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Is there a “best” way to whiten your teeth? The answer to this question has a lot to do with the current condition of your teeth, their shade, and the sources of discoloration. As always, we recommend a consultation at our dental practice Carefree Smile. We offer cosmetic and general dentistry procedures and serve communities in Carefree, Cave Creek, and Scottsdale, Arizona. There are a few types of whitening products that Dr. Swainhart recommends: whitening toothpaste, whitening strips, Zoom!® whitening, and KöR® whitening or bleaching trays.
Whitening Toothpaste
Toothpastes specifically labeled to whiten teeth by any of the major brands will deliver subtle but noticeable results. The main drawback to whitening toothpastes is the abrasiveness of the toothpaste on the teeth which over time could be more damaging to tooth enamel. A whitening toothpaste is especially helpful in preventing new staining or maintaining a current white shade.
Whitening Strips
Whitening strips, purchased over the counter at big box retailers or grocery stores will also deliver noticeable results. The main drawback with whitening strips however is that one size almost never fits all, they are uncomfortable, and can be very irritating to one’s gingiva. They are often expensive, and very often people will not stick with the product consistently due to the discomfort of having to wear the strips.
Zoom!® Whitening
Zoom!® whitening is a very famous professional in-office whitening system that has been on the market for quite a while. It combines professional grade bleaching with a special LED light that can deliver noticeable results in just less than an hour. Zoom!® is a whitening system that we offer at Carefree Smile and many of our patients in Scottsdale, Carefree, and Cave Creek have found results with the system. However, it is not something we typically recommend due to the high likelihood of post-op “zingers” or extreme sensitivity following treatment. This is unavoidable due to the strong nature of the treatment.
KöR® Whitening Trays
The KöR® system is a much newer product and is bringing excellent results. It is a professional grade whitening or bleaching product that is put in a custom set of trays that you wear on your teeth for 30 minutes to an hour a day. The initial whitening treatment takes place over two weeks. At our office in North Scottsdale, we will make your custom fit bleaching trays that you will use for the KöR® whitening system. What makes these custom trays so nice is that they fit your teeth comfortably and stay in place much better than the aforementioned whitening strips. You are also in control of the results as you can monitor your progress over time and decide when you desire more or are satisfied with the whitening. Sensitivity is also reduced as treatment spans over the course of several days.
If you are interested in a consultation to discuss whitening, feel free to contact us and set up an appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve your brightest smile!
