The Pros and Cons of Different Teeth Whitening Methods

 Everyone wants a beautiful pearly white smile and wants to look their best. However, as you age, your teeth tend to get yellowish which you may not like. It may also get stained as a side effect of having some food or drink we enjoy. Fortunately, several ways in dentistry help you to retain natural whiteness. Teeth whitening treatment is often considered the first option by people who need to look their best. With time, teeth whitening has become more convenient than ever before. Multiple brands are selling their teeth whitening kits providing at-home services. With so many options, it's hard to know where to begin. Each of them has its pros and cons. 

It's crucial to understand the same to find out which one might be best for you. In this blog, we have made the job easier for you. 

Whitening strips: One of the most popular over-the-counter options for teeth whitening. These are thin, easily flexible plastic strips that are coated with peroxide (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide). They chemically react with your tooth enamel, causing it to lighten the shade.

Pros: Teeth whitening strips are more affordable than in-office teeth whitening procedures. 

Cons: The whitening effect achieved from such strips are temporary and will gradually fade over time. Moreover, they are not suitable for people with sensitive teeth and gums. We suggest talking to your dentist will help you decide if these strips are right for you.  

Custom-made whitening trays:  In this procedure, your dentist will take the impression of your teeth. The impression will act as a mold for the whitening tray. After putting a bleaching solution inside the tray, you have to wear them daily for 1.5 to 2 hours. You may continue the process for 1-2 weeks. The trays are custom-made as per your arch shape and size to fit your teeth. The set comes with a professional teeth whitening gel or bleaching agent that you can add to your trays. The tray with the gel is worn for a specific time to get the best-desired result. 

Pros: Custom-fitted trays fit properly and comfortably to your teeth and are more effective than over-the-counter trays. The tray and tube method is easy to apply for regular use. You can purchase more tubes of teeth-whitening gels to use in your trays if required.  

Cons: The downside of using such trays is minimal. You may face gum irritation if the teeth don’t fit perfectly over your teeth.   

Whitening toothpaste: Toothpaste is another over-the-counter teeth whitening option; that helps to remove all surface stains. They do contain a small amount of abrasives and peroxide that help in the overall whitening of your teeth. 

Pros: Toothpaste is an inexpensive and easy way to get your teeth whiter. You don’t need any special equipment for the same; 

Cons: There are some drawbacks to using teeth-whitening toothpaste including longer time. You may have to use multiple toothpaste tubes to get the effect that you want. Usually, it takes longer than any other whitening procedure.   

Whitening pen: teeth whitening pen contains a serum that whitens your teeth. The serum inside the pen will coat your teeth, and mask the dark spots. All you have to do is to brush the top of the pen across your teeth. 

Pros: The teeth whitening pen is easy to use and convenient to carry. They typically do not require any brushing. You can just brush it on the way. 

Cons: Although there are some risks involved that you need to know. The effect is short-lived and the whitening agent can easily degrade. Moreover, the whitening agent may cause gum irritation as well. 

In-office teeth whitening: The procedure is done by a professional dentist, usually done in one visit. After applying the bleaching agent to the tooth structure, laser light is used to activate the agent. However, the procedure is performed in cycles. You may need more than one cycle if required. 

Pros: If you need an immediate teeth whitening effect, in-office teeth whitening can be a suitable option.

Cons: The treatment can be expensive in comparison to other options.  

Zoom Whitening: At Magnolia Dental, we offer zoom whitening, one of the most effective and fastest-acting tooth whitening procedures. First, your dentist will apply a special seal applied over the teeth to protect your gum and mucosa from the bleaching agent. Later a high concentration of peroxide gel is placed on the teeth which have photocatalysts as well. The catalyst gel activates peroxides and breaks them into tiny oxygen molecules. These help to break up the stain and leave your teeth brighter. 

Pros: Zoom whitening is effective, an affordable teeth-whitening option that offers moderate to bright shaded teeth for your smile. 

Cons: Like other bleaching agents, the gel doesn’t damage the enamel of your teeth and leaves no stain behind. 

Teeth whitening products are available in various products and forms. Each type of treatment has its own set of pros and cons. Your dentist will help in deciding which one would be best for you. Do not wait too long for your teeth whitening appointment in Waterdown. Visit us for all your dental needs at Magnolia Dental today.