What Method of Teeth Whitening Is Best for Me?
Everyone wants a beautiful smile, and a variety of methods are available to reach this goal. Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dental procedures, so you need to know which treatment is best for you. One of the most important factors in making this decision is the cause of staining, which can include aging, smoking, dark drinks, and acid. This post discusses the most common bleaching ingredients and the use of lasers to increase their effectiveness.
Active Ingredients
Bleaching is usually the best approach for someone with profound discoloration due to intrinsic stains, which discolor deeper layers of the tooth. These stains require high concentrations of strong bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Dental offices typically use 15 to 40 percent solutions of these ingredients, which is significantly higher than the do-it-yourself kits that are commercially available. A trained specialist should perform these teeth-whitening procedures no more than twice a year due to the high concentrations involved.
Laser Whitening
Most teeth whitening procedures use LED lights or lasers to increase the effectiveness of whitening agents. These light sources create an activating effect that allows the bleaching agent to penetrate the teeth more quickly, reducing the treatment time. ZOOM treatment is currently the most popular, but other laser teeth whitening methods include BriteSmile and KoR. In addition to differences in the laser, the bleaching formula and cost of these methods also vary.
Gel-only Methods
Gel-only treatments that don't use heating lamps or lasers are becoming less common due to their inconsistent results. The Opalescence Boost bleaching method is one of the best-known methods of this type, which uses a 40 percent solution of hydrogen peroxide. While stronger concentrations are more effective in bleaching teeth, they also have more adverse effects. Patients with sensitive teeth are at greatest risk for these effects, so it's particularly important for them to consult with a dentist before undergoing treatment.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
The success of your teeth whitening procedure largely depends on how well you follow your dentist’s recommendations. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Dean Glasser's office by calling us at 631-423-6767 or completing our online form.
