We all want sparkling white teeth! So, how do we get them?
If you’ve ever searched for “at home teeth whitening”, you were most likely bombarded by an over abundance of options to choose, ranging from somewhat effective to some being down right harmful for your teeth (*cough…*DIY projects*…cough*…*suspiciously good deal on Groupon*).
Before we start,
1. Teeth whitening is not an option for everyone! Whitening is not recommended for you if you are:
- Pregnant
- Lactating
- Taking photosensitive medication
- Don’t have all of your permanent teeth (wisdom teeth excluded) – i.e. you’re younger than 13
2. I can’t stress this enough, your teeth and gums have to be healthy before you start the process. Whitening your teeth while you have active dental decay is only going to decrease your oral health. So make sure to visit your dental hygienist and your dentist for a dental exam first.
3. Have realistic expectations. Your teeth cannot get whiter than their natural color. Your enamel can whiten only to a certain level. Some people have a naturally yellower hue to their enamel and some don’t. Buying the most expensive product or leaving it on your teeth for longer that’s recommended will not give you fluorescent white teeth.
When Is The Best Time To Get Your Teeth Whitened?
Right after you dental cleaning! Once your teeth are free of plaque and tartar, the whitening product is able to work more effectively giving you a beautiful, bright smile.
As a registered dental hygienist, there are 2 options that I agree with and recommend for at home whitening. These options are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) and actually work!
1. Over the Counter Whitening Strips
This is the most affordable option. In my opinion, Crest strips are one of the best; they are effective and come in different whitening strengths, satisfyingly different budgets and needs.
The one question that I get asked all the time, is of all the different versions which one works best? And hers’s how I would answer that: They All work! But how fast they work, depends on their concentration of hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is the active ingredient in charge of removing stains. Higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide means that the product will be stronger and will give you results faster. This also means that the product will come with a higher price tag.
When shopping for whitening strips, consider how much time and money you are willing to spend. If you’re not in a time crunch, you can go with a cheaper option. It will take more time, but you will get the same results as with the more expensive ones.
2. Custom Bleaching Trays
These are made at your by your dentist and are completely customized for your teeth. Yes, technically this is not a 100% at home solution. You will have to visit your dentist to get the trays (they will take an impression on your teeth and fabricate the trays for you) and the whitening gel. But once you get them, they are yours forever and you can use them in the comfort of your home whenever you want. – This is assuming that you won’t lose the trays or your dog will not use them as a chew toy!
This option is more expensive than the whitening strips, but it’s also more convenient to use; especially if you make a lot of saliva and can’t get the strips to stick to your teeth. Also, the gels you will get for your trays is usually stronger than what you can get from over the counter products. This is a great option if you’re in a hurry and want to get your teeth whitened in a pinch.
A word about the whitening gels. It does not matter which brand you choose to use for your trays. However, make sure that you get them from your dental office and not online. A good deal online might be tempting, but you really shouldn’t trust your teeth with the internet. Let me just say that there are way too many stories about knock off products, diluted gels and people getting actual bleach instead of whitening gel!
Whitening and Tooth Sensitivity
It’s not uncommon to experience temporary sensitivity during the whitening process. Stronger products are more likely to likely to cause this. If your teeth are prone to sensitivity, try using sensitive toothpaste and space out the days you’re using the products for. So instead of everyday, use them every other day or every other 2 days.
If you have any questions, suggestions, thoughts let me know in the comments! And, please make sure to consult your dental hygienist and dentist before whitening your teeth.
Happy whitening,
Saba, RDH