What Types of Teeth Whitening That Are Right for You?

Teeth whitening has become a popular way to brighten smiles. Whether you have yours performed in a dental office or choose over the counter products, you’ll need to know which types of teeth whitening will perform the best for you. Whitening is a convenient and quick way to brighten your teeth.

Are You a Good Candidate for Tooth Whitening?

If you have discolored teeth and are not happy with your smile, you may well be a good candidate for one of the many types of teeth whitening available. It is helpful if you still have your own teeth, since the bleaching agents are not as effective on crowns or veneers. It works exceptionally well on brown or yellow based stains like those from smoking or drinking coffee.

Tooth Whitening at Home

You can find many products on your grocery or box store shelves that will brighten your teeth in the comfort of your own home. These products typically will be used for a number of weeks, and the whitening will be gradual. At-home products do take longer to work, but they are largely effective.

Teeth Whitening Humble at Your Dentist’s Office

Although over-the-counter whiteners do work, the bleaching agents used by your dentist are stronger, and provide brighter results. In an hour or less, you can have a whiter smile after tooth whitening in your dentist’s office. The results may be more dramatic than those of products you purchase at the drug store.

In-office dental bleaching is a safe and popular choice for people who want to brighten their smiles. Your dentist has stronger products than those you can find in stores. In addition, you will know that your dentist offers methods that are beneficial and not damaging to your teeth. Dental office whitening is safer for your tooth enamel and more effective when removing deeper stains.

If you have your teeth whitened in your dentist’s office, he or she places a shield over your gums, so that the bleach solution will not come into contact with the gums. Then your dentist applies whitening solution on your teeth. The solution remains on the teeth for a time, up to about an hour, and the whitening agents do their work. A special light may be used, as well.

The Take-Home Whitening Process

You can also whiten your teeth under your dentist’s supervision with products made for this purpose. These work well if you want to avoid cosmetic dentistry procedures like veneers, which may be more costly.
You will feel more comfortable about the tooth whitening process if you have your dentist oversee the bleaching treatments. Among the various types of teeth whitening, this combines the ease of home use with the confidence in a product your dentist recommends for you.

In this combined process, your dentist will make impressions of your gums and teeth. They will be sent to a lab, where technicians make customized teeth whitening Humble trays for your teeth. You will use the trays and the solution your dentist gives you to whiten your teeth more gradually, at home. The results take longer than an office visit – about two weeks to see dramatic effects – but you’ll still be given a brighter, happier smile.