Did you know that your smile has its own superpowers? Studies show that they can make you look younger and thinner—and even take you places. No wonder many people invest in enhancing their pearly whites.
If you have been holding back a full-on smile for quite some time now because your teeth are yellow, there are different methods of teeth whitening at your disposal. Let’s check them out.
In-Office Whitening
This is the quickest, most effective method to brighten your teeth. While it may cost more than the rest of the options do, the results are definitely worth the investment. In an in-office whitening treatment procedure, your dentist will place a protective covering over your lips and gums, then apply the product onto your teeth. The whitening gel contains hydrogen peroxide, which is a natural bleaching agent. Your dentist will expose it to a special light, or a laser, to activate the peroxide and let it penetrate the tooth enamel, breaking up stains and discoloration.
This method can make your teeth three to eight shades whiter, with dramatic results noticeable in just an hour. Ongoing treatment may be recommended to maintain the results.
Teeth Whitening Gels and Strips
Whitening gels are clear, hydrogen peroxide-based solutions that you can apply directly to the surface of your teeth using a small brush or teeth molds, which are worn for a specified period of time. You can buy them either over the counter or from your dentist. Initial results are seen in a few days and sustained for about four months.
Whitening strips are very thin, virtually invisible strips that bleach off the surface stains on your teeth. Whitening strips are also peroxide-based, applied according to the instructions on the packaging. You can expect results in at least seven days, but they may vary according to the amount of concentration of peroxide and the type of teeth discoloration you have.
Whitening Mouthwashes
Whitening mouthwashes contain about two percent concentration of hydrogen peroxide and are a relatively less effective option. You need to wait up to 12 weeks to notice visible results. As you do the regular mouthwash, simply swish the liquid for up to a minute twice a day, before brushing your teeth. To get the most out of your whitening rinse, you have to follow the instructions on the bottle and commit to it long-term. Make sure to read the label and avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol, which can dry out your gums and mouth.
Whitening Toothpastes
Many conventional whitening kinds of toothpaste have an abrasive ingredient called silica, which works by just scraping the stains off your teeth. There are also those that contain low concentrations of active hydrogen peroxide. If you want real results, use those that contain peroxide. You can expect visible results after a week of using them two to three times daily.
Teeth Whitening by a Highly Skilled Cosmetic Dentist in Minneapolis-St. Paul
It pays to do some research when considering which of the whitening methods above you will be using since you will be putting these products in your mouth. More importantly, it proves helpful to partner up with a highly skilled cosmetic dentist like Dr. Steve Hagerman of Hagerman Dental Clinic. For nearly four decades, Dr. Hagerman has been helping patients in the Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota areas improve their oral health and achieve a beautiful smile. He addresses existing oral problems that contribute to teeth discoloration before proceeding to transform your smile using the latest in-office teeth whitening solutions.
To make an appointment with Dr. Steve Hagerman, call (651) 646-2392 or use our online request form. We look forward to giving you a whole new reason to smile!