Summer Teeth Whitening: Options and Safety
Summer is upon us, and many people are starting to think about whitening their teeth. Although certain considerations exist, almost anyone can whiten their teeth. We offer several different options here at Reflection Dentistry. This month, we’ll focus on those options and the safety of tooth whitening.
Is it safe to whiten my teeth?
One of the most common questions we receive about whitening is, “Is it safe?” When used as directed, both over-the-counter products and in-office procedures are safe for the teeth. However, overusing any whitening product can damage the enamel.
Sometimes whitening can cause temporary tooth sensitivity, especially for those with recession. If you experience sensitivity, remember that it doesn’t indicate anything is wrong. Dentists may advise patients with severe recession or erosion/wear on their teeth not to whiten or to whiten with modifications.
Always ask your dentist if you’re a good candidate for whitening, whether done in the office or at home. Also, note that crowns and fillings will not whiten; they will remain the color they were at placement.
Whitening Options
Toothpaste
This is the first and easiest place to start. While many whitening pastes contain the same ingredients, not all are equal. Some can be more abrasive than others. We recommend researching to determine which option is best for you.
Strips
This is the quickest way to lighten teeth in a pinch and has been around for a while. Sometimes they prove tricky to use because they don’t stay in place very well. The strips are an easy choice for those looking to quickly whiten for an event and can’t make it into the office.
Customized Whitening Trays
As a thank you for choosing us to take care of your dental health, we offer complimentary whitening trays to all our patients. We will take a scan or mold of your teeth and make custom trays. When you receive your trays, we’ll provide whitening gel and instructions on how to use it.
As long as you maintain appointments and don’t neglect your oral health, we’ll continue to supply the whitening gel every 6 months! Just ask at your hygiene visit! The trays take an initial 2 weeks of daily use to achieve maximum whitening but from there require touch-ups as needed.
In-Office Whitening (ZOOM)
We recently started offering in-office whitening through ZOOM, a product and technique offered by Phillips (makers of Sonicare). The ZOOM whitening is a 2-hour in-office appointment. During your appointment, we’ll apply a whitening gel to the teeth that a blue UV light then activates.
ZOOM is the best option to get your teeth the lightest shade in the fastest amount of time. If you have time to plan before an event, choose this option!
Don’t Forget Good Homecare!
Keeping up with good home care will keep your teeth white naturally. Brushing twice per day with an electric toothbrush and flossing or using a water flosser daily will help prevent the build-up of plaque and stains that discolor teeth.
It’s also a good idea to use sensitive or high-concentration fluoride toothpaste up to two weeks prior to whitening. This can help with sensitivity due to whitening.
How Long Will the Results Last?
This is the most commonly asked question. The longevity of your whitening results depends on your home care (discussed above) and your daily habits. If you’re a habitual coffee drinker, your teeth will likely stain faster than a non-coffee drinker. Expect similar outcomes if you frequently drink red wine or tea.
Rinsing with water after consuming these beverages or using a straw to prevent the staining liquids from flowing over teeth are just a couple of ways to help keep your pearly whites whiter longer. Ultimately, the better your homecare is and the fewer staining liquids you consume, the longer you can expect your results to last.
Don’t be discouraged, coffee drinkers; ZOOM whitening may work well in conjunction with maintaining home trays more frequently.
We’d love to discuss our whitening options here in our office and find the best one for you! Everyone’s mouth and habits are different, and what works best for you may not be the best for someone else. Like all our treatment planning, we enjoy tailoring our recommendations based on your individual needs. Feel free to discuss this with your hygienist or dentist at your next visit!
References
Colgate: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/teeth-whitening/tooth-whitening