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Dentist-Approved Teeth Whitening Options

January 9, 2020
Uncategorized

Did you know that the global industry for cosmetic teeth whitening or bleaching products is close to $6 billion today and is expected to grow to $7.4 billion by 2024? [1]  A rising number of consumers worldwide who desire bright white smiles are driving the sales of these products. 

Whitening products range from over the counter (OTC) inexpensive white strips to comprehensive dental office procedures.  OTC dental whitening products don’t require Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval since they are “cosmetic” products, and that label means they are only mildly regulated in the U.S. 

With so many whitening products on the market, how do you determine what is most effective and what will work best for you? 

Here are some tips to help you make the best decision for your teeth:

  1. OTC products such as “Crest Whitestrips,” while effective, typically have small concentrations of the bleaching or whitening agent and may take several weeks or months to lighten teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) provides a special symbol of acceptance for products that have been analyzed by an independent panel of dentists.  Look for the ADA seal on the label that shows that the ADA has approved the product for safety and effectiveness. 
  1. Some dental offices including Miro Dental Center offer custom-made trays for teeth whitening. Purchasing the system is a safe and effective way to whiten teeth at home over a few weeks.  This is a great option because not only will you have a more effective and concentrated whitening system than most OTC products, but you’ll also have the support of your dentist and hygienist during the whitening process.
  1. If you are seeking a fast and dramatic result, Miro Dental Center can also help. While more expensive than the other options, dental office teeth bleaching relies on the highest concentrations of bleaching agents and can provide outstanding whitening results within just 1-2 hours.  Teeth whitening in the dental office typically results in brighter, whiter shades than is possible with weeks or months of the OTC whitening products.

Before you begin any teeth whitening process, talk with your dentist.  It’s important for him or her to assess your teeth and determine the cause of discoloration.  Discoloration could be a sign of an oral health problem that requires dental attention, or it may be due to simple stains from food and drink consumption, tobacco use, or age.  Stains may be caused by prolonged use of certain medications and may not be able to be whitened. 

Before you start, check out these important notes about teeth whitening:

  • According to the ADA, home whitening remedies such as baking soda, lemon juice, and charcoal don’t work.

 

  • Teeth whitening involves bleaching agents which can cause temporary tooth sensitivity and gum inflammation. Ask your dentist how to handle these effects.

 

  • Using a whitening toothpaste can help remove light stains on the surface of your teeth, but they won’t actually whiten your teeth to a lighter shade.

 

  • Bleaching won’t whiten veneers, crowns, or fillings.

 

  • Once you’ve whitened your teeth, make sure you continue to take care of them. Brush at least twice daily with a soft toothbrush and be sure to floss well.  

 

  • Whichever type of bleaching you select will require touch-ups to maintain the brighter white shade.

 

Did we clear up your dental whitening questions?  Do you have questions about dental visits?  Call us at 305-442-7444 so we can answer your questions and put you at ease.

Miro Dental Center

Dr. Claudio Miro and associates have been treating patients in the greater Miami area for over 30 years. As a team, we believe that the patient is of upmost importance at every level.   We take pride in the care we provide to our patients at Miro Dental Centers. We take the time to make sure our patients are fully informed and are given all treatment options.  Our goal is to provide our patients with optimal oral health by using state of the art technology.

With the dental field rapidly advancing, we are always looking for new and innovative treatments to serve our patients. We provide all types of services, including dental cleanings, orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery and cosmetic dentistry.

If you have questions about your dental health or would like to schedule an appointment at our offices in Coral Gables, Kendall, Hialeah, or Hollywood, please contact us today at 305-442-7444.

[1] Hexa Research https://www.hexaresearch.com/research-report/teeth-whitening-products-market