Posted on January 17, 2019
When it comes to improving a person’s appearance, teeth usually are top of the list. And it’s no surprise why; your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you.
Are you looking to brighten your smile? Here are the four best teeth whitening methods currently available on the market – ranked in order of effectiveness.
Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
Swapping out your regular toothpaste with a whitening type means that minimal effort (and cost) is involved with trying this whitening treatment.
Although the abrasives within teeth whitening toothpaste can help remove stains, the lack of bleach will not noticeably whiten your teeth.
Teeth Whitening Strips
Widely available at pharmacies and grocery stores, teeth whitening strips offer another popular, cost-effective option for people on the quest to whiten their teeth.
Unlike teeth whitening trays, teeth whitening strips are not custom made for your teeth. Because of this, they tend to slide around while being worn.
Also decreasing the effectiveness of these over-the-counter strips is their low concentration level of peroxide agent.
Teeth Whitening Trays
A more effective option than strips are teeth whitening trays which are available either over-the-counter or from your dentist.
Depending on the staining on your teeth and the strength of the peroxide agent, this treatment can take up to a couple of weeks to become effective.
The teeth whitening strips provided by your dentist will perfectly fit your mouth and will contain a higher concentration of the peroxide ingredient. This makes them a more effective option than the over-the-counter variety.
In-office Bleaching
Completed at a dental office, in-office bleaching is the most effective way to whiten your teeth.
Vital bleaching, completed on living teeth, can effectively whiten teeth stained from food, tobacco or age. If you’ve had a root canal, non-vital bleaching can be used to lighten your tooth from the inside out.
Dentists use either heat or heat and light to complete the in-office bleaching procedure. Although the most effective results are produced from this treatment method, there is a greater chance of tooth sensitivity and irritation to soft tissues.
Also, not all dental offices provide this treatment type. Be sure to ask your dentist if this is available.
How to Choose the Best Teeth Whitening Treatment
Choosing the best teeth whitening treatment for you varies depending on the current level of staining on your teeth, your budget, your level of commitment, and the sensitivity of your teeth. Determining the cause of teeth discolouration is also crucial in choosing a method that will produce the desired results.
When deciding which teeth whitening method is best for you, your dentist is your greatest source of advice. He/she knows your dental history and can review the pros and cons of each treatment to help narrow down your best options.
Don’t have a dentist? The team at Stoney Creek Dental is happy to help you with your oral health needs! Contact us today to discuss our teeth whitening treatments. Ask about our other dental services, too!