With the sparkling holiday lights lining the streets, it’s common to start paying extra attention to the sparkle (or lack thereof) of our smiles. While brushing and flossing are vital to your dental hygiene, these daily practices won’t turn your teeth the color of freshly fallen snow. You may have considered using teeth whitening products to brighten up your teeth but wondered if they were effective?
Let’s review how different teeth whitening services work.
Why Whiten Teeth in the First Place?
Teeth lose their pearly whiteness for many reasons: age, cigarettes, and certain medications can contribute to teeth stain, as well as tea, coffee, and darker liquids like soy sauce or red wine. If the current shade of your teeth is not ideal, teeth stain removal can help restore your pearly whites by using a tooth bleach (either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) to help break down stains into smaller pieces.
This treatment diffuses the discoloration on your teeth, allowing them to appear brighter. Sounds simple enough! But should you try teeth whitening at home or have it done professionally?
Teeth Whitening at Home
Popular toothpaste companies, like Crest and Colgate, offer products proclaiming to whiten teeth. And with a price point ranging from $30-75, it’s an investment that won’t break the bank. However, there are a few reasons why teeth whitening at home may not be the best fit for you. For one, too many products rely on hydrogen peroxide, and self administering the best amount is difficult to get right.
Too much hydrogen peroxide, for instance, can wreak havoc on your gums and lead to dental issues down the road.
Furthermore, a lot of the products don’t have nearly the amount of bleach a dentist would use. So, while the price point may be lower, you’ll inevitably need to purchase more to get your desired result.
If you do decide to brighten your teeth at home, be sure to check in with your dentist before you begin. You’ll want to ensure you don’t have any cracks or cavities, which could become irritated. Or, they can recommend a brand or application tips to improve your results.
Professional Teeth Whitening
In-office bleaching is one of the most effective teeth whitening techniques. While it can be a bit more expensive, the results last longer, and you can trust that your dentist is using the safest, most trusted methods. Plus, if you want to continue your whitening routine, your dentist can provide you with at-home trays. This gives you the flexibility to whiten your teeth at your own place and at your own pace!
Teeth whitening is undoubtedly effective, but it’s a job best left to the professionals!
Ready to Add Some Sparkle to Your Smile?
At Dakota Dental, we offer professional cosmetic dentistry services. Come on in a consultation or an in-office teeth whitening. Looking to give the gift of a beautiful smile? This could be the perfect Christmas present for you or someone you love to enjoy in the New Year.