Tooth Whitening

Tooth Whitening Cary, NC

What Is the Best Method for Tooth Whitening in Cary, North Carolina?

Many people want a whiter smile, but with so many whitening products on the market, it is difficult to find which product is best for you. Everyone’s needs are different, but when searching for the best bleaching agent for your teeth, look for something that is approved by a reputable dental organization or seek the advice of your dentist or hygienist. Find a product that is not damaging for your teeth while still providing lasting results.

Whitening Strips

Teeth whitening strips can be sold over-the-counter or through your dental office at a higher concentration. These products are not custom made, so the fit on your teeth may not be perfect. However, this seems to be a less expensive option for those wanting to try teeth whitening without breaking the bank.

Custom Bleaching Trays for Tooth Whitening

Your Cary, NC dentist or hygienist may be able to fabricate custom whitening trays for you to wear at home or to sleep in. These trays are made from impressions of your teeth, so they have a customized fit. Although this is a more expensive option, it could be more economical in the long run; you can reuse the bleaching trays many times and buy more whitening agent as needed.

Professional Whitening Systems

Many dental offices, such as Alliance Dentistry in Cary, NC, provide in-house tooth whitening services. These bleaching systems are faster-acting and give more noticeable results after one treatment. Although this is usually the most expensive option, it can be great for someone with a big event coming up, such as a wedding.

Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste does not do as good of a job at whitening the inside part of the tooth as other whitening products, but can be a great adjunct treatment for removing surface stains. Using whitening toothpaste after a professional whitening treatment can be helpful to maintain results between bleaching sessions.

Limitations to Bleaching

While achieving a whiter smile is possible for many people, there are limitations to tooth whitening treatments. If you have a stain that is deep within the tooth, traditional bleaching options may not work. In these cases, your doctor may recommend full coverage crowns or veneers.

Choosing to whiten your teeth is a great way to boost your self-confidence and restore a smile that has been damaged by stains. If you are interested in whitening your teeth, talk to your dentist at your next cleaning appointment to see which product would be right for your needs. With all the tooth whitening options available in Cary, NC, you can be smiling brighter in no time.

Receive Professional Tooth Whitening from a Dentist in Cary, NC

Tooth whitening in Cary NC is any process that will make teeth appear whiter. There are two ways in which this can be accomplished. A material can bleach the tooth, meaning it changes the natural tooth color. Bleaching products contain peroxides that eliminate both surface and deep stains.  Whitening products that are non-bleaching, by contrast, contain ingredients that remove surface stains only.

Tooth Whitening Products

Cary NC teeth whitening products can be applied by dentists in a Cary, NC dental office, given by Cary NC dentists for home use or purchased over-the counter. Whitening products can be classified into two groups:

• Peroxide-containing bleaching agents

Carbamide peroxide, used in many bleaching products, breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and urea, with hydrogen peroxide being the active bleaching ingredient. A product with 10% carbamide peroxide produces approximately 3.5 % hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide oxidizes stains, making the teeth whiter.  Both professional and at-home products, such as bleaching trays and white strips, utilize peroxide-containing bleaching products.

• Whitening toothpastes

Whitening toothpastes contain polishing or chemical agents that remove surface stains and help prevent new stains from forming. Many brands of whitening toothpastes are available over-the-counter and are an excellent follow-up to in- office or at-home Cary NC teeth whitening procedures.

At-Home Whitening Trays

Our Cary, NC dentists believe that the at-home whitening process provides the most successful outcome in the long run.  One reason is because of ongoing use. In addition, because small amounts of bleach remain within tooth structure for 36 hours, each time a new dose of bleach is applied to a tooth retaining the previous day’s peroxide, its effect is greater.  Whitening trays are convenient, portable and reasonably priced.

Once the decision is made that tooth whitening is an appropriate course of treatment, our dentists in Cary, NC will make impressions of your teeth. Custom -fitted trays made of a flexible plastic material are then constructed to intimately fit your teeth.  Along with these trays, our dentists in Cary, NC will dispense whitening gel and a storage case as part of your kit. Instructions are given on how to fill the trays with the correct amount of gel and a schedule is recommended to achieve the best results. Generally, wearing the trays for one hour a day for two to three weeks yields a desired outcome.

Advantages of At-Home Whitening Trays

• Our dentists in Cary, NC can dispense whitening gels with a much higher concentration of peroxide than available over-the counter, leading to more rapid results.
• Trays help ensure that the hydrogen peroxide stays in contact with the teeth, for maximum whitening in Cary NC.
• Trays help prevent saliva from coming into contact with the bleaching agent (which could dilute its strength.)
• Trays minimize the amount of bleaching agent that can leak out and irritate gums.

Side Effects of At-Home Whitening Trays

There are only two commonly seen side effects of tooth whitening with peroxide products:

• Tooth sensitivity

Usually occurring early on in the Cary NC teeth whitening process, it can often be prevented by brushing with a sensitive type toothpaste for two weeks prior to the whitening procedure.

• Gum irritation.

This may be caused by an ill-fitting tray, allowing the active beaching ingredient to spill out onto the gums. A proper fitting tray and using the correct amount of whitening gel will reduce the likelihood of gingival tissues becoming irritated.

Contact a Dentist in Cary, NC for the Best Teeth Whitening

Both tooth sensitivity and gum irritation are typically temporary and disappear once treatment is halted. Interested in this treatment? Want to learn more? Schedule a consultation with Alliance Dentistry for the best in teeth whitening Cary NC has to offer!