Professional Teeth Whitening - Warren, OH Dentist
Snelson & Snelson, DDS provides professional teeth whitening services at our Warren, OH dental office to enhance your smile! By whitening your teeth, you can brighten your smile and boost your self-confidence. Professional teeth whitening is effective and safe, and can be used to lessen or eliminate the appearance of stains and discoloration caused by fluorosis, tobacco use, medications, certain foods and drinks, illness, and the natural aging process.
More and more people today are choosing teeth whitening procedures to reverse the effects of aging and abuse from food and tobacco stains. Teeth whitening treatments have effectively restored the smile of many people with stained, dull, or discolored teeth.
Whitening Treatments
There are many products and techniques available for patients who want to achieve a brighter smile, and with so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the method that is right for you. The best way to begin any teeth whitening regimen is to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Warren, OH and discuss the differences between professional teeth whitening and at-home whitening using over-the-counter solutions. Professional whitening from your dentist is considered to be the most effective and safest method.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
The first professional option is commonly referred to as in-office whitening. This procedure is performed in a dental office. During an appointment, your dental professional will apply a whitening gel to the surface of your teeth. The entire office visit generally takes about 90 minutes and you will be able to see results immediately.
At-Home Professional Whitening
Tray bleaching is a type of professional whitening that uses custom-made trays and whitening gel only available through your dentist. The whitening gel is placed in custom-fitted trays that fit perfectly over your teeth. As the peroxide in the gel breaks down, hydroxy radicals help whiten stained teeth. Unlike whitening strips, this process whitens all your natural teeth and may contain ingredients intended to provide maximum comfort. At-home professional grade tray whitening generally takes 10-14 days, although you may notice results in as little as three to five days.
Is professional teeth whitening right for me?
Professional whitening solutions are generally the most effective, but it's important to note that they are only effective on certain types of stains. For example, bleaching agents have a difficult time removing brownish or grayish stains. These products also are not as effective on pitted or badly discolored teeth, or on restorations such as crowns, bridges, bonding and tooth-colored fillings. In those situations, porcelain veneers or dental bonding may be a more appropriate solution for you. It's best to talk with your Warren, OH dentist and they can help determine what the best treatment option would be for you.
Over the Counter Whitening Solutions
Paint-On Teeth Whiteners
There are many over-the-counter teeth whitening options, and one type of readily accessible whitening products is commonly referred to as a “paint-on” teeth whitener. Paint-on whiteners can be purchased over-the-counter and generally are less expensive and less effective than whitening strips or professional options. Paint-on teeth whiteners consist of a gel that is applied to the tooth using a small brush. Paint-on whitening gel hardens into a film that coats the teeth, and dissolves in the mouth. As with any teeth-whitening regimen, it is wise to consult with a dental professional before use.
Teeth Whitening Strips
Teeth whitening strips are thin, flexible plastic (polyethylene) strips with a thin film of hydrogen peroxide on one side. Whitening strip kits come with two types of strips: strips for the upper teeth and strips for the lower teeth. The whitening agent is applied by placing the strips across your teeth and gently pressing the strips to ensure contact with all your teeth. Teeth whitening strips are typically worn for 30 minutes a day, twice a day. The duration of treatment will vary.
Whitening Toothpaste and Mouthwash
The least expensive options are whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes. Designed to have “whitening” capabilities, toothpastes and mouthwashes work to remove surface stains using mild abrasives. However, unlike the materials used in professional whitening procedures, these products do not lighten the actual color shade of the tooth. Whitening toothpastes affect surface stains and will mildly lighten your teeth.