What Are The Best Methods For Teeth Whitening? 

Is having whiter teeth one of your goals this year? There are many options on the market today that promise to give you the pearly whites associated with the smiles of celebrities on glossy magazine covers. But figuring out which treatments are the best for teeth whitening can be a chore. 

Some people tout success with products picked up from the local pharmacy. Others recognize the powerful effects of whitening with a local dentist. Find out more about the best ways to whiten teeth from professional dentists – here!  

Over-the-Counter Treatments

The first thing many people try to get their smile a few shades whiter is an over-the-counter treatment. You can pick these up relatively easily at your local pharmacy or mega-retailer. They are easy to use and promise great results, but do they really work? 

In short, the answer is often no. They usually contain anywhere from 10 to 20 percent carbamide peroxide, which may not be strong enough to make a difference in yellow teeth. In addition, most whitening strips will only cover the front six teeth, leaving the rest of your smile the same. 

If you opt for a whitening toothpaste or mouth rinse, you aren’t likely to see many benefits other than those offered by a regular toothpaste. 

Some people are drawn in by marketing that advertises brightening your teeth with a light. This has not really been proven to make much of a difference in the whiteness of your teeth. The only time a light should be effectively used to whiten the teeth is after a bleaching agent has been applied, whether that’s in a dental office or at home.

When compared to professional treatments offered by your dentist, these take-home products are often a waste of money and time. You’ll get much better and more controlled results with take-home treatments or in-office treatments from a cosmetic dentist. 

Take-Home Treatments

Many dental patients come to their local clinic having already tried over-the-counter treatments that promise to whiten teeth. When you come to a dental clinic and ask for teeth whitening, we may have take-home options to offer you. These give you the convenience of being able to work on your smile at home, and they’re much more effective than what you would get from a store. 

How do these treatments work? First, you will apply a very small amount of gel to a custom-made whitening tray that fits over your teeth. Apply the gel and trays to the teeth for a set period of time and you’ll see results in a few sessions.  

Professional Teeth Whitening

If you don’t see the results that you want with take-home treatments, you might want an expert eye to help you achieve those beautiful teeth you dream about. A dentist has more powerful options for treatment if you’re willing to come into the office for a quick session. We’ll apply a whitening gel to your teeth for about a 20 to 30-minute session. 

This treatment can be repeated several times to get you the ideal shade of white for your teeth. Each appointment is kept short, so it’s super simple to work this in-office session into a busy schedule. 

Our treatment is light-activated with great success. It is a state-of-the-art procedure using the best technology that the dental industry currently offers. 

Keep Up With Dental Hygiene 

One of the best ways to ensure that your teeth stay as white as possible is to keep up with your dental hygiene. This includes not just brushing twice a day and flossing but also regular dental appointments. How often should you go to the dentist? Your local dentist and hygienist can help scale and polish your teeth twice a year, making those pearly whites last longer. An example of this is teeth whitening in Winnipeg.

You should also avoid foods that lead to staining. If you do partake in some of these foods, brush one-half hour after consumption. This can include coffee and tea as well as red wine, curry dishes, and even fruits and vegetables like berries or beets. 

The ideal teeth whitening patient has yellow teeth instead of white or gray. Be aware that this treatment may not be right for you if you have a lot of dental restorations, fillings, or crowns. Dark teeth may not respond as well. In addition, patients with sensitive teeth may not be a great fit for professional teeth whitening in-office. 

Maintain Your White Teeth

Once you have your white teeth just the way you want them, you’ll want to do everything in your power to keep them that way. If you need help with your teeth, be sure to contact MySmile for top-notch teeth whitening!