Teeth whitening treatments are a dime a dozen these days. From sketchy online products to all-natural remedies, there’s a new one everywhere you look – but which ones are worth your time and money? Let’s talk about four of the whitening treatments our dentists recommend and explore the pros and cons of each.
1. Whitening Toothpastes
Whitening toothpastes are the least effective of the four methods we’ll be going over today, but they do work. They get their whitening power from microscopic abrasives like charcoal, aluminum oxide, baking soda, and hydrated silica. Some add a little peroxide into the mix to amplify their whitening effects.
These toothpastes can brighten your teeth by a shade or two with consistent use. However, using them for too long can scrape off some of the enamel on your front teeth and leave them looking darker than ever.
To mitigate this risk, look for pastes with an RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasivity) of 100 or less. For example, many Sensodyne and Arm & Hammer whitening toothpastes meet this standard.
2. Over-the-Counter Whitening Treatments
If toothpastes aren’t delivering the results you want, you can try consumer-grade whitening treatments like Crest Whitestrips. These products deliver a mild bleaching agent to the surface of your teeth. Using them as directed can make your teeth look several shades brighter. The results usually last a few weeks but can be maintained for months if you’re careful about what you eat and drink.
These treatments come in two forms: strips or trays. Both are applied directly to your teeth and must be handled with care. The bleaching solution can irritate your gums and cause tooth sensitivity with overuse. That said, they offer impressive results at an affordable price point. It’s no wonder they’re so popular!
3. In-Office Whitening
In-office whitening treatments go one step further than over-the-counter whitening strips and trays. Dentists and dental assistants apply a strong peroxide gel directly to your teeth, using a protective barrier to keep the substance away from your gums.
Some in-office treatments (including the popular Zoom whitening) use LED lights to activate the bleaching agents and produce faster, more dramatic results. Others rely on the gel alone. In either case, you won’t be able to leave your dentist’s office until the treatment is complete and the gel has been washed out of your mouth. It usually takes around an hour but can take longer if multiple applications are needed.
These treatments are very effective, but they have two major limitations. They cost significantly more than consumer-grade whitening treatments, often going for hundreds of dollars when not subsidized as part of a promotion. They also can’t achieve that coveted Hollywood white smile. For that, you’ll need to turn to our last whitening solution: veneers.
4. Veneers
If you’re looking for the classic celebrity-white smile, veneers are the way to go. These thin shells cover the entire visible surface of each tooth, and they can be any colour you like – even pure white. (Most dentists advise choosing a brighter shade of your natural tooth colour, though. Pure white teeth can look uncanny in everyday settings.)
Veneers are permanent, so you won’t have to get multiple treatments to maintain your results. They also offer more control over other aspects of your smile, such as the shape and size of your teeth. In the hands of a skilled dentist, there’s almost no limit to what they can do.
Of course, veneers have their downsides too. They’re more invasive than other whitening treatments, requiring you to sacrifice some enamel to make space for them. After getting them, you’ll also need to avoid dark-colored food and drink and cut up food you would normally bite into.
Perhaps most importantly, though, veneers are more expensive than other whitening treatments. A full set of porcelain veneers can cost thousands of dollars. Composite ones cost less but will still set you back a few hundred dollars on average.
Ask your dentist for a quote before beginning treatment so you can fit the expense into your budget. Many dentists offer payment plans for big purchases like this, so you might not even need to save up to move forward.
Visit Us for Expert Teeth Whitening in Windsor
That pearly white smile you’ve always wanted is within your reach. You just need a little help to get there. The team at Ouellette Dentistry can walk you through your options in greater detail and point you toward a solution that suits your needs and budget. Contact us today to book a dental cleaning and take your first step toward your smile goals.
