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Having a bright white smile is often associated with youth, warmth, and happiness. It also mainly affects how society will see you. Almost 99.7% of adults think a smile is an essential social asset. If you have a beautiful smile, it will make you look more attractive and can even grant career success. As you go to seek out a way to whiten and brighten your teeth, the dentist will let you know about two options, in-office whitening and over-the-counter whitening treatments. 

Why do you require teeth whitening?

Teeth get yellow or discolored over time due to food, genetics, antibiotics, or age. External teeth discoloration is commonly found in adults. However, sometimes severe internal teeth discoloration might also occur. This usually happens when the discoloration occurs in the enamel and the dentin of the tooth. It commonly occurs due to the use of antibiotics during childhood, root canal problems, tooth decay, high levels of fluoride, developmental delay, trauma, and tetracycline. Any factors mentioned can make you have yellowed or stained teeth, resulting in a desire to undergo teeth whitening in the future. External staining is most commonly caused by coffee, tea, carrots, and other foods, and also tobacco use.

What are over the counter teeth whitening techniques?

There are various options to whiten your teeth at home:

Teeth Whitening Strips

Using teeth whitening strips are quite an effective way of whitening the enamel of your teeth. They are worn according to the severity of the staining that you have on your teeth. 

Teeth Whitening Gels

Teeth whitening gels are usually sold with a mouth tray. The presence of a  peroxide-bleaching substance in the whitening gel helps in brightening the color of your teeth. 

Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

Teeth whitening toothpaste is an affordable option, and most of the toothpaste contains abrasive agents, which help in removing stains on the tooth surface. The teeth whitening toothpaste do only a little more than other usual toothpaste. 

Bleaching

The bleaching products are used with a tray or are brushed onto the teeth. 

Why choose in-office teeth whitening?

Professional teeth whitening procedures have several advantages. You can see the results of the treatment immediately, and also the whole process isn’t even much time-consuming. Over-the-counter products can take weeks to show you results.

The professional teeth whitening is much more effective because of the use of a higher concentration of the bleaching element as approved by the FDA. In-office whitening is safer as the concentration of the bleaching element is better monitored by a professional. This treatment is safe and effective, as well.

Call us (925) 855-1604 or schedule an online appointment with Dr. Wong for a consultation at our office in San Ramon, CA.