So, You Want to Whiten Your Teeth?

You might be surprised that when the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry asked people what they wanted to change most about their smile, the answer wasn’t straighter teeth; the people wanted whiter teeth! Teeth whitening is becoming rapidly more popular today. Thankfully, there are many teeth whitening options available. Each has its own perks and advantages over others. Some are faster, but more expensive; others may take longer, but they are much cheaper! Also, another factor that needs to be considered is how hard on your teeth it may be. Many people complain about the pain associated with teeth whitening. It’s important to have all the facts.

Facts About Teeth Whitening

Whitening is safest and most effective when supervised by a dentist. It’s easier than you think to whiten ineffectively, and even dangerously if you don’t have dentist supervision. Speaking to your dentist about the correct route is the safest way to go about things if you want a whiter smile. Seeing your dentist and having them help you with the procedure is also the fastest way to get your teeth white. For example, if you want to use tray-based tooth whiteners, you can stop by your local dentist and they will take a mold of your teeth so that your tray will fit your mouth perfectly! If you opt for in-office whitening your dentist will take extra precautions to protect the soft tissue in your mouth like your gums from the potentially irritating whitening formula. On the other hand, if you don’t want to involve your dentist, you can simply go to the store and buy whitening toothpaste or even whitening strips and gels. These can all have varying degrees of effectiveness, so it would still be best to get the opinion of your dentist before starting these procedures. It can also be noted that some people report pain when using whitening strips and gels so be careful!