Are you ready to learn the secrets and truth about whitening toothpaste? Excellent! Because I'm ready to spill the tea
My patients often ask me whether whitening toothpaste is effective, and the truth is, it depends on the results you're looking for. Whitening toothpaste can help with surface stains, but it can't really address the deeper tooth stains that professional teeth whitening can. Whitening toothpaste can help maintain your brighter smile after professional whitening, but there are some downsides to be aware of.
The Dark Side of Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpastes use mild abrasives to lift stains, but those abrasive ingredients can also wear away tooth enamel over time. This may result in greater tooth sensitivity and even mildly damaging enamel wear or erosion.
It is natural for our teeth to discolor over time and with aging. Lifestyle factors, such as medications we take, tobacco use, or the foods and beverages we consume, can also contribute to tooth stains and discoloration. Unfortunately, whitening toothpaste doesn't help with this type of discoloration.
Professional Teeth Whitening in Palatine, IL
At Palatine Complete Dental, we offer two convenient options for teeth whitening. In-office treatment is quick, effective, and ideal for patients seeking immediate results for a significant event like a wedding. Custom take-home whitening is great for patients who have more time to achieve their results and who want to whiten their teeth at home.
In-office treatment takes about 60-90 minutes and is completed here at our dental office. For take-home whitening, my team creates custom bleaching trays using impressions they take of your teeth. You'll apply high-strength bleaching gel to your trays and wear them for 30 minutes per day for about 10-14 days. Our patients love the fact that they can reuse their trays whenever they'd like to update their teeth whitening.
If you'd like more information about teeth whitening at Palatine Complete Dental, talk with my team by calling us at (847) 359-7520.