Find your perfect Solution for teeth whitening methods

Woman looking at her white teeth at the dentist in Parker, CO

At Twin Aspen Dental Center, we understand that a brighter smile can boost your confidence and help you feel your best. Fortunately, the best teeth whitening options are available to our patients. These days, there are countless at-home options available for whitening your teeth, such as whitening strips, gels, and toothpastes. While these can provide noticeable results, they don’t always deliver the dramatic or lasting effects you may hope to achieve. That’s where dental professionals come in. We offer highly effective and safe tooth whitening solutions tailored to your needs, helping you achieve the radiant smile you deserve. Whether you’re considering DIY methods or want to explore professional treatments, finding the best option doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Keep reading for valuable insight into teeth whitening at home versus professional teeth whitening options.

Professional vs. At-Home Teeth Whitening

You might wonder if purchasing and using an over-the-counter whitening option is better than investing in professional teeth whitening at a dental office. Honestly, the correct whitening solution for your specific needs depends on factors like how dark or stained your teeth currently are, how light you want them to be, and how sensitive your teeth naturally are. Twin Aspen Dental Center will gladly discuss your choices in at-home products, such as whitening toothpastes, and we’ll guide you through our professional options, including thorough in-office whitening, veneers, and crowns. However, if a DIY whitening solution is your preferred method, you can visit a local store or go online to order any of the following:

Teeth-whitening mouthwash
Teeth-whitening toothpaste
Charcoal toothpaste for surface stains
Teeth-whitening strips
Teeth-whitening gels

Options for At-Home Teeth Whitening

If professional teeth whitening isn’t for you, at-home whitening kits are a popular alternative. These kits often use the same type of bleaching agents found in professional treatments, but at lower concentrations. While they’re convenient and easy to use, it’s worth noting that the results typically take longer to appear, sometimes several weeks. For those looking for gradual improvements in the comfort of their own home, these kits can be a practical option for a brighter smile over time. We’ve described several of these options below:

Teeth-Whitening Rinses

Whitening mouthwashes and rinses often face the same limitations as whitening strips and toothpastes — they’re more about marketing than delivering noticeable results. While these products can help maintain a bright smile between dental appointments, they aren’t the most effective solution for significant whitening. It can also be tricky to find premium pastes or rinses without added whitening claims because these features are heavily promoted. That said, they are affordable and can be useful for keeping teeth looking clean when combined with regular brushing and flossing. For dramatic results, professional treatments may still be the best option.

Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpastes work by combining polishing agents with ingredients like hydrogen peroxide to help brighten tooth color. Some formulas also include blue covarine, a chemical that can make teeth appear whiter almost instantly by altering how light reflects on the enamel. When choosing a whitening toothpaste, it’s important to select one that is safe and effective. Look for products that carry the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance, which ensures the toothpaste meets quality standards for oral health. While whitening toothpastes can help improve the appearance of your smile, they should be used as part of a regular dental care routine.

Charcoal Toothpaste

Charcoal toothpaste is often overhyped and doesn’t effectively tackle internal tooth discoloration. While it’s more abrasive than standard toothpaste, it primarily works on surface stains. For better results, opt for a high-quality toothpaste designed to gently remove surface discoloration without damaging enamel. This option is a safer and more effective way to brighten your smile.

Teeth-Whitening Strips

Teeth-whitening strips fall short compared to gels due to their flat design, which prevents them from covering all surfaces of the teeth. They fail to reach into the crevices between teeth, often leaving the edges yellow while only whitening the front surfaces. Additionally, over-the-counter strips lack customization, meaning they aren’t tailored for individual users. This can result in prolonged contact with the gums, potentially causing irritation or discomfort. While strips offer convenience, their limitations in coverage and fit highlight why they may not provide the most effective or comfortable whitening experience for everyone.

Peroxide-Based Whitening Gels

Whitening gels are slightly more effective than whitening toothpastes due to the presence of peroxide. For peroxide to work, it needs prolonged contact with your teeth. Toothpaste is rinsed off quickly during daily oral care routines, limiting its effectiveness. In contrast, gel strips adhere to the teeth, staying in place for a longer period. This extended contact allows the peroxide and other active ingredients more time to break down stains and brighten your teeth, making gel strips a better option for noticeable at-home whitening results.

Professional Solutions for Brighter Teeth

Your teeth might be too stained or dark for DIY methods to produce the results you want. These options could also take more time to work than you’re comfortable with, even when they integrate into your daily dental care regiment. Professional teeth whitening solutions typically deliver dramatic results much quicker than at-home kits and products. Twin Aspen Dental Center offers various solutions to whiter, brighter teeth and will gladly discuss your cosmetic goals to determine which is appropriate. You can use in-office whitening, veneers, or crowns to get your desired smile. Below, we’ve described each of these professional smile-boosting options:

In-Office Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening at our dental office delivers far better results than store-bought products. Using advanced techniques, our dentists apply high-strength peroxide solutions, often combined with specialized lights, to achieve noticeable improvements. In-office treatments can brighten teeth by up to eight shades, offering a dramatic transformation in just one session. Unlike over-the-counter options, these procedures are tailored to your needs to ensure even whitening while minimizing sensitivity. Furthermore, the results are long-lasting, with many patients enjoying a brighter smile for up to 12 months. If you’re looking for a safe, effective way to enhance your smile, professional whitening is an excellent way to go.

Veneers

For teeth with severe staining that whitening products can’t fix, porcelain veneers offer an excellent solution. Rather than using bleaching agents, our dentists remove a thin layer of enamel from your tooth’s surface and then place a custom porcelain shell over the front of the tooth. Unlike professional whitening treatments that need yearly touch-ups, porcelain veneers resist staining and can last up to 20 years, or even longer, with proper maintenance.

Crowns

For individuals with wear or for those who are hard on their teeth, porcelain crowns may be a more suitable option. Unlike veneers, which only cover the front of the tooth, porcelain crowns are designed to encase the entire tooth and offer full protection and impressive durability. If missing a tooth or teeth, a porcelain bridge can be a seamless solution by replacing several teeth at once. This approach effectively enhances the appearance of your smile and restores your teeth’s functionality. These benefits make this option a reliable and aesthetic option.

Trust Twin Aspen Dental Center for Whitening Solutions

Twin Aspen Dental Center looks forward to caring for your smile and oral health at our Parker, Colorado dental office. Families throughout the area count on us for comprehensive dental care. We handle general, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry for all family members, from children to seniors. If you’re ready to whiten your teeth, we’ll gladly discuss your at-home and in-office options for a brighter smile. Contact us today to learn more about our dental care options and schedule an appointment.