Did you know those yellow teeth are not a sign of poor dental hygiene? While it’s true that some yellowing can be attributed to poor oral hygiene or other unhealthy habits like smoking, most people have teeth that are slightly yellow or off-white.
But if you’re looking to whiten your teeth, you may find yourself overwhelmed with all the types of teeth whitening available to you. How do you know which ones you can trust to work and be safe at the same time?
We’re outlining the different types of teeth whitening products that you can find over the counter and in your dentist’s office. Keep reading to learn more!
At-Home Teeth Whitening
First, we’re going to look at what you can do at home to make your teeth more white. In general, there are three different things you can try: whitening toothpaste, over-the-counter teeth whitening kits, and natural remedies.
Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste comes in a variety of formulas and flavors. Each brand will have different combinations of ingredients and techniques that can lighten the appearance of your teeth.
Some formulas use chemicals, others use baking soda and abrasives to polish the teeth and help them reflect light. This reflection helps them to appear whiter.
They can also work to remove surface stains that are making your teeth look more yellow.
The ADA marks which kinds of toothpaste are up to their standards, so pick one with their seal of approval.
The cost of whitening toothpaste is usually under $30 and it can take several weeks to see an improvement.
Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Kits
Over-the-counter teeth whitening kits also use different methods to whiten your teeth. Some kits come with whitening strips that you place over your teeth for varying lengths of time. Others come with brushes that allow you to apply the product as well.
Generally, these kits have peroxide that works to bleach your teeth to remove the stains deep below the surface. The ADA also puts a seal of approval on over-the-counter whitening solutions that meet their standards.
These treatments are more expensive than toothpaste. You could pay as low as $30 or upwards of $100 or more when you purchase an over-the-counter kit.
You could start seeing results after a week or two if you use the product as the package recommends.
Natural Teeth Whitening
There are a few natural remedies you could try if you want to whiten your teeth yourself. One way to improve the look of your teeth is to eat more healthily, stop eating or drinking things that stain your teeth, and give up smoking.
Using abrasives like baking soda and charcoal could help too. Many people use coconut oil to whiten their teeth as well.
The best thing you can do for the color of your teeth is to develop good hygiene habits. Brush, floss, and use mouthwash two times a day, every day. Chew sugar-free gum and visit your dentist two times a year.
Teeth Whitening at the Dentist
If you want teeth whitening solutions that your dentist approves, visit your dentist or somewhere like Brentwood Dental Spa.
Depending on what look you want to achieve, your dentist will be able to recommend a product for you. They also have teeth whitening kits, specialized toothpaste, and different teeth whitening they can do at their offices as well.
Dentist Recommended Teeth Whitening Kits
Many dentists carry whitening kits that aren’t sold in stores. These usually include trays that you fill with a special, more concentrated bleach than the over-the-counter kits provide.
They’re more expensive, as well. You can expect to spend at least $150-$200 on a take-home kit from your dentist. However, you should start to notice a difference in a week or two.
Zoom Teeth Whitening
Dentists also have specific procedures they can do to help whiten your teeth. Zoom teeth whitening is a special procedure that uses 25% hydrogen peroxide gel and a special lamp to instantly whiten your teeth.
Not all dentists provide this experience. Insurance doesn’t cover it, so you’ll spend at least $500 in most areas. The results will be immediate, though!
Boost Teeth Whitening
Boost teeth whitening is another option that some dentists or dental spas have. It works much like Zoom teeth whitening, however, it doesn’t require a special light to work.
You’ll spend at least 2 hours in the procedure chair, but the results will be immediate. This will also cost you upwards of $500.
Whitening Alternative: Veneers
If you have extremely white teeth, or your teeth aren’t responding to traditional bleaching methods, you still have a chance at having a pearly white smile.
Veneers are a cap that is fitted over your existing teeth. They completely change and shape the look of your smile.
Veneers can do more than make your teeth white again. They can fix chipped teeth, crooked teeth, and gaps as well.
Veneers are expensive. Some dentists charge between $700-$1000 per tooth. But in some places, the price can be even higher.
This isn’t an instant process either. You will need to go through several procedures to prepare, fit, and place the veneers over your teeth. However, the results last for a long time before they need to be repaired or replaced.
Which Types of Teeth Whitening Are Best For You?
As you can see, there are so many types of teeth whitening out there. Talk to your dentist before deciding on a teeth whitening program so they can help you in your selection.
The best way to get whiter teeth is to start with white teeth. Before you make a choice to bleach or whiten your teeth through other methods, make sure you’re taking the steps to take care of your oral hygiene. Brush, floss, and rinse two times a day.
For more health tips and tricks, keep reading!