Whitening toothpastes can slightly whiten teeth by removing surface stains. They do this by using special abrasives that gently polish teeth and chemicals that break down and eliminate stains from the outer layer of the tooth.
The pros? Using a whitening toothpaste doesn't change your normal brushing routine and is very affordable. While you won't get "immediate" results, the long-term effects of brushing with an ADA approved whitening toothpaste can whiten your teeth 1-2 shades.
The cons? A whitening toothpaste cannot change the natural color of your tooth or tackle stains that go deeper than the surface level. It is a long-term process to see results and your whitening potential is very limited with this approach.
So, what are the alternatives? There are many options to achieve a brighter, whiter smile. We at Springs Family Dentistry probably have a solution to fit your budget and lifestyle. Here is a quick list of some choices we can discuss as well as the time and effort usually required to see effects and shade changing potential:
- Teeth Whitening Strips: Can see effects in as little as three days, but plan on thirty to get the full effect. Press strips on your teeth and leave them there for 30 minutes, once per day, can whiten 3-4 shades.
- Over-the-Counter Home Teeth Whitening: Three days to two weeks to see whitening effects. Wear one-size-fits-all-mouth trays anywhere from one hour to overnight or brush on twice daily (depending on kit type), up to 6 shades whiter.
- Professional Grade Home Teeth Whitening: Available only through a dentist, noticeable results in one day to impressive results in one week. Can tackle deeper, more stubborn stains than over the counter remedies, whitens up to six shades. *Also available for people with sensitive teeth.
- In-Office Teeth Whitening: Get full results in 45-75 minutes, only done in a dental office using a professional whitening system. Can whiten up to 8 shades.
- Power Teeth Whitening: Up to several weeks, in office professional whitening system and at home routine has the ability to remove stubborn stains, such as those from tetracycline, that were once thought to be permanent, can whiten 5 + shades.
Call us at 407-862-2299 to see what tooth whitening is best for you!
