If you are unhappy with your smile, whitening your teeth is one of the best ways to improve its appearance. Thankfully, there are different ways to do so, whether at home or at your dentist’s office.
Some whitening options are more effective than others. It’s important to find a whitening method that works well for you according to your needs and desired effects!
Here, we compiled a list of some whitening methods for every need. If you want to learn more about the most effective teeth whitening treatments in Massapequa, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! Call (516) 798-4223.
1. Whitening Toothpaste
Using whitening toothpaste is one of the most common ways to whiten teeth. These products are available over-the-counter and in many drugstores, supermarkets, and online. These products contain peroxide (a bleaching agent) or abrasives that remove surface stains from your teeth. Bleaching agents work by breaking down the protein molecules in stains so they are easier to clear away.
A few studies have shown that daily brushing with whitening toothpaste can make some people’s teeth look whiter after several weeks of use. However, these products are generally not as effective as other treatments like customized whitening trays or laser therapy because they only treat surface stains. If you have deep stains on your teeth, you may need a different whitening method.
2. Whitening Rinses
Perhaps you’ve heard of whitening rinses. This is a product that looks similar to traditional mouthwash, but has whitening ingredients like hydrogen peroxide in it. It needs to be used for 1 minute twice a day and may take up to 3 months before you see results.
Whitening rinses are often marketed as an alternative or complement to whitening toothpaste. The results from this type of product can vary from person to person. Some people see results after just one month of use, while others may need more time for their teeth to get whiter.
3. Whitening strips and gels
Over-the-counter whitening gels are applied directly to the surface of the teeth and left on for a few minutes. Whitening strips are thin, almost invisible plastic strips covered with a peroxide-based whitening gel. These are adhered to the teeth for about 30 minutes.
Both work similarly in that they use peroxide to break down stains and discoloration. Depending on the specific characteristics of each product, you should leave them on for about 30-60 minutes twice a day. Make sure to always follow the instructions on the package!
Both whitening gels and strips can be easily purchased over the counter at pharmacies. For these products, initial results usually take a few days and can last for up to 4-6 months with proper care. This means they are more effective than whitening toothpaste tubes and rinses, but much less effective than whitening treatments provided by a dentist. These typically aren’t the most comfortable or long-lasting options, either!
4. In-office Zoom whitening
In-office Zoom whitening is a popular and effective way to brighten your smile. This procedure is performed at our office in as little as 2 hours, and it works by combining powerful whitening gel with a specialized UV light to remove deep stains from your teeth quickly and efficiently.
While store-bought methods can be effective to reduce superficial stains, office-based whitening options like Zoom can lighten the color of your teeth by up to 8 shades (toothpaste only lightens the color by about 1 shade). This is because, with Zoom in-office UV Whitening, you have the benefit of using a professional strength bleaching agent plus the power of light. If you want to get bright teeth, then it’s best to opt for professional treatments. We do recommend utilizing custom trays for touch-ups and to maintain the shade you achieved!
5. Custom whitening trays with our WHITENING FOR LIFE Program!
This is the most effective way to whiten your teeth and the most cost-effective as well. At Greater Long Island Dental, we use computer scanners to take pictures of your teeth, which enable us to make custom trays that fit intimately without taking goopy impressions. A prescription-strength gel is provided to last 2 weeks.
These trays are typically worn for a total of 2 hours a day for a duration of 2 weeks for optimal results. With our whitening for life program, patients who are diligent in keeping their regular hygiene reservations will receive FREE whitening gel for as long as they are a patient of Greater Long Island Dental!
Tips to keep the whitening effect
Teeth whitening products can help you achieve a beautiful, bright smile. Here are some tips to ensure this effect lasts as long as possible:
- Practice good oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth regularly.
- Avoid foods and drinks that stain your teeth, like coffee, black tea, and acidic beverages.
- If you love the drinks and foods listed above… Make sure to brush and rinse after, or use a straw!
- See your dentist for regular cleanings at least every six months.
- Avoid cigarettes, pipes, and/or chewing tobacco.
Talk with your dentist about teeth whitening
If you are considering whitening your teeth, it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist first. Your dentist can help you choose the right whitening method for you, and they will answer any questions you may have about the different alternatives.
Before you begin your treatment, you should also have a dental examination and a professional dental cleaning. If you have dental work such as crowns or veneers, some whitening options may not work as well, since these artificial teeth don’t change color. If this is a concern for you, ask your dentist about your options.
Do you need teeth whitening treatment in Massapequa?
Whitening your teeth is an excellent way to improve the appearance of your teeth and boost your confidence. If you want to find the most effective whitening treatment for you, at Greater Long Island Dental, we will be happy to help you smile!
We offer in-house and at-home teeth whitening solutions tailored to your needs. Call us at (516) 798-4223 to schedule your appointment today!