Teeth Whitening Options: Which One Is Right for You?

We all want a bright, white smile, but with so many teeth-whitening options out there, it can be hard to choose. There are a ton of different products that claim to whiten teeth, but do they work? How do you know which one to use, not to mention there is also the dentist? Well, that is exactly the question we are going to answer today. We will dispel some myths about over-the-counter whitening products and help you figure out which options work and which may be right for your situation.

We will cover the different options that are currently out there and give some advice on what situations these products are good for to help you find the answer you are looking for.

Over-the-counter products

Many different brands and types of over-the-counter whitening products claim to whiten your teeth, but the truth about these products is they simply do not perform up to a dentist's standard, and they take weeks to show results. If you have heavily stained teeth or want results in a hurry, then over-the-counter products simply are not for you.

If you only have light staining and you do not mind gradually whitening your teeth over time, or you want to use one of these products to help maintain a dental whitening, then they may be the right choice for you.

Take-home dentist kits

Some dentists will mix up a personalized whitening solution for patients to take home with them and use. These are nearly as effective as dental teeth whitening and make a great alternative to going to the dentist or a supplement to the whitening treatment the dentist uses. They will not get your teeth quite as white, but they are still highly effective.

Whitening from a dentist

The reason that whitening in a dentist's office is so much more effective is that your dentist has access to a higher concentration of whitening agents than what you can buy off the shelf, and they have the added benefit of fluoride and whitening lamps to help improve the performance of the whitening agent. Most patients get their teeth several shades whiter in as little as one treatment.

If you want your teeth whiter in a hurry and you want drastic results, then this is the option for you. The use of fluoride in the treatment even helps to strengthen tooth enamel as an added benefit, making this whitening well worth the cost.