Of all the cosmetic dentistry treatments and options available, one of the most common queries that every dentist near you receives is how can I get whiter teeth? There are lots of different options for getting whiter teeth, ranging from over-the-counter kits and DIY options to professional in-office teeth whitening. Each option offers different advantages and disadvantages when it comes to cost, comfort, safety, effectiveness and speed. Which option might be right for you depends on your lifestyle and goals, and the underlying causes of your stained or discoloured teeth. Here’s an introduction to four options for teeth whitening near you, including some of the pros and cons of each.
Whitening strips
Common brands of teeth whitening strips are typically worn for half an hour or so daily for two weeks. Other types of strips for performing teeth whitening in Livonia at home dissolve over time so that they don’t need to be removed manually.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Very inexpensive | Can not bleach crevices or grooves because they need to be in contact with your teeth |
| Conveniently found at grocery stores and drugstores | Require multiple applications to see results |
| Low intensity bleaching compounds are safe for people with sensitive gums | May take two weeks to change the color of your teeth by even a single shade |
Whitening mouthwash
Some brands of mouthwash usually used to rinse your teeth and freshen your breath also include low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. Mouthwashes used for whitening effect are typically used twice daily after brushing your teeth for roughly 60 seconds at a time.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| You only need to spend a couple of minutes daily on whitening your teeth | The whitening solutions are only in contact with your teeth for very brief moments |
| Gentle on the enamel of your teeth | You may not see results for four to 12 weeks |
| Also counteracts bad breath | The alcohol content in whitening mouthwashes may irritate your gums |
At-home teeth whitening kits
Manufacturers of teeth whitening kits to be used at home typically provide trays (for placing over your teeth), whitening gels (to be placed in the trays) and a special accelerator light to be attached to the tray when in position over your teeth. At home whitening kits are typically won for 10 to 30 minutes daily for at least seven consecutive days.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Similar results to professional teeth whitening, but in comfort of your own home | Must be applied for seven to 12 consecutive days |
| May lighten your teeth by approximately 10 shades lighter after approximately seven to 12 applications | The quality of at-home kits varies widely from manufacturer to manufacturer |
| Less expensive than professional in-chair teeth whitening | May not be effective for teeth stained dark grey, brown or black |
Professional teeth whitening
You can also achieve teeth whitening near you by making an appointment at your dentist in Livonia. Your dentist will assess the condition of your teeth, customize the whitening compounds to target the specific stains present and will offer alternative solutions for eliminating stains that can not be bleached away.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Produces results instantly | The most expensive alternative in terms of upfront costs |
| Performed in a dental clinic setting equipped with everything necessary to ensure safety, comfort and effectiveness | Not suitable for every patient or cause of stain (something that is the case for all these options) |
| Convenient for people tight for time because teeth will be whitened several shades in a single appointment | Not permanent, though the whitening effect typically lasts for two years |
To get some professional guidance to help determine which teeth whitening option is right for you, contact a dentist in Livonia and ask for their advice.