Dr. Kami Hoss Discusses Dental Approved Teeth Whitening Methods
Everyone wants a bright, white smile. With so many teeth whitening products on the market, Dr. Kami Hoss, a Dentist from San Diego, California, feels that it can be difficult to know which one is best for you and whether or not it’s even safe to use certain chemicals or bleaching agents at home. Dentists often recommend that patients visit their practice to receive professional teeth whitening treatments, but what if your dentist doesn’t offer this service?
Luckily, there are several forms of dental-approved teeth whitening options that patients can perform in the comfort of their own home and with the guidance of an experienced dentist over the phone or the internet.
Teeth Whitening Strips
One easy way to achieve a brighter smile at home is through teeth whitening strips. These thin, stretchy strips have been soaked in a bleaching solution, and the peroxide is released when you open your mouth. The strips are applied to teeth for a set amount of time, and once removed, you should notice a difference in color in just a few uses.
Dr. Kami Hoss understands that this product is not recommended if you have gum disease or sensitive gums that bleed when flossing or brushing. If you have crowns or fillings that don’t fit flush with your gums, do not use this product either, as it could cause damage to these areas through excess whitening agents.
Teeth Whitening Pens
Another popular oral care accessory for at-home teeth whitening is the tooth whitening pen. As the name suggests, this resembles a pen and has a fine tip to dispense the whitening gel directly onto your teeth. The bleaching solution is typically made with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
Dr. Kami Hoss understands that it’s designed to stay on the surface of your teeth for an extended amount of time until it is rinsed away. Teeth may appear whiter after several uses, but keep in mind that this form of whitening will not last as long as a professional treatment from a dentist’s office.
Tooth Whitening Gels
Many individuals choose this product due to its efficiency in brightening your smile. Usually applied with a plastic tray, tooth whitening gels can be purchased over-the-counter and come in a gel formula that you must paint on topically. Patients can also use these products with a custom-made tray from their dentist.
The use of tooth whitening gels is not recommended if you have gum disease, tooth decay, exposed roots, or braces. Dr. Kami Hoss feels that you should avoid eye contact and discontinue use if irritation occurs.
Teeth Whitening Kits
Complete teeth whitening kits are available for purchase at most pharmacies and drugstores. These typically include a bleaching agent (either gel or strips), a moldable mouth tray, and sometimes even a LED light designed to help the bleaching agent work more effectively. The time it takes to see results will depend on the type of kit you are using, but most people begin to notice a change in color after a few uses.
Like other at-home whitening products, teeth whitening kits are not recommended if you have gum disease or other oral health issues. If irritation does occur, stop using the kit and consult your dentist.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
The most popular form of teeth whitening is the professional treatment done in a dentist’s office. This procedure uses a stronger bleaching agent than what is available over-the-counter and can take anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour, depending on the individual’s needs.
Most dentists will advise that you avoid any kind of teeth whitening treatments if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. In addition, those who have crowns, veneers, fillings, or braces should also avoid any form of teeth whitening as they may be at a higher risk for sensitivity and irritation.
Polishing
If you are looking for a quick and easy way to brighten your smile, ask your dentist about polishing. This simple procedure uses a mild abrasive to remove any surface stains on your teeth. It can be done in the office or at home with a handheld device.
Polishing is not recommended for gum disease, exposed roots, or plaque buildup as it could irritate. In addition, it is not as effective at removing deep-set stains as other forms of teeth whitening.
Laser Teeth Whitening
Laser teeth whitening is a relatively new technology that uses a laser to activate the bleaching agent. This procedure can be done in the office in as little as thirty minutes and is one of the most effective ways to brighten your smile.
Like other forms of teeth whitening, laser teeth whitening is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding, have gum disease or other oral health issues, or have crowns, veneers, fillings, or braces.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking to achieve brighter teeth without visiting the dentist, there are several at-home teeth whitening products that you can try. However, it is important to remember that these treatments may not be as effective as professional treatments and may not suit everyone. Consult your dentist before starting any teeth whitening treatment to ensure it is right for you.
So, what form of teeth whitening should you choose? That depends on a few factors, such as how white you want your teeth to be and whether or not you have any oral health issues. If you are looking for a quick and easy way to brighten your smile, polishing may be the best option for you. Consider using a tooth whitening kit or in-office treatment if you have deeper set stains that you would like to remove.
