Very little can make you feel as self-assured as pearly whites. Having brighter teeth gives you the confidence to smile a little wider, a little more often — and that can brighten someone else’s day, which makes it all that much better. With that in mind, you know you want your teeth whitened, but you may feel overwhelmed if you are researching options for the best tooth whitening in the Rochester, Michigan area.
Over-the-counter whitening toothpastes . . . OTC whitening trays . . . whitening gels . . . strips . . . brush-on applicators . . . costs that run the gamut . . . and then there’s the issue of over-the-counter tooth whitening options vs. professional tooth whitening through the dentist’s office. Whew! There are so many possibilities that it can be hard to make the smartest, safest choice.
Let us give you our honest opinion: We like getting our own teeth whitened at the dentist’s office the best. It simply works better, and that’s about it in a nutshell.
But we’re guessing you want to know more about the best tooth whitening options for your own mouth, not ours. So we’ll break it down for you.
Types of Tooth Whitening Products
The first step is to make an important decision. Do you want to whiten your teeth professionally in the Rochester, Michigan area, or would you prefer to do it yourself?
We think it’s a no-brainer, but we won’t dwell on that.
If you are looking for quick solutions and want to go the OTC route, that’s OK too . . . as long as you choose effective products that won’t harm your teeth.
Tooth whitening products have come a long way in recent years, so most of them are relatively harmless and can be effective over time.
The three main types of over-the-counter tooth whitening products are whitening strips, trays, and toothpastes. More comprehensive dental whitening systems can be obtained over the counter as well. You can essentially base your decision on preference and cost, as well as how quickly you want to see a difference in the shade of your teeth.
Whitening Toothpastes
If you are thinking, “I’m brushing my teeth twice a day anyway, so I might as well find a toothpaste that offers whitening benefits,” well, that’s very true and makes a lot of sense. The only issue is that whitening toothpastes don’t offer immediate results . . . other than cleaning the surface plaque off your teeth. You may see your teeth get whiter over time, so this is a good option if you’re looking for long-term, consistent tooth whitening results.
Whitening Strips
Whitening strips can be affordable and effective, but they may need to be used several times before you can see results. More importantly, the results may be uneven or the strips may be difficult to use if your teeth are not perfectly straight. The benefit is that you may be able to see results sooner than you would with whitening toothpastes.
Brush Applicators
Brush applicators are quick and easy to use, and they are ideal for those with misaligned teeth. The results also may be noticeable sooner. The downfall is that they can be messy and may leave a less-than-favorable taste and feeling in your mouth while the gel is applied.
Whitening Trays
Whitening trays may offer the fastest results, but the brands and options will be significant factors in their effectiveness. The costs vary widely, ranging anywhere from $15 to a couple hundred dollars. Although effective, whitening trays can be messy and must be kept in your mouth for at least a half hour for each use. They also wouldn’t be ideal for someone with a strong gag reflex.
Tooth Whitening Systems
More comprehensive tooth whitening systems offer fast, effective results, but they can be pricey. In fact, some can cost a few hundred dollars. As with any of the other over-the-counter tooth whitening options, the cost will vary depending on the brand, features, ease of use, quality, and active and inactive ingredients.
Professional Tooth Whitening in the Rochester, Michigan Area
Getting your teeth whitened in our Rochester dental office offers all of these benefits plus some.
Although you may have to pay a little more, you reap the benefits of convenience and finality.
What do we mean by finality? Well, that’s our favorite part.
When you get your teeth whitened at the dentist’s office, you go in, get them whitened, and you’re done. That’s it. You can forget about it. There’s no clutter in your bathroom or mess in your sink to clean up. And to top it off, it’s the most effective option. You see results immediately.
There are two aspects we haven’t discussed yet, and they’re important ones.
First, with tooth whitening, there is too much of a good thing (think Ross in “Friends”). Our professionals can apply the perfect amount of solution to whiten your teeth while keeping them healthy.
The second aspect is based on your gums, lips, and the inside of your cheeks. Some whitening products can irritate the lining of your mouth, so we will use a retractor to keep your cheeks, tongue, and lips away from the peroxide solution.
In addition to completing the process here, we can also guide you on the best at-home, professional tooth whitening system for your needs.
No matter which option you choose, our goal is for you to have a bright and healthy smile — whether you do it at home or here. If you choose to have your teeth whitened in our Rochester, Michigan dental office, contact us now to make an appointment!
We’ll look forward to seeing you walk out of here with a bigger smile on your face and a bigger bounce in your step.