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Teeth Whitening Best 3 Options for a Brighter Smile With Pros & Cons

More than 75% of our patients, when asked what they would change about their smile, answer without hesitation: colour. Let’s explore the best dentist-approved ways to whiten your teeth and ensure you achieve that dazzling smile with minimal discomfort.

Brighten Your Smile

Hi, my name is Josif and I'm the founder of Dentaturism & Patient Care Specialist. Let's talk about teeth whitening. 

Teeth whitening has become one of the most frequently requested dental procedures. It's an increasingly popular trend and I totally understand why.

Who does not want to have a bright smile? Everyone loves a radiant smile, but achieving it safely and effectively requires careful consideration. 

With the increasing popularity of whitening treatments, the methods of achieving a sparkling smile have also diversified. I guess at this point you're asking yourself, "Okay, but with so many options out there, how do I choose the right method?"

The first and most important recommendation from my point of view is to seek an opinion from a dental specialist.

At Dentaturism there are three main methods for teeth whitening:

Whitening Strips

Affordable & convenient 

Custom Trays

Requiring an impression

In-office Whitening

The quickest results

But before I give you more details with pros and cons about these three options, first let’s talk about the important aspects that you need to take into consideration in order to properly and safely whiten your teeth.

I will further give you some details and information about what teeth whitening is, who are the right candidates to whiten their teeth, when the whitening can be done, how long it takes and the benefits of each whitening option approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) or British Dental Association (BDA).

About: What is Teeth Whitening?

When teeth become yellowed over time for several reasons whitening your teeth is desirable and can be achieved by changing the colour of the tooth enamel.

According to Wikipedia, “teeth whitening or tooth bleaching is the process of lightening the colour of human teeth.” The two most important factors that affect teeth whitening are time and hydrogen peroxide concentration. Peroxide is the agent inside teeth whitening gel that oxidizes stain particles and whitens tooth enamel.

Make Sure You're a Candidate for Tooth Whitening

Who are the right candidates?
Whitening isn’t for everybody. Before considering whitening you need to make sure that your smile is healthy. So, the first thing to keep in mind is to find out if you're a candidate, which entails asking your dentist or dental hygienist.

You are not a tooth whitening candidate if you:

  • are currently pregnant or nursing;
  • are under 18 years old;
  • are undergoing chemo or radiation;
  • are using photosensitive drugs;
  • have diagnosed with melanoma;
  • have cracked enamel;
  • have carious lesions;
  • have cervical abrasion;
  • have dentinogenesis imperfecta or amelogenesis imperfecta.

Also, you may or may not be a candidate if you have anterior fillings and or veneers, internal staining, such as tetracycline staining, or fluorosis. 

dentist talking to a patient

Are you a teeth whitening candidate?

Contact us to find out!

Get Your Teeth Cleaned Before

When the whitening can be done?
It's recommended and always best to have your teeth professionally cleaned before you whiten your teeth. If you get routine cleanings every six months, you're probably fine. But if you have not had a professional dental cleaning and exam in a while, you need to do that before you consider whitening.

Teeth Whitening Key Factors: Time & money

How quickly do you want to whiten your teeth and how much money do you have to spend?
The two factors to consider when you’re evaluating your options are time and money.

Generally, not always, but often generally, the most expensive whitening treatments are the ones that will achieve quicker whitening results. And the more affordable whitening treatments will generally take a little longer to achieve the results.

So, it is up to you how much time you are willing to commit and how much money you are willing to spend.  

Teeth Whitening at Home or in a Dental Office

There are three major ways to whiten your smile in a manner that’s dentist-approved and actually works. Some are kits you use at home; others are completed in a dental office.

The three whitening options that I'm about to present all will achieve the same result. However, there are pros and cons to each option. So, like I said, always talk to your dentist or dental hygienist before you consider whitening. 

And one more thing, all the three options contain some type of peroxide. Peroxide is the ingredient that whitens your teeth. So, depending on the concentration of peroxide that the product itself contains, that's what will determine the price and the speed.

1. The first option: Whitening Strips

teeth whitening strips product recommended by a dentist

They contain smaller amounts of peroxide, which will take longer, but you still should achieve professional results. If you have a week or two or even a month and you want to choose the most affordable option, then I would recommend to try whitening strips.

Pros of whitening strips: They are affordable and you can take breaks and make your own schedule if you're having sensitivity, such as one day on, one day off.

Cons of whitening strips: If you're not careful, sometimes they can slip and get on your gums and steam your gums, especially if you were someone who produces a lot of saliva regularly. If you normally have a spitty mouth (when a person's mouth produces too much saliva), they might not stick on your teeth as well, causing them to slide around and move around.

PROS

  • affordable
  • you can take breaks
  • make your own schedule

CONS

  • they can slip
  • can steam your gums
  • can slide around and move around

2. The second option: Custom Trays

a dental impression with custom trays and whitening gel

These are the ones that you would get an impression taken at your dental office, usually alginate impressions, but it can vary the type of impression. Regardless, they are custom fabricated. So, they look like clear aligners and they fit perfectly to your teeth, to your dentition.

They are usually moderately priced, but they can last for a very long time, maybe even forever if you take care of them. And then whenever you want to whiten, you purchase the whitening product to go into them. This whitening product is available to purchase at your dental office. So if you're interested, ask what they have. And depending on the type of product they offer, they'll let you know the amount of peroxide and how long it will take to achieve the results you want. They can be anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month.

PROS

  • It causes the slightest sensitivity
  • they fit perfectly
  • less likely to touch your gums

CONS

  • more expensive than strips
  • you need a dental appointment

Pros of custom whitening trays: They are known to be the least reported in causing sensitivity, generally because they fit your teeth perfectly and it's less likely that the whitening product will touch your gums.

Cons of whitening trays: Price, they can be more expensive than strips and less convenient because you can't just go to the store to buy them. You need to have your dental trays fitted and fabricated by a dental professional.

And lots of custom whitening material is made from carbamide peroxide instead of hydrogen peroxide. And a lot of them contain potassium nitrate. You don't have to remember all of that, but what it means is a lot of them contain the ingredients that help reduce tooth sensitivity. And also with these, just like strips, you can make your own routine at home and take them on and off as needed.

3. The third option: in-office whitening

woman whitening his teeth with in office special equipment

This will be the quickest and you will be in and out in one dental appointment. Sometimes two, depending on the treatment, but you'll be in and out with the whitening results you want. 

So that's the pro. It's quick.

However, the cons are that this is generally the most expensive option and it commonly has the most sensitivity upon use. In-office whitening solutions are much stronger than the at-home products because they work fast. In addition, they sometimes use heat, light, or a combination of the two to intensify your whitening process.

So that's definitely something to consider if you've ever had or you're currently having sensitive teeth. 

Also, for 24 hours after whitening, you have to avoid dark-colored foods and liquids, and after that, back to normal with your regular brushing and flossing routine.

PROS

  • It's quick
  • instant results

CONS

  • the most expensive option
  • temporary teeth sensitivity

Again, please remember that you will achieve the same results no matter which option you choose. Choose wisely depending on your level of commitment and how much money you have and if your teeth are sensitive or not.

I can't stress enough to talk with your dentist or dental hygienist before you make a decision because they can help guide you in the right direction and let you know the best option for your individual mouth.

Get advice from our experts

FAQs

Who is a good candidate for tooth whitening?

Ideal candidates have healthy teeth and gums. Avoid whitening if pregnant, nursing, under 18, or have certain dental or health conditions. First consult your dentist to confirm if teeth whitening is right for you.

What is the best teeth whitening method for me?

The best method depends on your budget, desired results, and teeth sensitivity. At-home options like whitening strips or custom trays are generally more affordable and less sensitive, while in-office procedures offer faster results but may be more expensive and sensitive.

How long do teeth whitening results last?

The duration of teeth whitening results can vary depending on lifestyle factors, diet, and the chosen whitening method. Generally, results can last anywhere from a few months to a year. Maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding staining substances can help prolong the effects of teeth whitening.

Are there any side effects associated with tooth whitening?

While teeth whitening is generally safe, some individuals may experience temporary sensitivity during or after the treatment. This sensitivity is usually mild and resolves within a few days. If you have severe sensitivity or other dental concerns, it's important to consult with your dentist before undergoing for this procedure.

Conclusion

Tooth whitening is a popular dental procedure aimed at achieving a brighter smile. The process involves using peroxide-based agents to lighten the color of tooth enamel.

Before considering teeth whitening procedure, it's crucial to determine if you're a suitable candidate by consulting with a dentist, especially if you have certain health conditions or dental issues.

There are three main methods for teeth whitening: whitening strips, custom trays, and in-office treatments. Whitening strips are affordable and convenient but may cause gum irritation. Custom trays, while more expensive and requiring a dental visit, are customizable and reduce sensitivity. In-office treatments offer the quickest results but are the most costly and can increase sensitivity.

So, are you ready to brighten your smile? Whether you opt for whitening strips, custom trays, or an in-office treatment, it’s important to make an informed decision. Consult with a dental professional to find the best option tailored to your needs. Visit our website’s contact section to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a whiter, more confident smile!

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Published by:

Iosif Kerekes

Iosif is the founder of Dentaturism and a dedicated Patient Care Specialist. In 2009, after more than a decade of experience in various industries including FMCG, pharmaceuticals, tobacco, and construction, he launched the Dentaturism project. Fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, and French, and with extensive experience and communication skills, Iosif has combined his professional expertise with a patient-centered approach, helping Dentaturism gain a trusted reputation for its personalized and integrated dental tourism services.

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