Which Teeth Whitening Method is Right for You?

Do you want a whiter smile? Chances are good that if you are reading this it’s because you want to brighten your smile. You might even be wondering what your teeth whitening options are. Here in Costa Mesa, CA, our cosmetic dentists Dr. Sanacore, Dr. Kunert, and Dr. DeBourg-Shilaimon can work with you to find the right solution to fit your needs. Here are some of the ways to achieve a whiter smile.

Over-the-Counter Whitening

Most people will turn to this method because it’s simple and inexpensive and can offer some people the results they want. If you have minor surface stains then this may be a good option for you. All whitening products contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which works to break apart stain molecules within the tooth’s enamel. Here’s what you should understand about over-the-counter whitening:

• This treatment is not custom-made to fit your specific needs
• You may experience some tooth sensitivity
• It can take weeks to see results
• It’s possible that the whitening strips or trays won’t reach all areas of your teeth, which can result in uneven whitening

Whitening Toothpastes

Toothpaste that is designed to whiten smiles is great for someone who wants to maintain their results, but they often won’t produce noticeable changes. If you’ve already undergone professional whitening, whitening toothpaste is a great way to keep your smile looking better for longer. In order to get the best results you’ll need to use this toothpaste regularly.

At-Home Professional Teeth Whitening

When most patients think of professional whitening they assume they have to sit in the dentist’s chair in order to get real results. Along with chairside whitening, our Costa Mesa, CA, can also provide you with a more effective at-home whitening system. This is great for someone who wants to get professional whitening but is on a budget. It’s convenient and simple, and the whitening trays are custom-fitted to reach all areas of your teeth for more even results. With continued use, most patients see results in about one to two weeks.

In-Office Professional Whitening

This is the fastest and most effective way to get a whiter smile. If you want to get visible results and you’re on a time crunch then in-office whitening is the best option for you. In about one hour we can get teeth several shades whiter in less than 60 minutes. We achieve fast results thanks to the whitening gel that we use, which can’t be found in any at-home or over-the-counter whitening kit.

Are you interested in sitting down with a dentist in Costa Mesa, CA, to find out if you could benefit from professional teeth whitening? If so, call Harbor Mesa Dental Care. We would be happy to schedule a consultation.