Want Whiter Teeth? Why You’ll Want to Forget About the Whitening Strips and See Your Dentist Instead
Teeth whitening kits are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason – a whiter smile can make you look years younger and give you more confidence. But if you’ve been using the over-the-counter whitening strips, gels, or toothpastes for some time, you might not be seeing the results you want. Most at-home whitening solutions are based on the same flawed ideas, which is why they generally won’t live up to your expectations. Instead, you’ll want to visit your Tucson dentist to learn about scientifically proven whitening options that actually work. So which whiteners work, and which ones don’t? Here’s what you need to know.
Over-The-Counter Whitening Options: Why They Don’t Work
The at-home tooth whitening market has grown quite significantly in recent years. Many years ago, the whitening strips were the only option on the market. But now, if you don’t like the strips, you can try the gels, the chewing gums, the toothpastes, the mouth rinses, or the paint-on films. All of these at-home options use the same method to whiten your teeth: Peroxide. In theory, peroxide – like the hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide found in over-the-counter whiteners – should indeed whiten your teeth. But most of these peroxide-based solutions simply don’t work, because the peroxide in the whitener is too weak and diluted to have any effect on your teeth. One 2006 analysis of 25 different tooth whitening studies found that although at-home whitening products do tend to work compared to a placebo, the effects only last for a short time. The studies showing a positive effect were most likely biased, as they were either performed or funded by the manufacturers. In other words, there’s no reliable evidence that over-the-counter whiteners work.
Dentist-Approved Whitening Materials for a Brighter Smile
So over-the-counter tooth whiteners aren’t reliable. But are there any scientifically validated options for those who want a whiter smile? As it turns out, your local Tucson dentist offers tooth whitening procedures and take-home kits that really work. Here at Badie Dental, we use the Zoom! Chairside Whitening System, a one-hour treatment based on proven science that gets real results. The Zoom! system consists of a topical gel that is applied to your teeth and a radiating lamp that enables the gel to penetrate deeper into each tooth. The Zoom! system is completely safe, and the treatment takes less than an hour. The typical tooth-whitening patient finds that their teeth are 8 shades whiter after the treatment. Independent studies have verified that the Zoom! Chairside Whitening System is at least 50% more effective than other systems.
We also offer DayWhite and NiteWhite Take-Home Kits, an at-home extension for the Zoom! system that is simple and effective.
Follow-Up Treatment Gives Best Results
Although an initial tooth whitening procedure will get your teeth several shades whiter in just one appointment, you’ll want to make sure you schedule follow-up appointments and use your take-home kits as directed to get the best results. In-office whitening solutions generally last two years, so you’ll want to come in for regular whitenings to keep your teeth looking great.
Having whiter teeth isn’t just about looking at your best. It’s about feeling at your best – feeling confident in your beautiful white teeth. And with a professional tooth whitening procedure, you can get the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted. Want to learn more about how our professional tooth whitening procedure works? Call Badie Dental at (520) 325-3022 to schedule an appointment.
