Neighbor News
Teeth Whitening Options to Consider
There are many teeth whitening options available to patients, including toothpaste, over the counter, and chairside treatments.
With the increased popularity of teeth whitening in the last ten to fifteen years, it is small wonder that a plethora of options has also sprung up around this industry. With the varieties offered, our cosmetic dentist in North Hollywood provides some information to help sort through them.
Toothpastes
Toothpastes are the weakest and least effective type of tooth whitening. That is not to say they do not work, just that it will take a very long time. In fact, this option is perhaps best left as a way to maintain a white smile rather than to create one.
Over The Counter Treatments
These options, be they whitening strips, trays, or otherwise, will work for some patients. They have a mild amount of active agents, but many take numerous applications before results are noticeable. Moreover, the results have the potential to be uneven, as getting the solution evenly spread across the full surface of the tooth can be difficult. It is also important to keep the whitening agents away from the gums, cheeks and tongue, as these soft tissues can become severely irritated. Lastly, it is vitally important to follow the instructions to the letter, as keeping the solution on the teeth too long can cause sensitivity problems.
Chairside Treatments
These solutions are applied at a dental office by a trained professional, and are easily the most powerful and time-efficient options available. Because they are applied with a protective barrier for the soft tissue in the mouth, they are also very safe.
Contact our teeth whitening dentist in North Hollywood to learn more about all of these options.
