Do over-the-counter whitening products work?

Whitening is one of the most commonly requested aesthetic procedures at the dental office. While there are a wide array of over-the-counter whitening products available to patients today, many do not find that they provide the results they really desire. However, some patients who are looking for minor enhancement may want to consider these as an option. Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen of Broadway Family Dentistry educate patients on the pros and cons of over-the-counter whitening services vs. professional bleaching treatments at the dental office. 

• Over-the-counter whitening products – for patients with mild discoloration, they will often find the results they need with over-the-counter whitening products. This may include whitening toothpastes, whitening strips, or whitening trays. Patients who need touch-ups may also consider the whitening pens that are available.
• Professional whitening services – instead of the DIY way, many patients turn to the help of their dentist for professional services. At Broadway Family Dentistry in Minot, ND, Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen are excited to offer a variety of aesthetic procedures, including professional bleaching. They provide GLO whitening, laser whitening, and even professional-strength whitening trays and gels for home use. These are all stronger in concentration and can provide same-day results for patients who need a fast and effective way to brighten the smile for a special occasion.

Who is a candidate for whitening? 

The best candidates for teeth whitening are patients with dull or discolored smiles that are free from dental restorations such as porcelain veneers, dental crowns, and bridges. This is due to the fact that whitening products cannot whiten restoration made of porcelain, just natural tooth enamel. Whitening the smile with restorations in place will often require the dentist to remove and replace these restorations to match the newly whitened smile—which also requires patients to maintain their results to keep the smile beautiful! 

Are you interested in whitening your smile? 

Over-the-counter whitening products might not work as effective as professional-grade alternatives can. If you reside in the Minot, ND area and are interested in learning more about whitening the smile, the team at Broadway Family Dentistry can help! Call our office at (701) 839-1299 to request an appointment with Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen.