Who wouldn’t love a brighter smile? Teeth whitening is one of the most common goals of cosmetic dentistry, fighting back against stains and leaving you with a sparkling smile.
There are many options out there today when it comes to teeth whitening. Which is the right choice for you?
Over-the-Counter Whitening Solutions
Plenty of products at your local pharmacy or grocery store claim to offer effective whitening. These solutions vary widely in their efficacy and the timeline over which they work. While they can provide some results, professional whitening options from your dentist generally do so better.
Whitening toothpastes are a popular option among consumers. Many common toothpastes incorporate whitening agents as their main selling point or as an addition to a general recipe.
The most effective whitening toothpastes use small amounts of peroxide or other chemicals to achieve whitening. Avoid toothpastes that contain charcoal — these whiten by abrasively removing surface stains but can also wear down the enamel, leading to sensitivity and tooth decay.
You’ll also find whitening strips and trays. Over-the-counter products often contain peroxide or another whitening agent and require you to wear the strips or trays for a brief period each day. These can brighten your smile, but they might not be strong enough to achieve noticeable whitening fast.
Zoom Laser Bleaching
Do you want brighter teeth sooner rather than later? If so, you can visit a dentist for professional in-office whitening. This method involves applying a whitening agent using trays, similar to over-the-counter solutions. However, these trays contain a much stronger solution that only professional dentists are allowed to employ.
Stronger solutions produce more significant whitening in a short period of time: Most treatments take around an hour.
During a Zoom laser bleaching session, your dental professional will use a special light to activate the whitening agent in the trays. This increases the rate of transfer to your teeth, delivering a dramatically whiter smile in only a single treatment.
Laser bleaching is both safe and comfortable, letting you make the most of the latest advancements in teeth whitening technology.
Take-Home Bleaching Kits
Another option you might use to whiten your teeth is a take-home bleaching kit, which you can get at your dentist’s office. These are similar to the kits you can buy over the counter but provide better results.
Take-home bleaching kits typically include custom-made trays that offer an improved experience. With over-the-counter kits, the trays are all the same dimensions and only approximate the shape of each row of teeth. Custom trays made from an impression or scan of your mouth will fit you like a glove, providing better contact with the whitening agent.
The whitening agents included in take-home kits are stronger than those you can get in over-the-counter kits as well. You’ll only be able to get them through a dentist, so it’s worth it to reach out if you’re looking for a more effective whitening solution.
Using a take-home kit is just as easy as using an over-the-counter kit.
Simply apply the whitening agent to the trays and insert them into your mouth. Keep them there for around half an hour, being sure to follow the specific instructions listed on the package. After a week or so, you’ll have a noticeably brighter smile to show for your efforts.
Find the Right Whitening Solution for Your Smile
Still not sure which option to go with? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Behnam Cohen, DDS, at Cohen Dental Care in Great Neck and Briarwood to discuss your needs.
Dr. Cohen offers a full range of cosmetic and general dentistry procedures, which means you’re guaranteed to find a solution that’s just right for you. Contact Cohen Dental Care to book your appointment today.