Smiling woman

To Whiten or Not To Whiten: What options are best for you?

How white are your teeth? Many of us would probably answer, “they could be whiter.” Your teeth naturally become darker with age. Your lifestyle can also affect the whiteness of your smile as regular coffee and tea drinkers can attest. It’s also painfully obvious that smoking is detrimental to both the appearance and health of your smile. While certain medications can permanently stain your teeth, most do not. So what can you do for a whiter smile? We’ve all seen products at the grocery store that claim to effectively whiten teeth but how do you know what works for you?

Teeth whitening really depends on the individual. If you’re looking for information on cosmetic dentistry including whitening, schedule your appointment with Omni Dental today. Come to any of our convenient locations and let us educate you on the different options available. Moreover, ask about cosmetic dentistry options that, together with whitening, can bring about your ideal smile.

While professional whitening may seem extreme for someone looking to change their smile only a shade or two whiter, many report that this option brings the most dramatic results in the shortest period of time. Furthermore, if your teeth are severely stained, professional office whitening may be the only option.

Professional whitening is non-evasive and simply requires time. After you have scheduled an appointment at one of our convenient locations, your dentist will apply the whitening formula directly onto your teeth. In order to activate the whitening formula, we may use either special lighting, heat, or a laser. You will then simply allow the formula to work as you rest in one of our comfortable chairs for 30 to 60 minutes.

Often times patients find dramatic results after the first treatment; however, each case is different. Allow us to guide you through your treatment options to better manage your expectations. A lifestyle change, including a change in diet or smoking habits, may be needed in order to sustain the results. Omni Dental typically advises to have several professional whitening appointments to produce maximum results.

Our team at Omni Dental understands that your schedule and lifestyle may not call for professional whitening. If you would like to test out over-the-counter whitening products, consult your dentist for professional advice. Remember that your smile is one of a kind, so what may work for someone else may not work for you.

A good way to test the waters is by using whitening toothpaste and whitening mouthwash. These options are easy to find and even easier to use as part of your regular oral health routine. The difficult part is finding a brand that works for you as many claim to work better than their competitors. You may also find that the results are unsatisfactory even after using them for an extended period of time.

Using whitening strips can also be a good choice for home convenience. While it may be slightly tricky to apply the strips directly onto your teeth at first, it will get easier with each application; however, you typically must apply the strips once a day for a week. Again, price may vary by brand and it will be difficult to know what brand works best without first making the initial investment.

Whitening gels and pastes in plastic trays may be an easier alternative to applying whitening strips. Simply use the recommended amount of whitening gel or paste in the given tray and place the tray over your teeth. These trays are generally one-size-fits-all; as such, they can feel uncomfortable if your teeth and mouth don’t conform to the standard size.

Whether you’re looking to learn more about over-the-counter whitening options or want to schedule an appointment for professional whitening, contact Omni Dental today.