08 Dec The Different Types of Teeth Whitening Products; Insights from a Lincolnwood Area Dentist
There are many options when it comes to tooth whitening products and treatments in Lincolnwood, and if you have no oral health issues and no fillings, at-home teeth whitening products can be very safe. These products are most effective if your teeth currently have a yellow tone, but with so many options out there, it’s good to be informed before you make a purchase. Ideally, you should consult your dentist before going forward with any of these products. However, having a general idea of what the market has to offer is your second-best option. In this article, we will cover the different types of teeth whitening products and help you better understand your options.
1. Whitening Toothpaste
Any toothpaste will remove surface stains to a degree, but whitening toothpaste has a different composition that assists with the whitening process. The over-the-counter version of these toothpastes will contain substances such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which lighten the color of the teeth by about one shade. Prescription whitening toothpastes, however, are powerful enough to lighten the shade of the teeth by 3-8 shades.
2. Over-the-Counter Whitening Gels and Strips
Over-the-counter whitening gels are peroxide-based, and they are applied to the surface of the teeth using a small brush. Their effectiveness will depend on the concentration of the peroxide. The first results will be visible after several days, and the treatment will generally last for a few months. The whitening strips also use peroxide-based gels, but the application method is different. Here, the gel is applied to very thin strips that are placed on the surface of the teeth. Make sure to follow the instructions on the product packaging.
3. Whitening Mouthwash
This is a relatively new product that has all the benefits of regular mouthwash in addition to being able to whiten your teeth. They contain various active ingredients, which may include hydrogen peroxide, and they are used just like regular mouthwash. However, their effectiveness is questioned by some dentists because the whitening mouthwash is only in contact with the teeth for a relatively short period of time—just 60 seconds, instead of the 20-30 minutes of contact you get with many whitening strips.
4. Whitening Tray Systems
These whitening systems can be bought either from your dentist, or as over-the-counter products. They consist of a tray that is similar to a mouthguard, and which is filled with a whitening peroxide-based gel. The treatment will vary in duration based on the product and the desired level of whitening, and it can range anywhere from an hour or two per day, to overnight, for several weeks or more.
How Do These Products Compare to Professional Teeth Whitening in Lincolnwood?
Now that we know what the market has to offer, you might be wondering how these products compare to a treatment performed at the dentist? To start, the professional option is the quickest way to whiten your teeth. The method used is fairly straightforward—a bleaching agent is applied to the teeth, and it is activated and accelerated using laser, heat, or some other form of special lighting. The procedure lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, and the change in coloration is noticed right away. The treatment can also continue past the first session if the patient desires an even lighter shade. However, the drawback of this method is that it is the most expensive option.
If you would like to find out more about your teeth whitening options, or would like to setup an appointment, contact us today. The professionals at Dental Innovations provide a variety of services, including teeth whitening in Lincolnwood, along with many other dental procedures.