Whitening

There are many options available to consumers when it comes to whitening products. Some must be administered by a licensed dentist, while others can be obtained over-the-counter. Regardless of the method chosen for teeth whitening, it is essential that you consult with your dentist to determine if whitening is right for you. In-office procedures such as Zoom® whitening can make teeth noticeably whiter after a single one-hour appointment with your dentist, however this can be very expensive and may require further treatments to achieve the desired results. Another option your dentist may offer is to use custom-fit take-home whitening trays. These trays are loaded with special whitening gel and used at home for 1-2 hours each day for 2-4 weeks. This is the most common and, some feel, the most effective way to whiten teeth. Some over-the-counter products use “boil and bite” trays in the same manner, but the whitening gels available in stores can be less effective and the ill-fitting trays may cause gum irritation. One simple and cost-effective over-the-counter whitening product is Crest’s White Strips®. These self-adhesive strips are impregnated with whitening gel and applied to the teeth to achieve the desired effect but may not fit extremely large, small, or crooked teeth. Remember, there are many options when it comes to teeth whitening. Ask your dentist which one is right for you.