Learn About Teeth Whitening Treatment

Whitening Toothpaste/ Mouthwash 

The most inexpensive solution for tooth whitening is whitening toothpaste and mouthwash products. Whitening toothpaste generally aids in helping prevent surface stains by being slightly abrasive to the teeth to rub off stains. Whitening mouthwash usually includes a small amount of a whitening agent in the ingredients to target internal staining. These products can be hit or miss and do not give consistent results. 

Over the Counter White Strips 

Over-the-counter whitening strips contain a whitening agent that is applied to the tooth surfaces for a certain time. With these products, make sure to follow the label and the directions. The downside to white strips is that they are not explicitly fitted for your teeth/mouth and may not be able to access the in-between surfaces of your teeth for even whitening. 

Whitening Trays 

At-home teeth whitening trays are trays made in a dental office that is fitted specifically for your teeth and mouth to give an even distribution of the whitening agent. The whitening agent is often hydrogen peroxide. Dental impressions will be taken of your teeth, and the trays will take about one week to be made. When you return, you will receive your trays and detailed instructions on indications for use. 

In-Office Whitening 

The gold standard in tooth whitening is in-office whitening, which is also the most expensive type of whitening. In-office whitening is thought to give the best results. In-office whitening is a whitening procedure completed in 1 appointment of about an hour to an hour and a half. The whitening agent will be applied to your teeth, and a UV light will be used to speed up the working action of the whitening agent. It is important to use a toothpaste designed for sensitivity for a couple of weeks before and after the whitening procedure to prevent sensitivity caused by the whitening agent travelling into the underlying tooth structure. 

Be sure to talk with your dentist about which whitening option will work best for you. We encourage you to contact us today to book an appointment if you have any questions.