Having bright, white teeth is something we all strive to achieve. Our natural perception of those with white teeth is that they’re healthier, more attractive, and even more successful in their lives than someone with a stained or discolored smile.

When it comes to whitening our teeth, there are numerous options available. Two of the most popular methods are laser teeth whitening and DIY whitening strips. To help you decide which method is right for you, we’ve created a breakdown of the best ways to whiten.

Laser Teeth Whitening: A New Way To Whiten

The laser energy heats the hydrogen peroxide whitening agent. This helps ensure that whitening is completed as quickly as possible, without pain or damaging the surrounding gums. We can complete an entire whitening procedure with laser teeth whitening by lightening teeth up to 4-6 shades in just 20 minutes of active treatment time. This is faster than other in-office whitening systems and allows patients to get back to daily life (with a brighter smile) as soon as possible.

In-office laser whitening treatments are performed in a single visit and can give you desired results in less time. We recommend professional whitening for anyone looking to whiten for a big event, if you have a busy schedule, or if you don’t want the hassle of daily whitening strips.

Popular At-Home Whitening Methods

You can restore your whitest smile with various at-home whitening treatments designed to remove surface stains and whiten your teeth. The four different whitening products that are most popular to use are:

Whitening Toothpaste

Toothpaste can contain mild abrasives that work as gentle polishing agents that remove the stains on the outer surfaces of the teeth while brushing. Initial results can be seen in as little as a few days with consistent use when using whitening toothpaste daily.

Whitening Gel Strips

Most at-home whitening products are dental strips. Whitening strips are small plastic strips with a peroxide gel side that you apply to the outer surface of your teeth, which can also help facilitate a whitening effect. The strips can be used up to 30 minutes a day for maximum results and can be repeated for a consecutive number of days as per the manufacturer’s suggestion until you achieve your desired shade of white.

Whitening Trays

Most whitening trays involve using a mouthguard-like tray with a gel-based whitening solution with peroxide-based bleaching agents. Your dentist can take your whitening trays to the next level by taking impressions of your teeth and having a tray made that fits your mouth perfectly for optimal results.

Whitening Rinses

A mouth rinse can contain hydrogen peroxide as a bleaching agent to help whiten your teeth while you also freshen your breath. A whitening rinse can be used daily, especially after meals, to help reduce harmful bacteria from sticking to the surface of your teeth, causing cavities.

Which Whitening Option Is Right For Me?

A whiter smile can be attained by just about anyone. Although store-bought whitening treatments cost less than other in-office methods, they offer a less dramatic result than a professional whitening treatment. There are pros and cons for all whitening methods, whether you’ve chosen in-office whitening or whitening from the comforts of home. Which whitening treatment is best for you will depend on your lifestyle and the time you have to dedicate to achieving a whiter smile.

It’s wise to speak with your dentist before selecting a teeth whitening treatment to ensure you can achieve a whiter smile with the best possible results in the safest way. If you need help selecting an at-home whitening kit or learning more about how professional laser teeth whitening can quickly help you achieve your desired results, schedule a consult with Hinsdale Dentistry.