Teeth Whitening and Your Smile
The best type of whitening for your smile depends on what you are hoping to accomplish. Talk with Dr. Gary Orbach in New York City, NY, to figure out what your smile goal is!
Whitening Toothpaste
This is certainly the easiest method of whitening, but will brushing alone produce your whitest smile? Probably not. Whitening toothpaste use chemicals and abrasives to remove some surface stains caused by foods, beverages, and smoking. They can also be used to maintain the appearance of your teeth after professional whitening. However, toothpaste alone cannot change the natural color of your teeth or penetrate the surface of the tooth to remove deeper stains. Whitening toothpaste usually takes several weeks to produce results. Be sure to choose a product with a seal of approval from a reputable dental association and carefully follow the instructions for use.
Whitening Strips and Gel Trays
Whitening gels can be applied at home with strips or tray kits. These peroxide-based gels are stronger than the formulas used in toothpaste.
Strips come coated with the whitening gel and work when pressed to your teeth for a specified amount of time. One difficulty here is making sure each tooth is completely covered by the strip so that even whitening takes place. Tray and gel whitening systems provide a mouthguard-like appliance that is filled with whitening gel and applied to your teeth, again for a specific period. Because one size does not fit all, stock trays can be ill-fitting and lead to problems with gums and soft tissue. You can talk to our team about a custom-fitted appliance and whether gel whitening is your best option.
Some users find gel products cause tooth and gum sensitivity and even enamel damage. These over-the-counter gel products will not work on caps, veneers, crowns, or bridges, and there might be underlying conditions in your natural teeth that will make the use of these products ineffective. Please talk to Dr. Gary Orbach at your next visit if you are interested in whitening at home, so we can advise you on how to achieve the best and safest outcome. Call our office in New York City, NY, at (212) 371-6622.