The market is flooded with products advertising whiter smiles! Why not, since the demand is so high for cheap solutions that solve stained teeth? People want a white smile because it builds confidence, impresses others, and implies good health. Consider just a few of the products that advertise themselves as “whiteners”:
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrushes
- Gum and mouth rinses
- Whitening trays and strips
- Paint-on gels
- Dental floss and picks
- Chewing gum
With so many possibilities, which products actually help to whiten your teeth?
Narrowing the Field of Whiteners
Thankfully, there is a surefire way to reduce the vast amounts of products to sift through. Make sure that any dental product is approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). The ADA sets the guidelines for approved active ingredients in dental products. For your convenience, here is a link to a “shopping list” of ADA-approved products. But even if a product is demonstrated to be “effective,” it does not mean that it’s the best choice for your circumstances.
Consult with Your Dental Experts
Before you act on any teeth whitening procedure, discuss it your dentist at the Yuba City Dentistry Group. We know your teeth very well, what they need, and the best way to get it. We ask about what level of white you want. And sometimes it doesn’t need to cost you anymore than you spend to have your teeth cleaned (a cost often covered by your dental insurance). A regular cleaning from our hygienist typically results in lightening your teeth, perhaps making them as white as you want without any additional effort or expense.
Still, there are some cases where stains are so severe that over-the-counter products or a cleaning will not get the job done. These cases require different, more involved procedures. Since only your dentist is able to determine that for sure, it’s important to consult with us before venturing into unnecessary spending.
Deciding on the Procedure
Every mouth is different, so discussing the options results in the procedure that’s right for you. It also helps to have an experienced professional monitoring the progress of your whitening. In many cases, the best option is using a combination of in-office visits with trays you apply at home. Significant results are typically seen in as short a time as seven to twelve days. Another choice is a shorter procedure that takes place in about an hour. In contrast, most drugstore products create results in three to six weeks, with multiple re-applications necessary.
Whiter teeth are a component of a healthy, confident smile. The Yuba City Dentistry Group is eager to help you get that smile, if that is what you want. Give us a call, or schedule an appointment here on our website so we can talk about how white you want your teeth to be, and how we can get them there together.
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