Teeth Whitening in Lake Mary, FL
How to Choose the Right Teeth Whitening Method
Teeth whitening treatments vary in price, effectiveness, and convenience. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which whitening solution is best for you.
The best way to start your teeth-whitening regimen is by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Bonn. He’ll explain the differences between in-office and at-home teeth whitening, and answer any questions you may have about the process.
Discussing your dental needs and options with Dr. Bonn ahead of time will help prevent damage and sensitivity to your teeth and gums.
To make it easier, Dr. Bonn has put together a patient-friendly guide to help you get a better idea of which teeth whitening method might be right for you.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Professional whitening is a simple, non-invasive cosmetic treatment performed in-office by a dental professional. First, your dental professional will apply a strong and effective whitening gel to your teeth. This gel releases a concentrated active ingredient like hydrogen peroxide, which raises internal stains to the surface and destroys them. The appointment takes about 90 minutes and provides noticeable results immediately after just one visit.
Benefits of In-Office Whitening
In-office teeth whitening is generally considered the most effective teeth whitening method for a few reasons including:
- Constant supervision by a professional
- Faster, longer-lasting results
- Reduced chances for sensitivity
- Superior whitening
At-Home Teeth Whitening
Tray Whitening
Tray bleaching uses a whitening gel that’s placed in custom-made trays fitted perfectly over your teeth. This method allows you to professionally whiten your teeth from the comfort of your own home. To whiten your teeth at home, you’ll place your custom-fitted trays over your teeth. The peroxide in the gel breaks down, releasing hydroxyradicals that help whiten stained teeth. At-home professional tray whitening generally takes 10 to 14 days, although you may notice results in as little as three to five days.
Benefits of Tray Whitening
Professional, customized whitening trays are favored above store-bought trays for several reasons:
- Superior whitening
- Greater comfort
- Reduced chances of gum irritation
- Reduced chance of post-whitening sensitivity
- Dentist tracks your results
Paint-On Teeth Whiteners
Paint-on teeth whiteners are readily available whitening methods that can be purchased over-the-counter. To use paint-on teeth whiteners, you’ll apply the whitening gel to your teeth using a small brush. The paint-on gel then hardens into a film that coats the teeth and dissolves in the mouth. The teeth whitener effectively hides stains, giving your teeth a whiter-looking appearance.
Disadvantages of Paint-On Whiteners
People may be more inclined to try a paint-on whitener due to time restrictions, cost, convenience, and dental fears. But paint-on whitener comes with major drawbacks such as:
- Increased chance of sensitivity
- Difficult to apply to certain teeth
- Results wear off within a day
- Covers up stains instead of eliminating them
- Paint may not properly adhere to the enamel
Teeth-Whitening Strips
Teeth-whitening strips are an affordable and popular, over-the-counter whitening method. They’re made of thin, flexible plastic known as polyethylene with a film of hydrogen peroxide on one side. To use whitening strips, you’ll apply the strips to the tops and bottoms of your teeth. The whitening strips will adhere to your teeth, exposing them to the whitening agent. You’ll wear the strips for 30 minutes a day, twice a day.
Benefits of Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are a favored, at-home teeth whitening option because they’re:
- Cheaper than professional methods
- More effective than paint on whitener
- Quick results
- Easy to use
- Can be worn while you do other things
Disadvantages of Whitening Strips
Over-the-counter whitening strips should not be considered a replacement for professional teeth whitening methods. This is for many reasons:
- Overusing the strips can damage enamel
- The adhesive may fail, rendering the strips useless
- Intrinsic teeth stains, below the surface of your teeth, may not be removable by whitening strips
Whitening Toothpaste & Mouthwash
Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash are the cheapest and most readily available methods of teeth whitening. They may contain low concentrations of bleaching agents such as hydrogen or carbamide peroxide or use mild abrasives that help remove surface stains.
Disadvantages of Whitening Mouthwash and Toothpaste
If used correctly, whitening toothpaste and mouthwash are considered safe and convenient teeth whitening methods. However, these methods also come with drawbacks. Both methods:
- Take longer to produce noticeable results
- Are inefficient at treating intrinsic stains
- Tend to only lighten teeth up to one or two shades
Frequently Asked Questions
You should schedule an appointment with Dr. Bonn before starting any whitening treatment at home. He’ll assess your dental needs and help you pick an effective treatment that works best for you.
Consulting a dentist first will reduce the risk of gum inflammation or damaging your enamel.
Non-custom whitening trays are not fitted to the structure of your teeth. This makes it more likely for the trays to cross the gum line. Because of this, the whitening trays expose your gums to the bleaching agent and may irritate them.
It’s highly recommended that you opt for professional, custom-made whitening trays to prevent irritating your gums.
If you have tooth decay, you’ll need to have that addressed before professionally whitening your teeth. Teeth whitening gels can be very strong and cause further damage if entering a cavity. Consult Dr. Bonn to ensure that your teeth are healthy enough for whitening treatment.
Teeth sensitivity may occur after treatment because the whitening agent opens the pores of your teeth to eliminate stains. This exposes the dentin layer of the tooth, where living tissue is found.
Exposing the dentin layer to bleaching agents can result in tooth pain and sensitivity. This is likely to go away on its own after about three days. To handle it in the meantime, here are some helpful methods:
- Avoid hot and cold foods for at least three days
- Take an analgesic
- Coat your teeth with vitamin e-oil
- Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth
- Use tooth mousse
If sensitivity persists three days after a whitening treatment, call us as soon as possible and we’ll help relieve your pain.
Get a Whiter, Brighter Smile With Dr. Bonn
With so many whitening options available, the best course of action is to talk to your dentist about your smile goals and individual needs.
Call Dr. Bonn at his office in Lake Mary, FL at (407) 333-7393 to schedule your consultation. Remove the guesswork and let Dr. Bonn help determine the best path to achieving your whiter, brighter smile.
