Which Teeth Whitening Methods Work Best

If your smile has lost its natural luster, you may have considered one of several tooth whitening methods to restore its natural brightness. But with so many products and procedures to choose from, it can be difficult to select the one that’s right for you. We’ll look at the two main categories of teeth whitening products, and give and overview of the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Tooth whitening products fall into two main categories, those applied by a dentist, and over the counter products. Each has advantages and disadvantages. We’ll look at the products available from your dentist first. Your dentist has some powerful tools at his disposal to whiten your teeth. The products available to your dentist are much more potent than those available over the counter. When applying whitening agents, your dentist will take care to protect your gums and the rest of your mouth from the chemicals used in the whitening process. This process is so effective that a single session will oftentimes result in noticeably whiter teeth.

Because your dentist is there to supervise the procedure, he or she can take the time to ensure you have no other problems with your teeth, such as cavities or gum disease. He or she can also evaluate your individual needs and adjust the concentration of the whitening agents to best suit you. Your dentist can either apply the whitening agents in the office, or supply you with applicators and the chemicals for you to use at home.

Over the counter teeth whitening products are available in any local drugstore. The concentration of whitening agents in these products is much lower than those used by your dentist. As a result, it may take several applications to match the results from a dentist-supervised whitening. But because the concentration of bleaching agents is much lower, these products are safe for use without supervision. The main advantage to using an over the counter product is cost. Whitening kits are available from $10 to $35. These products have been proven to be effective, but take longer to achieve their results.

So which method is best? The answer depends on your individual needs and budget. A dentist can identify any potential problems and even determine if whitening is the correct course of action for you, but naturally, this will cost more than the over the counter method. If you have good oral health, you can gain substantial savings by whitening your teeth yourself. Community Dental Group can help you determine which method is right for you, and serve the rest of your oral care needs as well.