Your smile plays a major role in how others perceive you. Since making a strong first impression matters, have you ever stopped to consider what your smile says about you?
Over time, many people’s teeth develop stains, slowly taking on a yellowish tint that can be easy to overlook at first. Eventually, though, it becomes noticeable in photos and in the mirror, and you may decide it is time to do something about it.
So, what is the most effective way to brighten your teeth? Because store shelves and online retailers offer so many whitening products, choosing one that is both safe and effective is not always simple. Here is what you should know about several popular teeth whitening methods.
Whitening Toothpastes
Nearly every major toothpaste brand now offers its own whitening formula. These products typically rely on a mix of whitening agents, such as baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and carbamide peroxide, to do the work. Peroxide acts as a bleaching agent, while baking soda works abrasively to scrub surface stains off your teeth. The trouble is that the abrasive nature of baking soda, combined with the corrosive quality of peroxide, can wear down and weaken tooth enamel over time. On top of that, these products often do not deliver especially noticeable results.
Teeth Whitening Strips
Whitening strips generally contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as their active ingredient. You apply the strips directly to your teeth, holding the bleaching agent against the enamel surface for a set amount of time. While strips can be more effective than whitening toothpaste, they also carry a greater potential for enamel damage and commonly lead to tooth sensitivity.
Activated Charcoal
Charcoal formulated for whitening purposes is sold as either a loose powder or a toothpaste. It is typically made from charcoal and other natural ingredients that have been heated to high temperatures and refined. Similar to baking soda, charcoal has an abrasive texture, which allows it to scrub surface stains from your teeth. However, that same abrasiveness can wear away enamel, leaving behind an uneven surface that can encourage plaque to build up more easily.
Professional Whitening Treatments
For a whitening option that is both safe and effective, professional treatment through a dental office is generally the better route. In-office whitening can typically produce noticeable results in a single visit. A dentist administers the bleaching agent with care, working toward a shade that looks whiter while still appearing natural.
Take-home kits provided by a dental office let you whiten your teeth more gradually in your own home. These kits tend to outperform store-bought whitening strips because the bleaching agents used are strong enough to work effectively while still being gentle on your enamel. You will also be given a custom fitted tray designed to fit your teeth comfortably.
Combining in-office and take-home treatments can offer longer lasting results, since the take-home option lets you touch up your whitening in between in-office visits.
So, Does Charcoal Really Whiten Teeth
Getting back to the original question, can charcoal whiten your teeth? Yes, it can, but typically not as effectively as professional treatments, and it comes with the potential for tooth damage and an increased risk of decay. Charcoal products may seem less expensive up front, but restorative dental work to repair damaged or decayed teeth can end up costing more in the long run.
Having whiter teeth does not automatically mean your teeth are healthier. Maintaining healthy teeth typically comes down to consistent oral hygiene habits and regular, quality care from a dental professional.
Teeth Whitening at The Smile Architects
Now that it is clear professional teeth whitening tends to be the safer, more effective choice, the next step is finding a dental office that offers it. The Smile Architects provides a range of teeth whitening options for both in-office and take-home use, including well known brands such as KöR and Zoom!
Ready to brighten your smile? Call 704-875-1621 or reach out to us today to schedule your appointment.