Does Teeth Whitening Really Work?

Your smile is one of the things people notice first. But when your teeth aren’t perfect, you want to hide your pearly whites. Discoloration is one of the many reasons that you may be self-conscious about your teeth. With so many whitening options out there, how do you know which one is right for you?

At Duval Orthodontics, we specialize in many treatments to give you the smile you’ve always wanted. Whether your teeth aren’t straight, or they’re not as white as you’d like, Dr. J.A. Duval has just the thing to get your smile back on track.

What leads to stained teeth?

Unfortunately, your teeth are prone to several external factors that lead to discoloration of your enamel.

Some of the factors that lead to staining on your teeth are completely out of your control. For example, injuries to your adult teeth when you’re young can lead to the darkening of the entire tooth. Certain medical conditions or treatments, like chemotherapy, can disrupt the enamel on your teeth.

However, there are some reasons for stains that you can control. Although you might need it to get through the day, coffee is one of the biggest culprits of stained teeth. But there are other factors as well, including:

• Soda
• Red wine
• Smoking
• Certain fruits
• Some medications

Your dental hygiene plays a significant role in the appearance of your teeth. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing improves your chances of keeping your pearly whites sparkling and clean.

Teeth whitening options

If you want a whiter smile, there are many options on the market today. From whitening toothpastes to professional whitening in our office, the possibilities are endless. But how do you know which type of whitening will work for your smile?

The truth is, although there are whitening strips and other forms of whitening that you can buy just about anywhere, they aren’t the best for your teeth or your gums. Often, these over-the-counter whitening kits don’t conform to your mouth. That allows the bleaching agent to get on your gums, which could cause damage.

You can use whitening toothpastes to give your smile a boost, but they also don’t work overnight. It may take months or more of brushing to see even a little bit of a difference. That is if you drink your coffee through a straw and eliminate other staining agents.

At Duval Orthodontics, we offer both in-office professional whitening and take-home trays. Depending on the level of whitening you desire, Dr. Duval has a whitening solution for you.

Which ones work?

As mentioned before, you want to stay away from over-the-counter whitening products, as they’re unpredictable and can lead to gum damage. The bleaching agents in those products aren't very strong, so your results will be nothing like a professional whitening treatment.

The best way to get a glimmering smile is to see Dr. Duval for either in-office whitening or take-home whitening trays. In-office whitening is the most reliable and efficient way to get a whiter smile.

During your whitening appointment, Dr. Duval puts a protective gel on your gums. He then applies the whitening to your teeth and activates it with a special light. The appointment usually takes an hour or less, and you’ll have noticeable results the same day.

However, if you prefer to whiten your teeth in the comforts of home, you can get fitted for a take-home tray. Once the take-home tray is made, you’ll also receive a bleaching agent to use at home. You simply put the bleaching agent in the tray and keep it on for about an hour. You can do this daily until you get the result that you want.

If you’re looking for professional whitening, call our office for an appointment at one of our two convenient locations in Albany and Warner Robins, Georgia. You can also book an appointment with Dr. Duval using our online scheduling tool.