Teeth whitening is one of the most common treatments patients ask us about. It is easy to acquire teeth stains – especially if you are a sugar lover or avid coffee drinker – and tough to get rid of them. It is common for patients to want their teeth whitened after they have their braces removed to give their smile that extra shine. Others want their teeth whitening to make up for past poor dental health. Teeth naturally get darker with age, but there are ways to reverse this process.
How well do over the counter treatments really work?
There are hundreds of over the counter teeth whitening products available from strips, to special lights and toothpaste, to mouth guards. You may see a small difference from using over the counter treatments, but they are generally much weaker than a doctor’s treatments and don’t last very long.
Over the counter whiteners can only contain up to 10 percent peroxide, while prescription strength whiteners can contain 20 to 40 percent peroxide. Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash are generally too weak to make any real, lasting difference. White strips work, however, they are still less effective than a doctor’s treatments. They’re also a hassle to use and can cause tooth sensitivity if you don’t follow the directions exactly.
What should I use to whiten my teeth instead?
At Wright Orthodontics, we offer a safe, effective method to whitening and brightening teeth. We use Philips Zoom!® WhiteSpeed Teeth Whitening System to provide a level of whitening that just can’t be achieved with over the counter treatments. A bleaching gel is applied to the teeth, which is then activated by ultraviolet light. The Philips Zoom!® WhiteSpeed Teeth Whitening System removes even the toughest, deepest stains from teeth, and it only takes an hour!
Are you ready for a whiter, brighter smile? Wright Orthodontics serves the communities of Atlanta, Marietta, and other surrounding areas of North Georgia. Dr. Marc S. Wright and our friendly staff at Wright Orthodontics are ready to help you with your teeth whitening and/or orthodontic needs. Schedule a consultation or call (404)-507-2078 to learn more.
