home.
Added Benefits of Professional Whitening Treatment
In addition to providing more dramatic results, professional whitening treatments offer additional benefits:
- Reduced sensitivity. Carbamide peroxide is a safe whitening agent that won’t damage tooth enamel and cause sensitivity. Patients often find that professional whitening treatments don’t cause the same tooth sensitivity that comes from store bought whitening strips. Additionally, application of Relief Gel post whitening helps a lot.
- Gum protection. In-office professional whitening treatment is the only treatment that includes a rubber guard or protective gel that is applied to the gums to prevent irritation.
- Fast results. Professional whitening treatments provide faster results than other whitening products.
- Save money. You may think that you’ll save money buying whitening products from the store because they cost less. However, to achieve and maintain your results, you’ll find that you need to buy more and more of the product, which can add up quickly.
Golia Dental Provides Teeth Whitening Treatments
Golia Dental offers both in-office and at-home teeth whitening treatments. If you have healthy teeth that don’t look their best, professional teeth whitening treatment can brighten your smile in as little as one application.
To learn more, call 203-248-7400 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.