Teeth whitening | The most effective practices

Teeth whitening choices

If your goal is to do something about frustrating teeth stains, you will have an easy time finding products that promise to help at your local grocery store or pharmacy. When you have access to whitening toothpaste, and over the counter teeth whitening products, why should you talk to your dentist about an interest in making your smile brighterWhile store bought products can have some effect, you may be left frustrated with the results.

A professional teeth whitening treatment can offer considerably more help because the agents provided by your dentist will remove stains under the surface of your enamel. You can actually take home the whitening kit provided by your dentist and enjoy your treatments from the comfort of your own home.

Finding A More Effective Alternative To Over The Counter Whitening Products

The whitening treatment provided by your dentist is capable of making remarkable improvements. You can actually see the changes after your first night! While the whitening toothpaste options available on store shelves can only affect the surface of your teeth, the ingredients in a professional whitening kit will remove stains left from food, drinks, and tobacco products that are harder to access, leading to more significant changes.

The main problem with store bought products is that the results are unpredictable at best. Most over the counter whitening kits contain bleaching agent concentrations of two or three percent. Compare that with the professional whitening kits that Dr. Fondriest offers, which can top 22 percent carbamide peroxide. Box kits from grocery kids also lack the quality custom trays that Dr. Fondriest will create for your whitening treatments. Custom trays ensure that bleaching gels coat your teeth evenly. You are more likely to receive a safe way to whiten your teeth from your dentist.

How Do Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits Work?

Our office uses the latest technology from Discus Dental called Nite White Excel 3. The FDA-approved whitening kits are safe, fast, and effective. Nite White Excel 3 is a perfect treatment to address stains caused by coffee, wine, food, aging, and tobacco. Nite White Excel 3 was the first whitener to use Amorphous Calcium Phosphate technology, which reduces sensitivity.

Dr. Fondriest will prepare a custom dental appliance (fitted tray) that can be worn during the day or while you sleep. Nite White comes in three concentrations: 10, 16, and 22 percent carbamide peroxide. Depending on which concentration you opt for, the gel and trays will be worn for varying lengths of time. 

For each application, a small line of bleaching gel is applied to each tray. Patients are free to use the gel across the entire mouthpiece, but it is important to remember that the most noticeable results are seen across the front of anterior teeth. Nite White’s active ingredient, carbamide peroxide, has been recognized as safe and effective by the FDA. After you have used the contents of each syringe, you will notice that your teeth are several shades whiter. 

It is not uncommon to experience very minor side effects as a result of teeth whitening. The most common side effect is sensitivity to hot and cold. It is advisable to avoid very hot or cold drinks for a few days following your treatment. These minor side effects will subside with time.  

How Long Will My Teeth Whitening Results Last?

Teeth whitening results last around three years on average. Individual results will vary widely depending on several factors, including:

  • Age
  • Genetic factors
  • Diet
  • Tobacco use
  • Oral hygiene habits
  • Frequency of dental visits

The best way to maintain your brighter smile is to avoid or reduce consumption of enamel staining foods while maintaining good oral hygiene habits. Patients can also benefit from periodic whitening treatments at home. After your initial whitening treatment, you can purchase additional bleaching syringes for use every several months. 

Your Dentist Can Help You Deal With Intrinsic Discoloration

Intrinsic discoloration can be a particularly frustrating problem for patients because even a professional whitening treatment can fail to deliver the changes they want to see. With that in mind, you can talk to your dentist about alternative cosmetic procedures. With porcelain veneers, it becomes possible to cover up intrinsic discoloration and hide those blemishes that have been interfering with your smile.

Learn How To Enjoy Great Improvements To The Color Of Your Smile

A white smile is often associated with youthfulness and health. Teeth whitening treatments can have oral health benefits. After undergoing teeth whitening, you will be more likely to maintain your brighter smile by maintaining good oral hygiene habits

Our practice is ready to help you make fantastic changes to your smile! We are proud to offer care for those who want to make their teeth brighter, but we are ready to help you with any cosmetic issues that might be bothering you. To schedule a consultation, call our office today at 847-234-0517. We also proudly serve residents of Chicago and all surrounding communities in the Chicago Metro area.