Your smile is a powerful social tool. It conveys warmth, confidence, and approachability. If you are dissatisfied with your smile’s color, whitening can be an option.

While over-the-counter whitening products are effective on mild staining, professional teeth whitening Knightdale NC can brighten your smile up to 5 shades in just one treatment!

At-Home Whitening

There are many over-the-counter whitening products available, including trays, strips and gels. The majority of these products rely on the same bleaching agent: hydrogen peroxide. However, the concentration of peroxide varies among different whitening kits.

The higher the peroxide concentration, the more effective a product is likely to be. A dentist may recommend a whitening product that contains lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or a sensitivity-reducing agent such as carbamide peroxide.

Some whitening treatments, such as whitening light devices, use a blue LED light to activate/enhance the whitening agent. This can help to speed up and improve results.

Whitening pens use a brush head to apply a whitening gel. These can be left on for a short period of time or rinsed off. Look for whitening pens that do not contain hydrated silica, as this ingredient can damage teeth and gum tissue. A few whitening pen brands to consider include Opalescence, Körbler and Rembrandt. These are recommended by many dentists.

In-Office Whitening

The process of whitening or bleaching involves lightening the color of your teeth beyond their natural shade. This is primarily done to eliminate discoloration caused by aging, consumption of staining foods and beverages, smoking, certain medications such as tetracycline or excessive fluoride.

The teeth whitening Knightdale NC procedure is performed in the dentist's office, and generally takes about an hour. Patients are given protective covers for their gums and lips, then a hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide whitening gel is applied to the surface of the teeth. This whitening gel is then exposed to a curing light for short periods of time to activate the whitening agent.

This treatment produces fast and impressive results, though it is not a permanent solution. After a few treatments, the effects may begin to fade as your teeth re-accumulate staining from food and beverage choices. The best choice for long-lasting whitening results is to regularly schedule appointments for professional whitening under the care of a dental expert.

Zoom Whitening

The Zoom whitening treatment is a quick and simple procedure that whitens teeth in under an hour. During the treatment, your dentist will apply a whitening gel to the surface of your teeth. The gel contains hydrogen peroxide in a concentration higher than that found in over-the-counter whitening products.

This treatment works best for individuals with mild to moderate staining. However, Zoom whitening is not effective on dental restorations such as crowns and fillings. Your dentist will take note of any restorations on the front of your teeth at your pre-appointment cleaning.

During the treatment, your dentist will apply the whitening gel and expose it to the specialized Zoom light. Some patients experience sensitivity during the treatment, but it quickly dissipates. Your dentist will provide you with a kit to use at home for touch-ups as needed. Your dentist may also suggest you use a toothpaste containing whitening agents to help maintain your white smile.

Take-Home Whitening

Patients who want to brighten their smile can use take-home whitening trays. However, they should schedule a dental appointment for an impression. The dentist will create custom trays that are a perfect fit. This ensures that the whitening gel won’t leak and cause gum irritation.

Patients should brush their teeth and floss before applying the whitening solution. Any food or grime will interfere with the bleaching agent, causing spots and uneven staining. A syringe will be provided to help patients apply the gel to their teeth.

After a professional bleaching treatment, teeth will stay white for several months before they require another touch up. Keeping up with oral hygiene, avoiding staining substances and visiting the dentist for regular cleanings will keep teeth looking their best.

Professional teeth whitening is far more effective than store-bought whitening kits. However, the results from both will vary. Individuals should choose the option that is right for their needs. For example, people with restorations or other dental issues will see different results than individuals with healthy teeth.