Various Alternatives to Teeth Whitening Trays
Getting your teeth whitened can be a great confidence-booster, but are teeth whitening trays the only treatment available for achieving a killer smile? If the idea of an over-the-counter or custom-fitted tray resting on your teeth doesn't interest you, then teeth whitening trays aren't for you. The good news is, there are many substitutes for whitening trays.
Here are some alternative teeth whitening treatments you can consider.
General Maintenance
Did you know that you don't have to receive any teeth whitening treatment to get a beautiful smile? There are a variety of things you can do to achieve a whiter and brighter smile the natural way. These include:
- Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth properly and regularly.
- Seeing your dentist regularly for dental check-ups and professional cleanings.
- Watching what you eat or drink — that is, avoiding teeth-staining foods such as coffee, tea, and red wine.
Devoting yourself to the above regimen can help keep your pearly whites whiter and brighter without receiving any teeth whitening treatment.
Whitening Toothpaste
Where subtle whitening results are desired, consider ditching your normal toothpaste for whitening toothpaste. Whitening toothpaste contains abrasives that help get rid of surface stains more easily than regular toothpaste. This helps achieve better cleaning results, thus making your smile whiter and brighter.
Whitening Strips
These peroxide-based whitening products are designed to adhere to your teeth and should be worn for just a few minutes each day. As the peroxide comes into contact with the tooth enamel (outer layer of the tooth), it acts to restore the tooth's natural colour.
Whitening strips offer a bright smile fast and easy, but results may not last beyond a year. Patients shouldn't wear whitening strips for longer periods because this can lead to tooth sensitivity.
Laser Whitening
Just like teeth whitening trays, laser whitening also requires the use of a bleaching agent (peroxide) to achieve the desired whitening effect on teeth. Heat produced using laser light helps to activate the peroxide that is applied to the teeth. This leads to faster whitening action and more dramatic results than can be achieved with traditional whitening trays.
Laser whitening generally costs more than treatment with traditional whitening trays and can only be carried out in the dental office by a professional dentist. However, the results tend to last longer.
If you'd like to learn more about your teeth whitening treatment options, consult a cosmetic dentist near you today.