Dentists And Whitening

When visiting your dentist to whiten your teeth you will usually encounter several different products that are used for cosmetic teeth whitening. These products vary in strength, the sensitivity they create, their cost, and the way they are administered. All of the product will fall into one of three categories: Chair side whitening with an LED or plasma light, at home trays or strips and on the go whitening. By knowing the basic differences between the three, you will be more likely to achieve the results you’re looking for at the price you can live with.

On the go whitening products are the most cost effective option, but are also typically the least effective for whitening. What they don’t produce in results, they make up for in convenience and ease of use. They are typically administered in a pen form. Usually the gel is in the pen and you simply twist or click the pen until the whitening gel forms in the tip and then you brush it onto your teeth for the whitening.

It’s quick and easy because the gel dries in a few seconds and you’re on your way. Because it’s just a thin layer of gel with no light activation, it will typically take a few applications to notice any difference and at least a dozen to move your teeth a shade or two whiter. On the go whitening pens are usually better for maintenance of your smile after you use chair side whitening or at home trays.

The intermediate whitening option offered by most dentists is whitening trays or strips. Trays are usually more effective than strips, but can cost a lot more. A typical mold for a tray can cost a few hundred dollars, where as strips usually cost well under a hundred dollars. When you purchase the mold, you must also purchase gel to fill into the mold.

You simply fill each tooth structure in the mold with gel, put it in your mouth for a half hour usually and you get whiter teeth in 2-3 sessions with excellent results in five or six sessions. The strips are equally as easy to administer. You simply pull the strip from its plastic backing, stick it to your teeth and fold it over the back. Again, you usually leave the strip on for a half an hour and will see good results in five to seven uses.

For the ultimate in whitening, most dentists recommend chair side whitening. You will get the best results and typically get them in under an hour. Chair side whitening is a process completely administered in your dentists’ office and will usually whiten your teeth up to 10 shades brighter! The downside to chair side whitening is the cost, which is typically a few hundred dollars and the increased chance of sensitivity compared to other whitening options. With a little research and your dentists opinion, you will be able to find the whitening option that best fits your needs and price point!