What Are Your Teeth Whitening Options?

Teeth whitening is one of the easiest and quickest ways to reinvent your smile, with numerous over-the-counter products available for home application. However, the best and safest treatments are those offered by your dentist. Here’s a look at your teeth whitening options and how to safely brighten your smile. 

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Teeth whitening treatments typically involve placing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gel on stained or discolored teeth. The bleaching agent breaks down into free radicals that attach to the stains, lifting them off the teeth. 

Whitening works best to eliminate yellowish stains resulting from natural aging, consuming pigmented foods and drinks such as coffee, berries, and wine, and the use of tobacco products. It is not effective for treating tooth-colored restorations, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. 

Over-the-Counter Whitening Products

There are many over-the-counter teeth whitening options available to you, including peroxide-based paints, strips, and gels, as well as whitening toothpaste with mild abrasives that remove surface stains. While home kits may produce some whitening results, many will disappoint. Moreover, home whitening kits may contain harsh chemicals that damage your teeth and gums. For the safest and most reliable results, choose professional whitening under the care of an experienced dental professional. 

Professional Teeth Whitening

At Afton Dental, we offer two leading whitening systems: Zoom and KöR, as well as at-home whitening.

Zoom Whitening: The safe and effective whitening treatment lifts stains off the tooth enamel and dentin. The advanced Zoom Chairside Light-activated Gel accelerates and enhances the whitening procedure, delivering dramatic results. Patients often report teeth up to eight shades whiter and brighter in just 45 minutes!

KöR Whitening: KöR restores the tooth structure’s youthful ability to absorb oxygen. Oxygen absorbed from the bleaching gel virtually erases teeth stains with dramatic results. KöR is the only whitening system that stays refrigerated from production until placed on your teeth, ensuring maximum freshness and effectiveness. The scientifically designed custom trays seal out saliva, so the hydrogen peroxide gel won’t get contaminated and can work its magic on your teeth for up to 10 hours at a time. KöR is the only whitening system that can lift stains caused by tetracycline, previously thought impossible!

At-Home Whitening: If you’d prefer to whiten your teeth at home,we’re happy to provide you with custom trays and whitening gel for use as per directions. The trays fit perfectly over your teeth as the professional-grade whitening agent gently and comfortably brightens your smile. At-home whitening generally takes 10-14 days to deliver the desired results, although some stains may start lifting in as little as 3-5 days. 

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Teeth whitening is one of the safest cosmetic dentistry treatments available when performed under the care of a trained dental professional. The most common side effect is minor tooth sensitivity, which typically resolves soon without any intervention. 

Teeth Whitening Near Me

Contact Afton Dental in Concord, NC, to learn more about our safe and effective teeth whitening options for whiter teeth and a brighter smile. Our team will work with you to determine the best solution to achieve your desired results. Are you ready to dazzle? Call us at 704-788-1717 to schedule your appointment today!