Nearly everyone strives to have a white smile. In fact, according to research published in the National Library of Medicine, 80% of Americans between the ages 18 and 49 wish that they had whiter teeth. While there are plenty of different ways to whiten teeth, not all of them show results in the same amount of time. So what do you do when you want to get a whiter smile fast? You turn to your dentist in Lake Oswego.
Smile Whitening in Lake Oswego
If you’re looking to whiten your teeth quickly, turn to your dentist. Professional smile whitening treatments can brighten teeth several shades in as little as an hour. This procedure is done in the comfort of a dental office and is monitored by a member of the dental team to make sure each tooth is treated and the results are working as expected. Additionally, professional whitening can help keep whitening solution off of the gums and eliminate the chance of a reaction and steps can be taken to reduce unwanted side effects such as tooth sensitivity.
Whitening Strips
While whitening strips are cheaper than professional in-office whitening treatments, they do take time to work, and some products are better than others. Whitening strips, and even most over-the-counter whitening trays, can start to show changes in 3-4 days but can take up to 12 days for them to show their final result.
Gel & UV Lights
A fairly new product to hit the smile whitening market is a combination product consisting of a whitening gel solution which is activated by a UV light. This tooth whitening treatment is pretty comparable to whitening strips or trays in terms of cost and effectiveness. Teeth should start to brighten in about 10-14 days if used as directed.
Remember, it’s important to follow all directions when using any type of smile whitening product to reduce the risk of side effects such as tooth sensitivity.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Not all types of tooth staining can be removed through smile whitening. It’s important to talk with your dentist in Lake Oswego prior to starting any whitening treatments to make sure your teeth are healthy enough and that the product you choose will work. If you find out that your tooth discoloration can’t be transformed by whitening products, cosmetic dentistry can help. One of the most common forms of cosmetic dentistry used to whiten teeth are dental veneers which can essentially cover up any imperfections you don’t like, including color.
Everyone deserves to have a smile they’re proud of. So if you’re considering whitening your teeth, schedule a visit with your dentist today to begin your journey to a brighter, whiter smile.
