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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

What’s the safest, cheapest DIY teeth whitening?

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I really want my teeth whitened, but I don’t have a lot of extra money. In September, I graduated university, and I’ve had to pay for my own education. Any extra cash is going toward payment of student loans. When I have any extra money, I can’t justify using it to whiten my teeth, but I do want a bright smile. I’m sure it will help my career. Before I waste money on cheap online kits or stuff that they say is free online, I want to know what really works. Is there any safe teeth whitening product that I can get cheap or free? Kamrin

Kamrin – Before we answer your question, we want to ensure you understand: The safest way to brighten your teeth is under a dentist’s supervision. If you do it yourself, the results are unpredictable.

It is possible to get limited results with inexpensive teeth whitening. But don’t expect a super-white smile. The ingredient to look for in effective whitening gel is carbamide peroxide. If you have sensitive teeth, find gel with a lower percentage of the ingredient.

Tips for DIY Teeth Whitening

  • Over-the-counter whitening strips – They can be effective. Check for the amount of carbamide peroxide in the strips. The higher the percentage, the more powerful the strips. But the more powerful strips may cause sensitivity in your teeth. If you experience sensitivity, take a break from the gel for a few weeks before using it again. You can also consider using strips with a lower percentage of carbamide peroxide. You may have to use whitening strips longer than two weeks to get the best results. Wait at least two weeks before using a new box of strips for another round of whitening. It will allow time for the color of your teeth to stabilize.
  • Discounted whitening from a dentist – There are some dentists that offer discounted teeth whitening to their existing patients who keep their dental cleaning and exam appointments. You may have to establish yourself as a regular patient before receiving the whitening treatment. Some dentists who don’t offer discounts provide a payment plan for the treatment.
  • Free or online kits – Avoid online kits that are advertised as free. These often are ineffective, damage your teeth, or have very high shipping fees. It is difficult to verify the active ingredient in free bleaching gel, so it’s best to stay away from it.

Before You Whiten Your Teeth

Photo of teeth whitening trays in a case, for information on DIY teeth whitening from Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Teeth whitening trays keep gel on your teeth

Before you begin whitening your teeth, ensure that they are free of decay and your gums are free of disease. If your oral health isn’t good, the whitening gel can cause irritation. Dentists look for the causes of stains in your teeth to determine if they should be bleached.

If you decide to use bleaching gel that comes in tubes, only use it with customized trays. The trays keep the gel in contact with your teeth and away from your gums.

This post is sponsored by Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Do teeth whitening swabs work better than whitening strips?

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I always look for new ways to whiten my teeth on my own. Sometimes I hit on something that works and sometimes I have bought products what were really a waste of my money. I have received some good results with whitening strips. One of my friends told me about whitening swabs. Will these get stubborn stains out of my teeth? Davine

Davine – Before you whiten your teeth, you need the professional opinion of a dentist to anticipate the results of whitening them. In some cases, bleaching gel can make stains in your teeth more noticeable.

After you know that you are a candidate for teeth whitening, the most effective way to remove stains that are embedded in your teeth is carbamide peroxide bleaching gel that has a high concentration and that is allowed time to penetrate your teeth. Whitening trays are the best way to hold bleaching gel against your teeth so that it penetrates them.

The effectiveness of whitening swabs depends, in part, in the type and the concentration of bleaching gel used. Although you may be instructed not to eat or drink while the gel is in your teeth, you won’t get the same penetration the swabs as with customized trays, which lock out saliva and prevent your tongue, cheeks, and inner lips from rubbing off some of the gel.

We checked reviews for a few brands of whitening swabs—outside of the manufacturers’ websites. Some people say they get good results, while the majority of people are disappointed.

Consult with a cosmetic dentist for help with identifying the cause of the stains in your teeth, and finding out which whitening treatment will work best for your case.

 

This post is sponsored by Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Five Things You Should Know Before Whitening Your Own Teeth

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Few people would turn down a chance to have whiter teeth. Very few. You finally have the opportunity to get the Hollywood-white smile you’ve always wanted. And it’s way cheaper than you’ve ever dreamed. The prices of do-it-yourself whitening kits make a bright smile more affordable than ever—especially with online coupons and offers for free whitening. But before you bite into the teeth whitening scene, there are five things you should know that can help you improve your smile and avoid damaging it.

1. What’s the cause of those stains?

Why are your teeth stained? Are you a heavy coffee, tea, or wine drinker? Do you smoke frequently? These habits can stain your teeth, and it’s likely that bleaching gel will brighten your smile. But if the cause for the stains in your teeth is medical or due to prescription drugs, bleaching them may have no effect at all. At times, it can make the stains worse.

2. What’s in your whitening gel?

Not all gels are created equal. Professional-strength teeth whitening gel from a dentist contains carbamide peroxide. Some whitening agents that claim to brighten your teeth just don’t do the job. Read the ingredients before you use the gel, and ensure it doesn’t contain anything that will irritate your lips or gums, or that will cause an allergic reaction.

3. Does the gel or kit come with instructions?

How do you use it? How long should the gel stay on your teeth? These are things you should know before you start whitening your teeth. Stronger gels usually don’t need to stay on your teeth overnight. They can make your teeth super sensitive to heat or cold, and the gel can burn your gums.

4. Custom bleaching trays make a difference

One-size-fits-all teeth whitening trays are misleading. Bleaching gel needs to stay in contact with your teeth to whiten your them. But it also needs to stay away from your gums. If the gel oozes out of the trays, ouch! Your gums will burn, baby burn. Ensure the bleaching trays you use are customized to fit your teeth.

5. Be patient

Did you know that you can actually over-bleach your teeth? The teeth whitening process should not go on and on. Follow the instructions. Whiten them for two weeks, or for the period specified in the instructions, and wait for the gel to continue to whiten before you proceed. If you whiten your teeth too much, they can dry out and become discolored.

Whitening your teeth can be done safely and successfully. The best results are supervised by a dentist. Tell your dentist that you’re thinking about getting your teeth whitened. He or she will likely offer some free advice based on the condition of your teeth that can help you consider your options and make a smart choice.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.