We love providing cosmetic dentistry services to our patients. It's a great privilege to use artistry and science to give people amazing boosts in their self-confidence, and it offers those working in dentistry many gratifying moments with patients. We're passionate about it because we truly believe the results of good cosmetic dentistry can be life changing.
One of the cosmetic dentistry services we're frequently asked about is teeth whitening. Many have questions about the cost of teeth whitening, how it works, and what options are available. In this blog post, we're going to address a question we get about teeth-whitening toothpaste: just how effective are they?
Teeth-whitening toothpastes are much different than most in-office treatments. Most of the toothpastes you'd buy at the grocery store only treat surface stains, whereas many in-office teeth-whitening treatments are able to penetrate deeper. This makes treatments with your dentist much more effective and longer lasting.
Another big difference between in-office treatments and teeth-whitening toothpaste is the amount of time it takes for each to work. Some in-office whitening treatments produce results in as little as one visit. Toothpastes, however often take several weeks to start producing noticeable results.
Many in-office and even some over-the-counter whitening products also contain peroxide, which works as a bleaching agent. Most whitening toothpastes, however, use abrasives or other chemicals to remove surface stain.
The effectiveness of teeth-whitening toothpastes can be marginal compared to many cosmetic dentistry options, but they can also be used effectively to lighten teeth to some degree at a low cost. Depending on the level of a person's staining, they can be a decent addition to a good brushing and flossing routine.
How Do I Get the Best Teeth-Whitening Results?
We recommend discussing your options with your dentist for the best results. He or she may be able to suggest a combination of over-the-counter and in-office treatments to meet your specific goals. There are many factors to consider a cosmetic dentist can help you weigh such as tooth sensitivity, gum health, and cost.
Thanks for Reading!
If you'd like to know more about teeth whitening, think about any special considerations you might have, and ask your dentist about your options at your next check-up. If you enjoy our blog, please drop by and like our Facebook page to see our newest posts.