Teeth Whitening Benefits

Is your smile as white as it could be? If your pearly whites aren’t so pearly and white, you may want to look into teeth whitening. There are a few different options from which to choose, and your dentist can help you determine which one is right for you.

  • In-office teeth whitening can produce dramatic results. Even though in-office and home whitening kits each use peroxide-based bleaching agents, the solutions available to the dentist is much stronger than any you’d use at home. That means your teeth will get brighter, faster, and can get up to eight shades lighter in a single 2-hour appointment. The treatments can be a bit pricey, though, and may not be covered by your dental insurance.
  • At home, you have several options to brighten your smile. These choices are less expensive than the treatment you’d get at the dentist and more convenient to fit into your schedule.
    • Whitening strips and gels are applied directly to the teeth. They’re peroxide-based and typically require reapplication once or twice a day for up to two weeks. Results last about four months.
    • Tray-based bleaching systems involve a mouth guard-like tray. This tray is filled with bleaching gel or based, and placed over the teeth for one or more hours each day for up to four weeks. You can buy these over the counter, or your dentist can custom fit it for you.
    • Tooth-whitening toothpastes can only brighten your teeth by about one shade. They contain chemicals or polishing agents, and sometimes peroxides, but because they don’t stay on your teeth very long, they don’t work as well as other methods.
  • Maintenance is important no matter how you whiten your teeth. Once your teeth are whitened, keep them that way by brushing, flossing, and rinsing daily. It’s also a good idea to avoid acidic and tannin-rich beverages and foods like coffee and tea, wine, sports drinks, sodas, berries, and sauces.
  • Whatever you do, talk to your dentist before you make your decision. Some people are not good candidates for teeth whitening. If your teeth are sensitive, it can be very uncomfortable. If your teeth are brown, gray, or purple, you won’t get the same results as someone with yellow teeth. Teeth whitening is not a good idea for those with poor oral health, or for people with crowns, caps, and other restorative work to the front teeth. Your dentist will be able to advise you on how best to improve your smile, no matter what your situation.

At Glenwood Premier Dental, we believe that a healthy, confident smile is an important part of a happy and healthy lifestyle. Our staff of caring professionals is committed to offering a wide range of dental services, exceeding our patients’ expectations, and providing the best possible service. We offer dental exams and teeth cleanings, implant dentistry, Invisalign, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, veneers, and more, using state of the art technology in a comfortable and friendly environment. If you’re looking for dental care in Hazlet, contact us through our website or call 732.264.4477 for more information.