Tea, coffee, and red wine lovers may notice that their teeth have lost that bright white look. Stained or yellowing teeth can wreak havoc on your confidence, but it’s possible to give your pearly whites their gleam back. From whitening toothpaste to at-home teeth whitening strips, there are plenty of options to help you get a brighter smile. However, a professional tooth whitening session is one of the safest and most effective ways to get whiter teeth. It’s a good idea to visit a local dentist in Sebring, FL, for personalized information. Keep reading for an overview of teeth whitening treatments, from professional services to at-home treatment options.
Professional teeth whitening
An in-office teeth whitening treatment generally uses LED light technology along with a whitening gel to lighten your teeth by up to eight shades. The dental care professional will apply the gel to your teeth and use an LED light to activate it. The procedure takes around 90 minutes. With proper care and maintenance, the results from a professional tooth whitening treatment can last up to two years. This is a safe procedure with no negative impact on your dental enamel as long as it’s performed by a trained dental professional.
At-home teeth whitening options
Here are some at-home options to consider:
Teeth whitening kits
When you’re strapped for time and need a DIY teeth-whitening solution, consider an at-home teeth-whitening kit. A kit may include a professional-grade whitening gel along with trays designed to be worn over your teeth. This method does not include an LED light, so you’ll typically wear trays with the gel for several hours each day. With an at-home kit, you can lighten your teeth by five to seven shades in two weeks. While this method is much slower, you can still get great results from the comfort of your own home.
Teeth whitening strips
Whitening strips are easily available online and at your local drugstore. These strips contain a tooth-whitening gel and are designed to be worn for a fixed amount of time each day. While strips are economical, they may give you an uneven result. Like any other commercial product, they’re not customized, so results may vary.
Whitening toothpaste
A tooth-whitening toothpaste is a much gentler option designed to remove surface stains on your teeth and prevent new ones. A whitening toothpaste relies on certain active ingredients to give you a whiter, brighter smile. It may take months for a whitening toothpaste to show any results, and you’re not likely to see a dramatic difference. However, it’s also much cheaper and milder on your teeth compared to treatments that use professional strength whitening gels.
Whether you decide to get a professional teeth-whitening treatment or use at-home solutions for whiter teeth, it’s important to take steps to prevent further staining and discoloration. Here are a few tips to keep your teeth looking sparkling white:
- Avoid teeth-staining drinks like tea, coffee, sodas, red wine, and energy drinks, or use a straw when drinking them.
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly.
- Limit or give up tobacco and smoking.
- See your dentist and dental hygienist once or twice a year.
