When it comes to teeth whitening, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. This is part 2 of a two part series explaining what you should do if you are considering teeth whitening.

1. When it comes to teeth whitening, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. This is part 2 of a two part
series explaining what you should do if you are considering teeth whitening.
If you missed part 1 of this series, please go back and read part 1 to make sure you
don’t miss a critical piece of information!
We discussed the importance of consulting with a cosmetic dentist about tooth
whitening in NYC before you run out and buy an over-the-counter product. This could
potentially save you from a disaster such as damaging your teeth or ending up with a
glow-in-the-dark smile.
There are several different types of products for tooth whitening, and they all have
unique pros and cons. The best method for your
best friend may not be the best method for you.
The main types of tooth whitening products
include over-the-counter strips and gels,
whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes,
custom-made teeth whitening trays, and even in-
office treatments involving rapid whitening
methods. Most methods require several days to
weeks of treatment for optimal results. In-office
whitening procedures typically only take an hour.
Here are the important differences you should
know.
Whitening Toothpastes and Mouthwashes
Tooth whitening pastes and washes are great for maintaining the white color of your
teeth after you have whitened them with a bleaching solution. By using a good
whitening toothpaste twice a day, you can prolong the amount of time your teeth stay
Teeth
Whiting
Toothpastes
2

2. white between whitening treatments. Keep in mind that some whitening toothpastes,
such as Topol, only polish the teeth and are only useful for removing tar stains from
tobacco products.
Whitening Strips and Gels from the drugstore
Whitening strips and gels contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as
the active ingredient that whitens the teeth. There are multiple strengths available,
ranging from about 10% hydrogen peroxide to 22% hydrogen peroxide. Most people
achieve the best results after using a medium-strength solution of around 15%
hydrogen peroxide at night for a few weeks. If you have sensitive teeth, you should use
a mild-strength formula. In contrast, if your teeth are highly resistant to bleaching and
you don’t have periodontal disease or untreated caries, a higher strength solution may
be what you need.
Custom-Made Dental Tray Tooth Whiteners
This is the go-to teeth whitening method for most individuals. It’s not only the most
economical method, but it is usually the most effective as well. Your cosmetic dentist in
NYC will make a whitening tray that is specifically fitted to your mouth. You can then
put the whitening gel in the tray, wear it at night, and your teeth will gradually lighten to
the perfect shade. The custom-fit tray prevents the development of mouth sores and it
also provides for a more even whitening effect.
In-Office Whitening
Different cosmetic dentists offer different “brands” of in-office whitening treatments,
and most of these are rapid whitening techniques. In-office treatment can be expensive,
and the rapid whitening process is more likely to cause sensitive teeth. The dentist will
have to be highly skilled and trained at using the particular brand of product to prevent
leaving the treatment on too long. Make sure you find a dentist with a tremendous
amount of experience in offering successful teeth whitening solutions.
Thanks For Reading!