When people come to a dentist in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, one of the most common requests is for teeth whitening. Fortunately, whitening is also among the simplest and easiest forms of cosmetic dentistry out there. You have several options for teeth whitening, and most are quite easy and inexpensive.
If you’re interested in teeth whitening, California Dental Care & Orthodontics lists some of the ways you can brighten up your smile!
Four Different Methods of Teeth Whitening
1 – Over-the-Counter
We do not recommend patients use over-the-counter teeth whitening products, such as toothpastes with bleach in them. For one thing, such OTC products have minimal active ingredients – they often don’t do much. Also, most also include harsh abrasives which will actively wear down the enamel on your teeth – potentially leading to cavities!
Even basic whitening really should be overseen by a dentist to ensure no damage is done.
2 – In-Office UV Bleaching
For the fastest results, coming to a dentist’s office for in-office bleaching is the best option. For in-office whitening, a special gel is applied to the teeth which is at least 25% hydrogen peroxide, then a UV heat lamp is aimed at your teeth to accelerate the bleaching process. You can get genuinely noticeable results in around an hour!
3 – Home Whitening Trays
These are provided by dentists, for situations where teeth need more intensive whitening. You get a set of trays custom-molded to fit your teeth, along with syringes of bleach or hydrogen peroxide to be added. This lets you continue your treatment, in the comfort of your own home.
One warning: definitely avoid over-the-counter trays. These will never fit your teeth properly and can easily lead to the bleach escaping and getting into your mouth. This can cause irritation or even painful chemical burns.
4 – Whitening Strips
We might also occasionally send a patient home with whitening strips. These are basically strips of adhesive tape, coated with a bleaching agent. They’re applied directly to the teeth and kept in place for around half an hour. However, they’re less effective than custom whitening trays, so they’re rarely the best option.
Come to A Quality Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga For Teeth Whitening
Remember: it’s always best to consult with a dentist before deciding on any cosmetic procedure, even one as simple as whitening. Just contact us to make an appointment, and we can discuss all your options!
