Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments available today. Many different methods and products are available for teeth whitening, and they can vary in price, convenience, and effectiveness. Here’s a look at some of the most common ways to whiten your teeth, and how to choose the right one for you.

Benefits of Teeth Whitening

There are many reasons for wanting to whiten your teeth, here are just a few of the benefits:

Improve Appearance

 Food, drinks, and smoking can leave teeth looking dull and discolored. Teeth whitening can effectively reduce surface stains and make teeth appear whiter and brighter.

Improve Oral Health

The whitening process can help to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth, which can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other problems.

Boost Your Confidence

Having a bright, white smile can make a huge difference in how you view yourself and how you interact with others. Whitening can also make you look younger, which can help you feel more confident.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

In-office teeth whitening is a professional treatment performed by a dentist. This type of whitening provides the best results in the shortest amount of time.

Before and after photos for teeth whitening

Laser Teeth Whitening

Laser teeth whitening is the most advanced form of professional teeth whitening, and it’s the type we offer here, at Pearl Street Dental. During the treatment, a special peroxide-based gel is applied to the teeth to break down tough stains. To further enhance the work of the gel, we use a laser to activate the bleaching agent, allowing it to penetrate deeply into the enamel and break down the discoloration.

Unlike other forms of teeth whitening, laser teeth whitening produces significant results that can be seen immediately after the procedure. Additionally, the procedure is safe and doesn't cause any damage to your teeth. If you’re looking for a fast and effective way to get your teeth several shades lighter, contact Pearl Street Dental to book an appointment!

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Bleaching Gel Without Laser

Traditional whitening treatments at a dentist’s office involve the application of a bleaching gel. This gel includes hydrogen peroxide as the active ingredient to chemically whiten teeth. Compared to at-home whitening kits, the gel used at your dentist’s office is a much stronger concentration than what you can buy at the store, allowing for more effective whitening. Each treatment lasts between 15 to 30 minutes, however, it usually takes several applications to get teeth to their desired shade. 

at-home teeth whitening

Many people choose to whiten their teeth at home because it’s easy, convenient, and doesn’t require a visit to the dentist. However, with so many different products on the market, it’s important to what their differences are, and how to choose the right product for your needs.

Professional Teeth Whitening Kits

Professional teeth whitening kits are those that are available for purchase from your dentist. Unlike the kits you might purchase online or at a local store, teeth whitening kits that are distributed through your dentist have stronger active ingredients and have been proven safe and effective. At Pearl Street Dental, we offer Opalescence Go™ as our home teeth-whitening kit of choice.  

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Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Kits

At-home teeth whitening kits have become very popular as a convenient way to whiten teeth without the hassle of a dentist visit. These kits typically include a peroxide-based whitening gel, a mouth tray, and sometimes even a light source or accelerator. You can usually buy them online or at your local drugstore.

Unfortunately, the safety and effectiveness of at-home teeth whitening kits can vary widely from product to product. Most have a much lower concentration of the whitening agent and therefore are less effective compared to professional whitening products or laser teeth whitening. Because it usually requires longer or more frequent use to achieve desirable results, many people experience tooth sensitivity when using over-the-counter whitening products.

Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste is the least expensive and most convenient option for at-home teeth whitening. These kinds of toothpaste contain special abrasives and chemicals that help remove surface stains from your teeth. They can also help reduce the buildup of plaque. Unfortunately, whitening toothpaste is generally not as effective as professional treatments or at-home kits. However, it can still be used as a quick solution to help reduce surface stains and brighten your smile a shade or two.

Teeth Whitening at Home Vs. at the Dentist

If your teeth aren’t looking as white and bright as they used to, then you might be considering teeth whitening. But, which method will give you the best results for your time and money? Here’s a quick comparison between whitening your teeth at home versus at the dentist.

Convenience

When it comes to convenience, at-home whitening toothpaste and kits are clearly the winners. This is especially important if you have a date or special event coming up where you want to look your best. Although at-home methods may not be as effective at getting your teeth bright white, when you’re trying to improve your smile at the last minute and don’t have time to get to the dentist, an at-home kit is the way to go.

Time to Achieve Desired Results

If you want to achieve brighter, whiter teeth in an hour instead of waiting weeks or even months, in-office teeth whitening is the way to go. Professional whitening treatments can lighten teeth several shades within a single appointment, while at-home treatments may much, much longer to achieve a noticeable change. This makes in-office treatments ideal for individuals who want to whiten their teeth quickly and efficiently.

Cost

There are all different types of teeth whitening pastes and kits on the market ranging from less than 10 dollars to several hundred dollars. Keep in mind, that you often get what you pay for. An inexpensive paste or kit won’t work as well (or last as long) as a more expensive one. You may even have to invest in multiple kits and spend more time trying to achieve the results you want. If you want a whitening treatment that’s fast and effective, know that you’re probably going to have to pay a little bit more for it.

Effectiveness

While convenience and cost are often key factors in choosing products and services, they don’t really matter if what you get is ineffective or doesn’t work. That’s why, if your main goal is to get brighter, whiter teeth, choosing in-office teeth whitening is the best option. At Pearl Street Dental we offer laser teeth whitening treatments designed to deliver maximum results in a short period of time. 

Frequently asked questions about teeth whitening

Do you have questions about teeth whitening? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions we hear about at-home and in-office teeth whitening. If your question isn’t on the list, please reach out to us and we would be happy to assist you!

Yes, teeth whitening is generally safe when done correctly. However, it’s always best to consult with a dentist before starting any whitening treatment. Keep in mind that some people may experience sensitivity or irritation during or after whitening treatments.

The effects of teeth whitening can last anywhere from several months to over a year, depending on the type of treatment (whitening toothpaste and over-the-counter whitening products vs. professional laser teeth whitening). It also depends on how well you care for your teeth and how often you expose them to stain-causing foods and drinks.

Unfortunately, teeth whitening products and procedures are not effective on dental crowns and veneers.

Coffee, tea, red wine, berries, fruit juices, tomato sauce, and candy are the biggest culprits for staining teeth.

Teeth are especially susceptible to staining immediately after being whitened. Therefore, it’s a good idea to avoid certain foods such as coffee, wine, or red berries for at least 48 hours after having your teeth whitened.

Get Whiter, Brighter Teeth with the Help of Pearl Street Dental!

In-office teeth whitening offers many advantages over at-home treatments, making it the preferred choice for many individuals seeking a brighter, more attractive smile. For individuals looking for a safe, effective way to whiten their teeth at home, we also offer professional teeth whitening kits by Opalescence™. For more information about our in-office or at-home teeth whitening options, please contact us!

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