Summer is the ideal time to invest in teeth whitening treatment. You can take advantage of some of the downtime/vacation time during the summer and get a whiter, brighter smile.
But which teeth whitening system is best?
When evaluating your options, you want to consider three things:
- How quickly you can get results
- The level of brightness you can achieve
- How safe the system is for your teeth
When it comes to teeth whitening in Whittier, you have two main options: over-the-counter systems and professional teeth whitening systems from your dentist. We’ll look at the options within each choice and help you decide which system is best for your needs.
Should You Try Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Systems?
Walk into your local supermarket or drugstore, and you’ll find an abundance of tooth whitening options. Toothpaste, strips, mouth rinses, even gels you can paint onto your teeth – there is something for everyone!
But do these systems really work? And if they do, are they safe? We’ll give you the lowdown on some of the most popular options.
Whitening Toothpaste
One of the most affordable teeth whitening options is brightening toothpaste. Nearly every toothpaste brand has a whitening option on its product list.
Some people swear by their whitening toothpaste of choice. Others try the products repeatedly and never notice a difference.
Whitening toothpaste can help some people, mainly those with superficial staining or those who only need to brighten by one shade. Anyone who has heavy staining or needs to brighten their teeth by multiple shades won’t see results from whitening toothpaste.
Whitening toothpastes are also typically quite abrasive. The abrasive components in the paste scrub or polish away surface stains.
Unfortunately, abrasive toothpaste – including activated charcoal toothpaste – can eventually contribute to enamel wear. As the enamel becomes thinner, patients can start to experience tooth sensitivity. They might even become more susceptible to dental decay and gum recession.
Teeth Whitening Strips
Many people think that teeth whitening strips are the gold standard for over-the-counter tooth whitening systems.
Whitening strips allow the whitening gel to stay on the teeth longer than whitening toothpaste, which means you’re more likely to see faster, brighter results.
The problem with whitening strips is two-fold.
First, the strips don’t mold to the teeth as well as custom whitening trays. In other words, you might not get uniform whitening – especially if you have moderate-to-severe staining or crooked/crowded teeth.
Second, whitening strips don’t typically come in varying strengths. It tends to be a one-size-fits-all approach to teeth whitening. The problem with this is that people who have heavy staining won’t see much difference, while people with sensitive teeth might notice that the whitening gel is too strong for their comfort.
If you don’t have issues with sensitivity and only need to brighten your smile slightly, you might want to give whitening strips a try. It would be best to discuss the pros and cons with your Whittier cosmetic dentist first, just to be on the safe side.
Paint-On Teeth Whitening Products
You may have noticed some ads lately for paint-on whitening products. It’s like applying nail polish – you brush it on, and that’s it. Sounds easy, right?
The issue is that this type of teeth whitening system may ultimately be a waste of money. There’s nothing holding the whitening gel in place. Therefore, when you speak or move your lips, you’re essentially rubbing the gel off.
Another issue with these systems is that nothing protects your soft tissues from the irritating gel. You can avoid getting the whitening solution on your gums, but the inside of your lips – which are very delicate – will touch the gel. For some people, this can be uncomfortable.
Teeth Whitening Trays
Teeth whitening tray systems seem like a great idea. They keep the gel on your teeth and provide uniform coverage.
The downside is that most whitening trays don’t provide a custom fit. If the trays don’t fit snugly around the contours of each tooth, whitening gel can leak. It will get onto your gums and the other soft tissues of your mouth. When this happens, it can cause painful tissue irritation and contribute to tissue sloughing.
Another disadvantage is that you don’t get to choose the strength of the gel. Again, it’s a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn’t work for patients with heavy staining, significant discoloration, or sensitive teeth.
What Teeth Whitening System Provides the Fastest Results?
The best option you have for teeth whitening in Whittier is your dentist’s professional teeth whitening systems. Typically, your Whittier cosmetic dentist will recommend one of two professional whitening options: custom whitening trays or in-office whitening.
Custom Teeth Whitening Trays
We start by fabricating custom trays using models we create of your teeth. Heavy-duty plastic is vacuum formed to your models for a snug fit, which prevents whitening gel from getting onto your soft oral tissues.
The benefit of teeth whitening trays is that you get to use them in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Once we’ve fabricated the trays, you take them home and use them on a schedule that works best for you.
Another benefit is that you have multiple options when it comes to whitening gel strength. Patients with sensitive teeth can use a lower percentage product to prevent increased sensitivity. Patients who don’t have sensitivity, want to see fast results, and have heavy staining or discoloration can use a higher percentage whitening gel.
The downside of custom trays is that it will take a few days to see results. It will also take several weeks (or months if you’re using a lower percentage gel) to get to the shade you want.
Zoom Teeth Whitening System
If you want to see incredible results right away, the Zoom whitening system is ideal!
Zoom whitening is an in-office whitening system that takes between 45 and 60 minutes.
Your Whittier dentist will isolate your teeth to protect your gums and ensure the gel stays on your teeth. Then, they’ll carefully place the gel on each tooth. Once complete, they’ll shine an ultraviolet light on your teeth, which activates the gel. We repeat this every 15 minutes for several sessions. In the meantime, you get to sit back and relax.
At the end of your appointment, your teeth will be up to eight shades lighter. Zoom whitening is the fastest, safest way to get a bright, beautiful smile.
Talk to Your Whittier Dentist to Find the Best Solution for Your Needs
Your dental team has your best interests at heart. They want to help you get a beautiful, bright smile as quickly as possible – but they also want to make sure you do so in a way that doesn’t damage your oral health. Talk to your Whittier dentist today to determine which option is best for your needs.
Are you ready for a brighter, whiter smile? Contact our team to schedule an appointment today!
