Can Teeth Whitening Treatments Brighten Your Smile?

What’s the one thing you wish you had but weren’t born with? If you’ve always dreamed of having a bright smile, you can benefit from professional teeth whitening in Kissimmee. You wouldn’t believe many Americans are unhappy with their smiles because of tooth stains. But take comfort in the fact that you can do something about it. Teeth bleaching is a popular treatment that can improve the color of your teeth by numerous shades.    

Are Teeth Whitening Treatments Effective?  

What Is Teeth Whitening?  

Teeth whitening comes in various forms, but the most reliable is an in-office teeth whitening treatment. While some claim that at-home care kits work, they are not as effective compared to having your teeth bleached at the dental office.    

The amount of peroxide used in at-home care systems is significantly lower than at the dentist. Research shows that they only use 3% to 20% hydrogen peroxide. Meanwhile, in-office teeth whitening systems use up to 43%.  

Typically, the longer you allow the bleaching solution to stay on your teeth, the brighter your teeth will become. But if you use a high percentage of peroxide, you shouldn’t keep it long as it can dehydrate your teeth and cause sensitivity. Teeth bleaching will only work on natural teeth, so the solution won't affect their color if you are wearing composite or porcelain dental crowns.    

What Are the Different Types of Teeth Whitening Treatments?  

In-Office Teeth Whitening  

As the name suggests, an in-office teeth whitening procedure is done at the office by a licensed dentist.    

The procedure is fast and painless, and you’ll get to see results in a single appointment. Your dentist will apply enough bleaching solution to your teeth for a specified time. They may use light and/or heat to speed up the process. On average, the entire process can last between 30 to 60 minutes. Generally, patients see their teeth brighten up to three to eight shades.    

At-Home Bleaching Kits  

At-home teeth whitening kits come in different forms, such as strips, gels, trays, and toothpaste.    

• Tooth Whitening Strips and Gels – Strips and gels are easy to use. You can directly place them on your teeth. However, you’ll need to apply them at least once or twice daily for two weeks. The results will only last up to four months, depending on your lifestyle and diet.    

• Tray Bleaching Systems – You’ll be wearing trays filled with bleaching paste or gel applied over your teeth for several hours a day for up to a month. These trays can be bought over the counter at your local drugstore, or you can get them from your dentist.    

We recommend getting trays from your dentist because they are customized to fit your teeth. Generic trays may not have a perfect fit and could cause the bleaching solution to leak out, causing gum irritation.    

• Toothpaste – Whitening toothpaste contains abrasive ingredients that can help remove surface stains. In addition, they also contain certain chemicals that scrub away stains without the need for a bleaching ingredient.    

• Although inexpensive, don’t expect your teeth to brighten dramatically because they only have a small percentage of peroxide.    

Are You Interested in Teeth Whitening in Kissimmee?  

Teeth whitening treatments work, but they only work on natural teeth. They can’t brighten dental crowns, veneers, and bonded teeth. To preserve the whiteness of your teeth after treatment, avoid dark-colored food and drinks and maintain good dental hygiene.    

At Kissimmee Family Dentistry, we focus on helping you achieve optimum oral health while improving the quality of your smile. Contact us today for an appointment.