Tips For Choosing An Over-the-counter Tooth Whitening Product

Tooth whitening is all the rage these days for good reason. Contemporary tooth whitening solutions beautify the teeth, giving them just the right shade of white to suit each patient's unique personal aesthetic. Yet deciding between the many different tooth whitening products can be a bit flustering. There are plenty of different options on the market. Below, we take a look at the many different options for over-the-counter tooth whitening solutions and provide some helpful tips for selecting the best one.

Over-the-Counter Tooth Whitening Strips

If you are looking to whiten your teeth similar to the hue that can be achieved with whitening performed by a professional dentist, over-the-counter whitening strips are worth trying. These strips are designed with some of the same ingredients dentists use to eliminate stains. In fact, some tooth whitening strips have the potential to erase upwards of a decade and a half worth of stains. Most over-the-counter teeth whitening strips must be applied once per day for about half an hour. Results will last upwards of a full year.

Mind the Peroxide Level

The level of peroxide in tooth whitening solutions is of particular concern when it comes to over-the-counter whitening products. In general, products with particularly high levels of peroxide work faster and more effectively. However, a heightened level of peroxide also has the potential to cause an increase in tooth sensitivity.

Consider the Extent of the Daily Application

As you consider the merits of over-the-counter tooth whitening solutions, keep an eye on the time required for application. Teeth whitening requires discipline as skipping a day or several days can lead to underwhelming results. Some whitening solutions require minimal application time while others require upwards of several hours. Find the tooth whitening solution that suits your needs and schedule before making a commitment. Those who are extraordinarily busy and need to whiten their teeth on-the-go will find certain advanced tooth whitening products can be used when performing everyday activities like exercising, using the computer, taking care of the kids etc.

Dental History Matters

Over-the-counter tooth whitening solutions will not function on teeth that have been capped, crowned, covered with veneers, laminates and other dental solutions. When in doubt, consult with your dentist to determine if your teeth can be whitened with over-the-counter solutions. Your dentist will help you make an informed decision that keeps your teeth in excellent shape.

Teeth Whitening Takes Some Commitment on the Patient’s Behalf

Do not rush into teeth whitening. Consider if you are truly committed to the teeth whitening process. You will have to apply the over-the-counter tooth whitening solution on a daily basis. If you do not honor this commitment for weeks, the results will be disappointing. Those who can't commit to such a schedule should consider professional teeth whitening at the dentist's office or alternative solutions.

For more information call St. George Dental Care at 435-628-9099.