Chances are you have seen a commercial or an advertisement in magazines for teeth whitening. It is a quick, economical way to see a dramatic improvement in your appearance. Depending on the type of treatment, patients can watch their discolored smile turn into a vibrant white smile in as little as one hour. Since professional teeth whitening came on the market, many companies have begun producing over-the-counter solutions. With so many options available, it’s easy to become confused on which method is best. We’d like to take this opportunity to break down the different options available and help you understand why professional methods are the best.
DIY remedies
Just a quick google search will tell you that there are hundreds of “recipes” for creating your own at-home whitening solution. Everything from brushing with baking soda to using straight hydrogen peroxide promises a whiter smile at a fraction of the cost. The problem is most of these solutions can be extremely hazardous for your teeth. A common example is lemon juice, which is a known bleaching agent; however, lemon juice is highly acidic and it will eat away at tooth enamel.
Over-the-counter methods
One walk down the toothpaste aisle at the drug store will yield dozens of pastes, creams, trays, and strips that promise whiter teeth. While these products may help remove some superficial staining from the surface of teeth, the strength of the bleaching agent has to be weak to allow it to be sold over the counter. In addition, these methods are one-size-fits-all, meaning they will not always produce even results.
Professional Treatments
Professional methods from your dentist are the safest way to whiten teeth. We offer both in-office and at-home treatment options, so you are free to choose which one makes the most sense for your situation. The results from professional teeth whitening will be even and remarkable and you’ll have the added benefit of a dentist looking out for your safety.
The key to a whiter smile is finding a dentist you can trust, like Dr. Terry Vines at Pure Gold Professionals in Dentistry. For more information on the various methods of teeth whitening, call our office today.