Most people can’t take their eyes off of a white, Hollywood smile. However, most people also need extra help achieving a captivating smile. From whitening toothpaste to chairside whitening, society is overloaded with products that promise to make smiles radiate. Regardless of which whitening treatment you choose, it won’t last forever. Whitening products lift existing stains off of the surface of the teeth (enamel), but they can’t repel new, incoming stains. 

Avoiding stain-causing foods, beverages, and habits (such as smoking) can extend the longevity of whitening treatments. Furthermore, results can be maintained when combining treatments safely. For example, after a dentist whitens teeth in the office, patients can retain brilliance by applying whitening trays at home. 

Do specific whitening treatments last longer than others? Continue reading for the answer to that question and more.

Whitening Toothpaste

What ingredient makes whitening toothpaste different from conventional toothpaste? Two words: hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a compound that can easily pass into the tooth to break down complex, stain-causing molecules. Whitening toothpaste also commonly contains carbamide peroxide and mild abrasives, which polish and lighten teeth in varying degrees.

When used twice daily, it can take two to six weeks to notice results from whitening toothpaste, and these results must be maintained with continued use. However, it is imperative to understand that extended use of whitening toothpaste can wear down enamel. If you intend on using a whitening toothpaste for a sustained period, alternate using an enamel-strengthening toothpaste.

Whitening Strips

When it comes to over-the-counter whitening treatments, whitening strips are one of the most effective choices. Crest’s manufacturer’s website claims that some whitening strips can keep teeth looking brighter for 12 months.

Despite promising a year of white teeth, some downsides associated with the incorrect use of whitening strips are:

• Dental sensitivity
• Damaged dentin (supports the enamel)
• Gum irritation
• Less dramatic results than professional whitening treatments

Take-Home Whitening Trays

If you insist on whitening your teeth in the comfort and convenience of your own home, consider tailored, take-home whitening trays from your dentist. After patients receive a customized tray to fit his or her unique smile, they fill the tray with a gel with bleaching agents and put it on their teeth every day or night for a specific timeframe. Many people notice results in about a week and can maintain results with continuous use.

In-Office Whitening

Are you interested in a whitening treatment that is fast and easy with profound results? In-office chairside whitening may be precisely what you want. Because chairside whitening gels contain a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide, they can lighten five to ten shades in just one hour. Dr. Lee responsibly chooses Opalescence Boost to whiten teeth because it is effective and protective.

Opalescence Boost’s chemically-activated whitening gel also contains: 

• Potassium nitrate builds protection over time to desensitize nerves to hot and cold temperatures.
• Fluoride is a famous mineral that prevents tooth decay.

Brighten Your Smile

In summary, whitening toothpaste, whitening strips, take-home trays, and chairside whitening can lift surface-level stains. However, professional treatments yield more dramatic, long-lasting results. For over 17 years, Dr. Abbey J. Lee has successfully whitened smiles by applying in-office chairside treatments and prescribing customized take-home whitening trays. Schedule your next teeth whitening session in Atlanta, GA, by calling 404-328-7177 or messaging us online.