A Complete Guide to Teeth Whitening

Sometimes all it takes for a boost in confidence is a little smile enhancement. If you’ve been finding yourself concerned about how your smile looks, you can easily improve the appearance of your teeth in a variety of ways. At Arizona Smile Designers, we offer a variety of cosmetic dentistry options aimed at designing you the smile of your dreams. One of the simplest ways to see an immediate difference is through professional teeth whitening. 

All You Need To Know About Teeth Whitening

Teeth can become stained due to factors both within and outside of our control, ranging from that morning coffee habit to a matter of genetics. Because of that, not all whitening techniques are created equal. Let’s go over the most common whitening solutions along with the pros and cons of each.

Professional Whitening In Office

For the most effective, timely results, scheduling a professional teeth whitening appointment in a dental office is the best bet. At Arizona Smile Designers, we use Philips Zoom Whitespeed to transform our patients’ smiles on the same day. In fact, this system can whiten teeth up to eight shades brighter within just 45 minutes. Imagine coming back from your lunch break with a whole new smile! An at-home whitening kit can be sent home to help maintain your new look. 

  • Pros:
  • Fast and effective
  • Safe and approved by a dental professional
  • Longer-lasting results 
  • Cons:
  • More expensive than alternatives
  • Can cause temporary tooth sensitivity (At Arizona Smile Designers, we apply a post-treatment gel to avoid this!)

If you’re looking for an immediate impact in the least amount of time, this is the way to go. 

Professional Whitening At Home

For a variation of professional whitening, another valuable option is to use an at-home professional whitening system, prescribed by the dentist. Arizona Smile Designers prescribes Philips Teeth Whitening kits, a take-home system that uses a custom-fitted tray to bring you results from the comfort of your home. An amorphous calcium phosphate accelerated by blue LED light technology will brighten your teeth on your own time.

  • Pros:
  • More affordable
  • Provides amazing results
  • Fewer risks than store-bought options
  • Cons:
  • Takes longer for maximum results
  • Can cause temporary tooth sensitivity

While not as fast as an in-office whitening treatment, the take-home option still provides remarkable results in a timely manner at a more affordable price point. If you’re looking for professional whitening at a more flexible price point, this is your sweet spot. 

Store Bought Whitening Kits

Many people choose to whiten their teeth using an over-the-counter whitening kit. There are more options than ever available, from strips to toothpaste to gels that typically must be used daily over a length of time before seeing results.  While these options can be effective for mild stains, they aren’t going to work well for more severe discoloration.

  • Pros:
  • Convenient and affordable
  • Easy to use at home
  • No need for an appointment
  • Cons:
  • Less effective, especially on deeper stains
  • Can cause gum irritation
  • Results do not last as long

Over-the-counter teeth whitening kits are easy to find and come at a reasonable price point. For mild staining or maintenance, a store-bought option can bring decent results, but for the most effective, long-lasting results, they don’t hold up to professional options. 

Maintaining Your Smile After Teeth Whitening

Once you’ve seen the difference teeth whitening can make, you’re going to want to maintain that. To keep your teeth looking their best, follow these guidelines:

  • Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash daily. For added maintenance support, change to a whitening toothpaste.
  • Change Your Habits: Be mindful of what you are eating and drinking. Avoid coffee, tea, red wine, and anything else prone to staining. If you do choose to partake in staining beverages, use a straw to avoid contact with your teeth. Munch on foods that are good for your teeth, such as apples, celery, and carrots!
  • Stay Consistent: Maintenance is key to long-lasting whiteness. Whether that includes the take-home tray from our office or store-bought whitening strips, touch-ups will help your white smile go the distance. 
  • Visit Your Dentist: Be sure to keep up with your regular dental appointments. Professional teeth cleanings can help keep your teeth in the best condition, as well as pick up on any emerging dental problems before they progress.

Schedule A Teeth Whitening Consultation Today 

Whitening your teeth is one of the easiest, most effective ways to immediately see an improvement in your smile, your appearance, and best of all – your confidence! The team at Arizona Smile Designers is proud to offer multiple teeth whitening options to suit the varying needs of our patients so they can show off their most sparkling smiles. We’d be happy to discuss what teeth whitening option is best for you. Schedule an appointment today to take yourself one step closer to a complete smile transformation! 

See what happy clients are saying about their experience at Arizona Smile Designers in Cottonwood!