Posted on June 20, 2019
White teeth can go a long way towards boosting someone’s confidence, improving their appearance and even increasing their ability to get employed.
Although it can’t be argued that most people want white teeth, choosing the best way to brighten teeth can be debatable. We’ve outlined the top four teeth whitening options for you below. All you have to do is choose one that best matches your budget and time commitment!
Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash are the most affordable teeth whitening option – however, their ability to fight serious stains is limited.
Widely available at pharmacies and supermarkets, whitening toothpaste can be easily fit into your daily oral care routine. However, since whitening toothpaste features only 1% - 1.5% concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, only surface stains are removed.
Another inexpensive option is a whitening mouthwash. Although easy to incorporate into your current oral hygiene routine, mouthwashes only remove surface stains. However, whitening mouthwash has the added advantage of killing bad breath germs, too!
Over-the-Counter Whitening Strips
Make your smile brighter in the convenience of your own home with over-the-counter teeth whitening strips. Affordable, effective and convenient, whitening strips can be worn while you do just about anything – even drink water!
Application is easy: one strip is placed on the top front teeth, and the other is placed on the bottom. The concentration of peroxide in the strips determines the application times, which can range from five minutes to two hours. Some teeth whitening strip users experience teeth sensitivity for a couple of days.
Because there is 6% to 10% of hydrogen-peroxide found in strips, difficult enamel stains such as coffee or wine are targeted in addition to surface stains.
Depending on your level of teeth discoloration, improvements can be seen in only one week, and results can last up to one year. On average, teeth whitening strips cost about $30 - 50.
Professional Tray-and-Gel Systems
For better results without the expense of in-office teeth whitening, consider dentist supplied tray-and-gel systems.
Before using the take home tray and whitening gel, a mould will need to be custom fit to your mouth by a dentist. With a 10% - 15% concentration of hydrogen peroxide, this whitening option can produce some pretty impressive results and is still quite affordable at approximately $500 for the initial kit.
Over-the-counter gel trays are available; however, their ability to create effective results vary and application can be messy.
In-Office or Professional Teeth Whitening
For a long-lasting, highly effective teeth whitening treatment, get ready to spend some time at a dental office!
Professional teeth whitening treatments performed by a dentist contains hydrogen peroxide concentrations as high as 35%. This high level of concentration can quickly make your teeth several shades brighter, with results seen right away. Both stains on the outer layer of the tooth and below the enamel are removed. Some teeth sensitivity may be experienced.
But even though it’s performed in a dental office, don’t think that it will be covered by insurance! Under most insurance plans, whitening is viewed as a strictly cosmetic procedure. Although this leaves you to pay more than $1,000 out of pocket, professional teeth whitening results can last up to three years.
For more information about professional teeth whitening services, contact our office today!