Among the things that dental patients are concerned about for cosmetic reasons is how they can have whiter teeth. Studies suggest that almost all grown-ups believe a beautiful smile is crucial for social life and the workforce. However, people have many questions about what teeth whitening options are available.
Luckily, making teeth whiter is among the most economical and easiest ways to enhance your smile, and it is also easy to acquire most teeth whitening methods. However, before you start, you want to establish what you wish to gain with teeth whitening. After consulting your dental professional, you can develop an action plan on what is ideal for making your teeth whiter. This blog breaks down professional and natural ways to make your teeth whiter.
Professional Ways to Make Teeth Whiter
There are various professional ways of making teeth whiter. Some are invasive and very costly, while others are affordable and convenient. They include the following:
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office or professional whitening entails scheduling a dental appointment to have your dentist apply a unique, concentrated whitening product onto your teeth. Usually, it takes about twenty to thirty minutes for the gel to work. However, your period in the dental chair may be up to sixty minutes.
Since the whitening product might result in tooth sensitivity, your dentist might recommend brushing with desensitizing toothpaste briefly after the dental appointment. Professional whitening might take more than one appointment, and your dentist might give you customized mouth trays to continue the treatment at home. Tooth whitening removes only external stains and discoloration on the teeth’s surface.
In-Office Teeth Bleaching
In-office dental bleaching provides the fastest way to whiten teeth. The dentist applies a professional-grade bleaching agent (carbamide or hydrogen peroxide) directly onto your teeth. Bleaching lightens the teeth’s color beyond their natural shade. Bleaching products can be utilized with heat, a laser, or a unique light. You can see the results after just one treatment that takes thirty minutes to one hour.
With teeth whitening, you usually need several appointments to achieve exemplary results. However, with professional dental bleaching, you can see dramatic results after the initial treatment. Teeth bleaching is also the most costly approach.
Tooth Bonding
Usually, dental bonding is not a procedure to make teeth whiter, but it may. Tooth bonding is when the dentist applies composite resin material directly onto the teeth’s surfaces. Dentists use composite resin to fill tooth cavities. As the material mimics the original color of the teeth, it can excellently conceal permanent stains on the teeth’s surfaces, making them whiter. However, the primary function of tooth bonding is to fix minor tooth imperfections, like holes and cracks on the enamel surface.
Veneers
Like tooth bonding, there are instances where dental veneers are preferred over dental whitening. A veneer refers to composite resin- or porcelain-made thin shells that completely conceal the front surfaces of teeth, similarly to how an artificial nail conceals a fingernail. Veneers could be helpful if your teeth are permanently stained and other dental whitening options have had no results. However, the veneer process is invasive and costly.
The cost of dental veneers and the placement process ranges from $10,000 to $40,000 for a complete set of veneers or $925 to $2,500 per tooth. Also, to place veneers, the dentist must remove a section of the enamel to achieve a tight grip. The good thing is that you will achieve more results than just white teeth. That is because veneers conceal other tooth size and shape imperfections, achieving a beautiful and perfect smile.
Dental Crowns
If your teeth are deeply stained or badly discolored due to an injury, even professional tooth whitening and bleaching may not help. In that case, placing dental crowns may be the ideal way to have whiter teeth and address these cosmetic issues. Dental crowns repair broken teeth, returning them to their original shape. They also improve the teeth’s appearance and strength. They conceal the complete tooth surfaces, becoming the new external surfaces utilized to customize them.
Dental crowns range between $800 and $3,000. They are among the most costly options for whitening teeth because of the various materials utilized to make them. The cost varies depending on whether you possess dental insurance.
Over-the-Counter Ways to Make Teeth Whiter
Most individuals look for different ways to make their teeth whiter in the comfort of their home. That is because it is convenient and cheaper than going to the dentist. From natural remedies to over-the-counter products, there are many effective and safe options you could try:
Whitening Toothpastes
For many people, whitening toothpastes are an excellent option to make teeth whiter. These toothpastes comprise small quantities of peroxide and mild abrasives that assist in removing surface stains with time. Some whitening toothpastes have chemical or gentle polishing agents that effectively remove stains.
By utilizing a whitening toothpaste, you are benefiting from the unique whitening ingredient while keeping your teeth and gums healthy. You may spend between $1 and $20 on a whitening toothpaste, though prices vary based on location.
It is essential to follow the toothpaste’s instructions on whitening your teeth. You will achieve whiter and healthier teeth within a week if you do. Also, when choosing a teeth-whitening toothpaste, ensure it has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This tells you that the toothpaste has satisfied the American Dental Association (ADA) standard for effectiveness and safety.
Note that whitening toothpastes do not comprise bleach, so they eliminate only surface stains. Professional teeth whitening products contain high quantities of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide that lighten the color deep in the teeth.
Whitening Trays
You can purchase whitening trays from a dental professional or over the counter. Using whitening trays entails filling a mouthguard-resembling tray with a gel whitening solution containing a peroxide-bleaching agent. You will wear the tray for some time, typically from a few hours a day to daily at night for a maximum of four weeks or longer, based on the extent of discoloration and the degree of whitening you desire.
You can purchase whitening trays from a pharmacy for about $30. Alternatively, you can have them custom-made by your dental professional for between $150 and $600 based on various factors.
Whitening Rinses
Whitening rinses are one of the most recent whitening products on the market. Like many mouthwashes, whitening rinses reduce gum disease and plaque and freshen breath. However, these products also contain hydrogen peroxide, which makes teeth whiter.
To use a whitening rinse, swish it around in the mouth for one minute twice daily before you brush your teeth. Per the manufacturers of white rinses, it might take twelve weeks of using the product to register results. However, some professionals say rinses might be less efficient than other at-home whitening products. They argue the rinse might have minimal effect since it only comes in contact with teeth for a short time (sixty seconds daily compared to thirty minutes for many products).
To boost the results of whitening mouthwashes, some individuals rinse their mouth before brushing their teeth using a whitening toothpaste. Whitening rinses cost about $5 per bottle.
Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are thin, flexible pieces coated with a whitening gel (often hydrogen peroxide). To use them, you place them directly onto your teeth for some time daily. It might take a few days to a couple of weeks for the results to show. You could buy whitening strips from your dentist, online, or at a pharmacy for between $10 and $55. The price varies based on several factors.
Using whitening strips to make teeth whiter is most effective when teeth are completely straight. That is because the whitening strip must be able to touch the entire surface of every tooth. However, whitening strips are often more costly than specially made whitening toothpastes.
Whitening Gels
Whitening gels are clear, peroxide-containing gels applied directly using a small brush to the teeth surface. Instructions on how to apply these gels vary based on the peroxide’s strength. Follow the instructions on the specific whitening gel cautiously. You will see initial results in a few days and ultimate results in approximately four months. A complete treatment takes between ten and fourteen days. You might have to apply the gel twice a day. You could buy a whitening gel from your dentist, online, or at a pharmacy for between $10 and $55. The price varies based on several factors.
Natural Ways To Make Teeth Whiter
Natural techniques can also assist in obtaining a brighter smile. Some of the natural ways to make teeth whiter include the following:
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling involves squishing oil around inside the mouth. This technique also aims to improve your general hygiene. You can use any type of oil to perform this technique. However, sesame and sunflower oils are the most preferred. Coconut oil can also be used for oil pulling since it tastes nice and has other health advantages.
Oil pulling has its advantages. It assists in removing many forms of mouth bacteria. These bacteria lead to plaque and cause your teeth to turn yellowish. Thus, oil pulling can be crucial for tooth whitening purposes.
No specific evidence supports the effectiveness of oil pulling. However, people who have used this method are happy with the outcome. Here is the oil pulling procedure: Drink one teaspoon of oil and swirl it in the mouth, then spit. Repeat this for fifteen to twenty minutes.
Avoid Drinks and Foods That Stain Teeth
Generally, but particularly after and during teeth whitening, avoid drinks and foods that can stain your teeth. These drinks and foods include dark chocolate, dark berries, tea, red wine, cranberry juice, and coffee. Also, avoid acidic foods such as tomatoes and lemons. These can damage the tooth enamel, exposing the yellowish dentin underneath. Sugary drinks and foods are other foods you should avoid. These encourage bacterial growth, which can result in discoloration and tooth decay.
If cutting out staining beverages is difficult, one way is to utilize a straw so the liquid does not pass over the teeth. Another option is to rinse your mouth right after eating the foods you should avoid. However, avoid brushing your teeth immediately after eating these foods since it also wears down your enamel.
Quit Smoking
Stopping smoking is the best thing you can do for whiter teeth and good overall health. Removing tobacco stains from teeth is very difficult since they stick in the grooves and openings of the enamel. This could cause teeth to turn brown or yellow. Let your quest to have whiter teeth be motivation to quit smoking for good.
Stick to a Diet Rich in Vegetables and Fruits
Crunchy vegetables and fruits rub off plaque from teeth while chewing them. These foods are, of course, not a substitute for brushing teeth. However, any remedy is excellent if it provides the expected results. Vegetables and fruits are also essential for general health, which is a win-win.
Examples of fruits that can whiten teeth are strawberries and pineapple. An enzyme called bromelain in pineapple efficiently removes tooth stains and is crucial in general tooth whitening. On the other hand, strawberries have malic acid. This acid removes discoloration on teeth, making them whiter. Other vegetables and fruits that can remove stains on teeth are carrots, celery, and apples.
Practice Ideal Dental Hygiene
Above everything else, proper oral hygiene is essential for whiter teeth. This means brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and regular dental visits for checkups. With these steps, you can achieve a whiter smile.
Remember also to brush your tongue. Bacteria can harbor there, causing potential staining and bad breath. You can switch to an electric toothbrush if you have not already done so. These brushes are more effective at eliminating stains on teeth, achieving a pearly white smile.
Find a Professional Dentist Near Me
There are so many viable ways to make your teeth whiter. Remember that several of these take patience, consistency, and time, particularly if you wish to achieve long-term results. And if you are up for professional teeth whitening, we at La Puente Advanced Dentistry can help. Call us at 626-626-7075 to schedule an appointment. We will discuss with you what ideal whitening options will suit your needs. Also, if you want to learn more about professional ways to whiten teeth, our dentists are well-prepared to impart that knowledge.
