4 Teeth Whitening Methods You Should Try In 2022

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic technique for making teeth appear whiter or more attractive. This can be done either with at-home kits, in the dentist’s chair, or both. Teeth whitening is most commonly used to lighten discoloration from smoking dark-colored drinking beverages like coffee, tea, or red wine. You can also use it to lighten the teeth after pigmentation or brighten the color of yellowed or discolored teeth caused by aging. With modern technology, the number of teeth whitening treatments has grown significantly. This article goes over some of the most common teeth whitening treatments a Hilliard teeth whitening specialist can recommend.
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In-Office Teeth Whitening
The dentist will likely use a high-concentration peroxide gel applied to the teeth and then expose them to intense light. The process can take up to 90 minutes, so it’s best for patients who have time off work or school. However, some dentists offer take-home trays with lower concentrations of peroxide. This may be a better option for sensitive teeth or gums. In-office teeth whitening can cost between $500 and $1,000 per treatment. This procedure will likely need to be repeated every six months to a year to maintain the desired results.
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Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
There are several over-the-counter options for those who prefer to whiten their teeth at home. Some teeth whitening toothpaste can be used with a toothbrush and floss, while others require trays that fit over your teeth. Like the ones you might find at the grocery store, whitening strips aren’t safe to use with the same whitening ingredients that dentists use. The ADA warns against using these strips to avoid staining and enamel erosion — which could cause your teeth to look more yellow than white.
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Whitening Trays
With customized teeth whitening trays, your dentist will take molds or impressions of your teeth. The dentist or a dental hygienist will then use the impressions to make custom-fitted trays that hold the light-activated whitening gel against your teeth. In most cases, you will have to wear these trays for one to two hours per day for one to three weeks. The cost of these trays can be $100 or more, but that is often less than multiple in-office visits.
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LED Whitening Kits
These are an alternative to the in-office procedure that uses a combination of blue LED lights and whitening gel. The light activates the peroxide in the gel, generating oxygen bubbles that penetrate tooth enamel. The process takes about one hour, with results lasting between six months and two years. You can choose from an at-home kit or a take-home kit, both of which give you the option of wearing whitening trays. In some cases, you might be prescribed a custom tray. If this is the case, your dentist will make one for you and provide instructions on how to use it with the LED light.
In summary, teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that can be used to brighten your teeth in several shades. There are several available treatments you can do at home or in-office with varying costs and levels of intensity. However, in-office whitening treatments often offer the best results.