Discolored and stained teeth can really have a negative effect on your self-esteem. Do you hate getting pictures taken because you're embarrassed by your smile? Unsightly, yellowing enamel can spoil special events in your life like parties, job interviews, graduation, or your wedding. Whitening is a great option if you already have teeth that are straight, not gapped, and are an appropriate shape. You’d be amazed what a change brightening them up a few shades will have on your appearance. Lernor Family Dental is the number one choice for a teeth whitening dentist (in Scottsdale). Bleaching is safe, and you don’t have to undergo any irreversible procedures like with other types of cosmetic options, such as porcelain veneers.
What are the Best Types of Teeth Whitening Treatments?
When looking into whitening, you’ll find out that there are a lot of different options to choose from. But don’t let this overwhelm you! It’s best to talk to your dentist one-on-one to discuss the best choices for you, and what makes someone a good candidate for different types of whitening. Essentially there are two ways to whiten your teeth. One option has you visiting a store and buying a product over the counter. The other involves a trip to the dentist and getting a prescription strength whitening system.
Over the Counter Bleaching Options
These come in a variety of forms. Here are some of the most common:
- Toothpaste
Shelves of stores are filled with whitening toothpaste! The truth is that most of them promise you unreachable results. While using this type of toothpaste is good for maintaining your white teeth, they do a poor job of getting them there if there’s already stain. The percentage of active whitening ingredients found in these products is relatively low. However, unlike some of the other options available over the counter, whitening toothpaste has the lowest chance of causing sensitive teeth. So, if you usually experience discomfort when drinking something cold, and you only need to whiten your teeth a touch, then this may very well be a good option for you to consider.
- Whitening Strips
Bleaching strips are the most popular over the counter whitening product sold. They’re fairly affordable and easy to use. The kits contain thin, sticky, strips that you apply to your teeth. Some dissolve and others need to be peeled off after a few minutes. Strips come in different strengths and the active ingredient can vary. So, you’ll want to look at the ingredients and percentages/concentrations of each. Also, read how long and often they need to be worn.
- Bleaching Pens
These are a good “on the go” option. You could use them in the car, on the ride to work or keep them in your desk to touch up after lunch. Essentially, it’s a tube that has a whitening solution in it, with a brush attached to the tip. When you squeeze, the gel comes out and you can apply the gel directly to your teeth or problem areas. After a few minutes, it dissolves, and you’re done. They’re pretty affordable and work well for maintenance, much like whitening toothpaste does.
Professional Teeth Whitening Options
This is where you get the help of Lernor Family Dental, the best teeth whitening dentist in Scottsdale, Arizona. The results we provide with our line of professional bleaching solutions is like none you can buy over the counter. You’ll choose from the most effective and fastest bleaching options available today. We can complete it in the office for you, or if you prefer to use something yourself in the privacy of your own home, that’s fine too.
- At Home Professional Whitening Treatments
Since this is “professional,” you’ll get a set of custom fitting bleaching trays made. First, you’ll come to the office and our assistants will take impressions of your teeth. Once the trays are made, you’ll return so that we can make sure they fit well. You’ll also be shown how to use the Opalescence bleaching solution at home. Whiter teeth will be seen within just a few days, but optimal results will be from whitening an hour a day for 10-14 days. Your teeth will stay white for a long time. Touch ups can be done about twice per year and may only require a few sessions. We recommend planning to touch up after your six-month cleanings! So, keep your custom trays and if you need more bleaching solution, you can pick some up when you come in for a checkup. If you have extra sensitive teeth and are experiencing trouble with a full round of bleaching, you can start using a sensitivity toothpaste to help prevent hypersensitivity. Don't worry though, any discomfort experienced from bleaching is temporary.
- In-Office Professional Whitening Treatment
KöR same day whitening is completed in-office by our professional staff in one single visit! It’s a bleaching gel that will be applied to your teeth in multiple mini-sessions. A special light activates its whitening power, causing oxidation of stain particles When the time is up, the solution gets rinsed off and reapplied. This process is repeated about three times. By the time you leave the office in just over an hour, you’ll see significant improvement. This is a highly effective option. It works great for people with a busy lifestyle that don’t have the time to bleach every day at home. Or for those that require a significant amount of whitening for more tenacious stain.
Other Reasons to Consider Whitening
If you do have to undergo treatment on a front tooth, you may want to consider bleaching first. Since the permanent filling or crown restorations are custom shaded and won’t change, it’s a good idea to go ahead and brighten up your surrounding teeth first. This way, when choosing the appropriate shade to make your tooth, it can be matched to a more appealing color.
A Whiter Smile is Just One Phone Call Away
Are you interested in other cosmetic treatments? Lernor Family Dental has a smile makeover option for every need and budget. You deserve that beautiful smile, so call today!
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Are you interested in achieving a brighter, whiter smile? Dr. Lernor, a top teeth whitening DDS in Scottsdale, has decades of experience helping patients improve their smiles to achieve the look they have been dreaming of. Give us a call today at 602-483-4112 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.