Which Teeth Whitening is Best for You?

If you’re like most people, life has taken its toll on your pearly whites. Coffee, tea, and soda have made your teeth less than sparkling, and now you’re self-conscious every time you smile. Fortunately, if you want to whiten your smile, there’s no shortage of options available. There are so many, in fact, that we thought you might need help determining which one is right for you.

• Charcoal teeth whitening is a hot trend right now. Activated charcoal is not the same kind of charcoal you’d use on your grill, though. It’s the kind used in emergency rooms to absorb toxins from alcohol poisoning or a drug overdose. The theory is that this highly porous substance will pull stains and bacteria from your teeth, leaving them healthier and whiter. Does it work? Not really. It doesn’t stay on the teeth long enough, and the whitening it accomplishes is probably due to its abrasive nature. There are concerns about its safety, too, because it seems that over time it can irritate your gums, get into your fillings, and even wear away enamel.
• What about Crest WhiteStrips? Crest teeth whitening strips are available over the counter, and they’re as easy to use as they are affordable. Thin, flexible strips of polyethylene, WhiteStrips easily fit over the teeth. They contain an adhesive that holds them in place and a 9.5 hydrogen peroxide solution that soaks into the teeth and bleaches out stains. They’re only meant to be worn for about five minutes each day. They are fairly effective at bleaching stains because they stay on your teeth longer than whitening pens and toothpaste. Are they safe? Typically. For people with sensitive skin, though, they can irritate the gums or cause discomfort. Used incorrectly and excessively, Crest WhiteStrips can cause damage to the enamel, as well as tooth sensitivity.
• Professional whitening is done by a cosmetic dentist. It’s a popular choice because it’s very effective for most patients, and the results last a long time. Because it’s closely monitored by a professional, it’s safe. It’s done using custom-made trays and a peroxide bleaching solution, which you take home to use, following in-depth instructions provided by your dentist. In the comfort of your home, you can pop in the trays and watch TV, read, or just relax while you wait for them to do their magic.

If you’re looking for professional whitening, look to Glenwood Premier Dental, where we believe that a healthy, confident smile is an important part of a happy and healthy lifestyle. Our staff of caring professionals offers a wide range of dental services, working to exceed our patients’ expectations, and provide 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.