Trust Your Dentist to Whiten Your Teeth

 There are a lot of products available that can help whiten your teeth and brighten your smile.  It can be confusing—do over the counter whiteners work, or is it best to let your dentist take care of it?  Here are some things to consider before making your decision.

1.     In-office options: At Dunlap Dental, chairside bleaching usually takes one session. We apply a protective gel or a rubber shield to protect your gums, then use a professional grade whitener on your teeth.  Special lights and lasers are sometimes used to boost the whitening effect. We also make custom whitening trays that our patients can use at home.

2.     DIY options: While there are some over the counter whiteners, trays and white strips available without a prescription, they work by bleaching tooth enamel with peroxide—not the greatest way to treat your teeth.  There are some side effects, like gum irritation or increased tooth sensitivity.  And do-it-yourself whiteners aren’t as strong or effective—and don’t work as quickly—as our in-office treatments.

3.     Toothpastes: Plain old toothpaste does help remove stains on the surface or your teeth, but their polishing agents and mild abrasives work only on the surface.  For longer lasting whitening, call our office to set up a consultation. We’re happy to help make your teeth their whitest.