Over time, aging, dark-colored foods, and other environmental factors can stain the teeth. Professional teeth whitening treatments can restore the original brilliance of your smile – but with so many options available, which one should you choose? Dr. Helen Ragsdale explores the differences between traditional and laser teeth whitening so you can be well-informed about your options.
Traditional Methods
There are several options when it comes to whitening your teeth. Both in-office and take-home treatments have been used successfully for years in dentistry. Let’s take a look at some of the most common methods.
Zoom! Teeth Whitening
One of the most popular professional teeth whitening systems, Zoom!, is performed by your dentist at their practice. After applying a strong hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel to your teeth, the gel is activated with a special ultraviolet light. The resulting chemical reaction helps break apart and eliminate stains. From start to finish, the entire process takes about one hour.
Custom Bleaching Trays
For patients who want to brighten their smile when it’s convenient for them, there are take-home bleaching kits available. Your dentist will fabricate custom bleaching trays that fit over your teeth. After depositing the bleaching gel into the trays, you will wear them for a predetermined amount of time. In most cases, they will be worn about 30 minutes every day until desired results are achieved. It usually takes about two to three weeks to complete this process.
Store-Bought Whitening Products
The oral health aisle is full of whitening products, from toothpastes and gels to rinses and strips. While many of these products can brighten your smile, they are not as safe nor as effective as dentist-supervised treatments. If you do choose an over-the-counter option, be sure to look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. This ensures that the product has been tested and considered safe for consumer use.
Laser Teeth Whitening
One of the newer treatments available in dentistry, laser teeth whitening has seen considerable success. Results are dramatic and can be achieved in as little as one office visit, though some patients require multiple appointments to reach their goals.
As the name suggests, laser teeth whitening uses laser technology to heat up the bleaching gel, rather than ultraviolet light. This oxidizes the hydrogen peroxide solution and accelerates the bleaching process.
Benefits of Laser Teeth Whitening
With laser teeth whitening, your dentist uses a concentrated hydrogen peroxide gel that is four to five times stronger than the percentage used in store-bought products. As a result, this treatment can penetrate deep into the enamel and remove even the toughest dental stains and discoloration.
Another benefit to laser teeth whitening is that it is performed under dentist supervision. Dr. Ragsdale can take precautions to reduce tooth sensitivity and make your treatment more comfortable. Application takes less than one hour, and results are immediately noticeable.
Maintaining Your Results
To ensure that your teeth stay brighter for longer, it’s important to follow a few guidelines. After laser teeth whitening, patients should:
- Brush and floss daily.
- Limit consumption of dark-colored foods and beverages.
- Drink coffee, tea, and soda through a straw.
- Visit your dentist regularly.
Schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation today.
Are stained, yellow teeth keeping you from the smile you want? Laser teeth whitening at our Austin, TX, dental practice may be the solution for you. To learn more about this procedure, and all of our other cosmetic dentistry treatments, schedule a consultation. You can schedule an appointment online or call us at (512) 346-4690.
