Teeth Whitening: What Are My Options?

It is common for adults to desire and pursue a bright white smile. After all, whiter teeth can boost your self-confidence and even make you look younger. Unfortunately, there are many factors that can be an obstacle to white teeth. From coffee and dark berries to smoking and the natural aging process, teeth have a tendency to yellow or dull over time. 

Thanks to the advancements in cosmetic dentistry, patients now have a variety of options when it comes to teeth whitening. Your dentist can discuss your specific needs and preferences to determine which approach is best for you.  In general, there are three primary options in teeth whitening:

Over-the-Counter

Many patients try to lighten their teeth using store bought products. Your local drug store or grocery store likely has a shelf full of options in teeth whitening, from take home kits to special whitening toothpastes. While these may be able to produce subtle results over time, they are not best for more dramatic and quick improvement. In addition, over-the-counter products are not used under the supervision of your dentist. Therefore, you may end up with sensitive teeth or gums. 

Take-Home

If you prefer the comfort and convenience of whitening your teeth at home, yet you want professional grade results, consider asking your dentist for a take-home whitening kit. Your dentist will create custom trays for your smile to ensure that your teeth are whitened more evenly and effectively than store-bought kits. In addition, you’ll be given a professional whitening gel or bleaching agent that is designed to be much more powerful. Finally, your whitening treatment can be approved and monitored by your dentist for optimal safety. Take-home whitening is excellent for patients who want the freedom to use their whitening trays more frequently for better results or as a maintenance regime. 

In-Office

For patients that want immediate whitening results (perhaps before a big event), scheduling an in-office whitening treatment is best. Professional in-office whitening typically involves the application of a high-powered whitening gel that is activated by a special light. Using this method, patients can lighten their smile by up to several shades in just an hour. Rest assured that this process is both comfortable and safe. 

At Cosmetic Dentistry of Hayward, we want each patient to obtain the white, dazzling smile they desire. However, we also recognize that each patient has different clinical needs, personal preferences and budget concerns when it comes to whitening their teeth. We are here to help you weigh the pros and cons of each method so that you can make a confident decision towards a more attractive smile.