Everyone wants a radiant and glowing white smile. It enhances your features, boosts your confidence, and gives you positive energy. So, it is no surprise that teeth whitening is among the most popular cosmetic dental treatments nowadays.
But aside from professional teeth whitening, many people also consider over-the-counter teeth whiteners that they can use in the comfort of their home.
Today, we will talk about teeth whitening gels and do they really work. And we’ll let you in on the most efficient tips and tricks to use a standard teeth whitening gel to get the most out of it!
Professional vs At-Home Whitening
Professional teeth whitening involves a dentist-supervised and performed whitening procedure. At Cosmedica Dental, we use a combination of whitening gels and blue laser light for a quick and enhanced whitening effect.
Our whitening gels contain a safe yet highly-concentrated bleaching agent (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide). This is painted over your teeth and then activated by blue light to whiten your teeth in the fastest and most dramatic way possible.
Because your dentist does the entire procedure, there is a 110% guarantee of a safe and effective treatment with minimal to no complications. If you have sensitive teeth, you can trust your dentist to make the process as painless as possible.
However, when it comes to comfort, nothing beats at-home whitening. No need to do the extra work of going to your dentist and allotting time on your day to get it done. You can pop on the custom whitening tray and do your thing after.
At-home teeth whitening gels are so convenient that you can have the whitening treatment done while doing house chores, working from home, or binge-watching your favourite show!
The only downside is the results. Because the whitening gel of most at-home products is less potent, you may need to do the procedure several times over a few days or weeks. And even then, the results may not be as white as expected.
Generally, at-home teeth whitening involves a slow and steady process that gradually whitens the smile. Meanwhile, professional teeth whitening is your go-to for quick and dramatic results.
Tips for At-Home Whitening
Who says you can’t have a brilliant white smile at an affordable cost? If you are on a budget but want that dreamy white smile, at-home whitening gels are perfect for you!
Here are some tips from our dental experts at Cosmedica Dental so you can achieve good results with your at-home whiteners:
1. Get your teeth cleaned
The first step is to have your teeth professionally cleaned. Clean teeth help your whitening products to stick and actually work! So, before you buy any at-home whiteners, consider having your teeth scaled and polished to perfection first.
2. Check the active ingredient
Selecting your teeth whitening gel will make a big difference to the outcome. Look for peroxide in the ingredient list (22 carbamide peroxide). This is a highly potent bleaching agent that can deliver the results you want. Potassium nitrate is also an ingredient that can help, especially if you have sensitive teeth.
3. Follow instructions
Different teeth whitening gel brands will have different instructions for use. Read and understand the instruction manual before use. This ensures that you wear your tray as prescribed and reapply as recommended.
4. Say bye to stainers
After your first at-home whitening cycle, you may need a few more cycles to get the desired results. As you wait for the next round, eliminate any staining drinks or food from your diet. This will prevent more stains from showing up and slowing down your progress.
5. Maintain good oral hygiene
Lastly, brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day to keep your teeth clean. This will also help the whitening look extra radiant and long-lasting. Also, visit your dentist twice yearly so they can check your oral health regularly!
Do teeth whitening gels work?
So, the biggest question is, does a tooth whitening gel actually work? Yes, it does!
Yes, they do!
Teeth whitening gels are an excellent alternative to getting your whitening professionally done by your dentist. It is hassle-free, budget-friendly, and actually provides some whitening effect. The key is to find the right whitening gel with efficient active ingredients to help you achieve the look you want.
Teeth Whitening at Cosmedicadental
Your dream smile awaits at Cosmedicadental! To learn more about our teeth whitening and cosmetic dentistry packages, call us today and let one of our friendly dental staff guide you into booking an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Only use your teeth whitening gel as written in the instruction manual. Unless recommended, daily use may harm your teeth because of the bleaching ingredient. It may weaken your teeth and cause sensitivity over time.
If used accordingly, teeth whitening gels are formulated for your safety. Some products even contain a barrier gel for your teeth and gums to protect them from any whitening sensitivity. If you are unsure how to use your whitening gel, let your dentist know so they can help.
Peroxide, the active ingredient in most teeth whitening gels, contributes to the strength of the whitening effect. At-home whiteners usually come with 3-20% peroxide. Meanwhile, dentist-prescribed whitening gels can go up to 35%, contributing to a significant lightening effect.
If left on the teeth for too long, the active bleaching ingredients in whitening gels can weaken the enamel, making it more vulnerable to decay and fracture. So, keep in mind to use your whitening gel accordingly.
Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can remove surface stains to produce a whitening effect. However, baking soda will not work on deeper and more stubborn stains.