Cosmetic dentistry can play an important role in maintaining the quality of your smile and your overall oral health. Discoloration reversal services are popular treatment options for patients desiring a brighter and whiter smile. Read on to learn everything you should know about the three most standard types of teeth whitening products and procedures.
Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products
Over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening products are popular and affordable treatments for preventing oral discoloration. These items come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and functions, from disposable teeth whitening strips to applicable gels and coatings. The mildest form of OTC oral enhancement is probably whitening toothpaste, which slowly brightens discolored teeth. Most OTC whitening products contain peroxide-based agents designed to bleach and remove surface teeth stains. However, despite their accessibility, simplicity, and affordability, OTC whitening products are not the most effective method for enhancing the quality of your smile.
In-Office Laser Teeth Whitening
OTC teeth whitening products simply can’t compete with the effectiveness of in-office oral treatments and services. Laser teeth whitening is the most common form of cosmetic dentistry and is exclusively available at a dentist’s office. This process involves applying special hydrogen-peroxide gels directly to the surface of your teeth and treating the substance with a laser device. In just under an hour, the laser (or alternative heat source) activates the gel mixture and dramatically reverses the most severe oral discoloration. Of course, these services must remain ongoing to ensure the absolute best results.
Teeth Whitening Trays and Rinses
Tray-based whiteners and whitening rinses are both available for over-the-counter purchase and during your visit to the cosmetic dentist’s office. As such, these affordable and quick treatments are often recommended by your dentist following an in-office laser teeth whitening session. Using whitening trays and rinses for a few weeks after an enhancement procedure can help maintain vibrant results for a longer time. Certain tray-based products are suitable as stand-alone treatments for combating tooth discoloration; simply use these peroxide-bleaching oral accessories a few hours daily for about a month to attack teeth stains and soil marks. Supplement your whitening trays with rinses containing safe amounts of hydrogen peroxide. Talk to your cosmetic dentist about using trays and rinses to enhance your in-office whitening procedure.
Before committing to potential oral enhancement procedures, it’s essential that you know the facts about these three common types of teeth whitening services. Once you’re confident in pursuing a specific treatment plan, come to our offices at Bellevue Hilltop Dental to learn more. Our team is committed to providing excellent enhancement services and being the most effective cosmetic dentist in Bellevue, WA.