When looking to brighten teeth, many people will turn to their local store. There are several over-the-counter products available to help remove teeth stains and brighten teeth. However, there are reasons that people are often better off choosing a professional option for removing discoloration. Will OTC options improve brightness? How does a dentist address discoloration?
Common Over-The-Counter Solutions
One of the most common options available in-store for removing stains are strips. Worn over the teeth for a brief period daily, the strips help remove stains. However, if worn more than recommended you can develop tooth sensitivity. In addition, the results often aren’t as dramatic as those gained with professional systems. Your newly brightened smile also may not last as long if you use strips instead of a professional whitening option. Other options include toothpastes and mouthwashes that contain whitening agents.
Professional Options
To obtain optimal results, you should talk to your dentist about a professional solution. With our teeth bleaching system, we begin with an initial office treatment. Afterward, we send the patient home with a set of trays and a bleaching gel. The patient then fills the trays with gel and wears them daily for about one to two hours. After a week to ten days, the patient returns for a final office treatment. In some cases, the smile can be brightened by multiple shades and whatever leftover gel remains can be used for touchups.
How Do You Choose?
That depends on the severity of your stains. If you have only minor discoloration, ask your dentist if an over-the-counter solution is enough. However, remember that our bleaching system will offer longer lasting results and a more dramatic appearance. In addition, we can offer tips on what you can do to keep your smile brightw.
