Everybody loves a bright white smile, and there are a variety of products and procedures available to help you improve the look of yours.
Many people are satisfied with the sparkle they get from brushing twice daily with a fluoride-containing toothpaste, cleaning between their teeth once a day, and regular cleanings at their dentist’s office. But if you want to go beyond that and make your smile look brighter, you have options.
You can take several approaches to whiten your smile:
- At-home bleaching
- Whitening toothpastes
What are at-home procedures and products?
There are several types of products available for use at home, which can either be dispensed by your dentist or purchased over-the-counter.
Bleaching solutions. These products contain peroxide(s), which actually bleach the tooth enamel. These products typically use carbamide peroxide as the bleaching agent; carbamide peroxide comes in several concentrations (10%, 16%, 22%, and 32%).
Peroxide-containing whiteners typically come in a gel and are placed in a mouthguard. Usage regimens vary. Some products are used twice a day for 2 weeks, and others are intended for overnight use for 1-2 weeks. When you get the bleaching solution from North Liberty Dental, we can make a custom-fitted mouthguard that fits your teeth precisely.
You may also want to speak with your dentist should any side effects become bothersome. For example, your teeth may become sensitive while using the bleaching solution. In many cases, this sensitivity is temporary and should lessen once the treatment is finished. Some people also experience soft tissue irritation, either from a tray that doesn’t fit properly or from solution that may contact the tissues. If you have concerns about these side effects, discuss them with your dentist.
Whitening Toothpastes. All toothpastes remove surface stains through mild abrasives. “Whitening” toothpastes in the ADA Seal of Acceptance program contain special chemical or polishing agents that provide additional stain-removal effectiveness. Unlike bleaches, these ADA Accepted products do not alter the intrinsic color of teeth. Before using them, ask an expert at our office who has completed dental assistant training to determine which are effective for your teeth.
Improve Your Smile Today
If you’re ready to brighten your smile, we’re here to help! Contact our office today to schedule a teeth-whitening consultation and learn more about your cosmetic treatment options.
