Whether you want to brighten your smile to make it look more attractive or simply feel fresher, teeth whitening is one of the easiest ways to give your mouth a healthy glow. A good over-the-counter product can remove both extrinsic stains (like the ones caused by coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco) and intrinsic stains, which are darker in color and occur within the tooth.
When selecting the best teeth whitening, consider whether you have restorations like fillings or crowns that might be affected by the bleach. Some whitening products will only lighten natural teeth and won’t work on porcelain or ceramic dental restorations, including veneers.
Best Teeth Whitening Solutions: What Works for a Brighter Smile
If you do have dental restorations, talk to your dentist before attempting to whiten them. They can determine if a whitening treatment is safe and help you find the right product to safely lighten your teeth, says Dr. Rubinshtein.
In addition to over-the-counter whitening kits, you can also ask your dentist for a professional take-home tray that will fit your mouth and provide more comprehensive whitening results than the standard OTC trays. A whitening gel will be placed in the tray, and you’ll apply it for one to two hours each day to remove both extrinsic and intrinsic stains from your teeth. A fan-favorite whitening company, Lumineux, makes a peroxide-free formula that is gentle and effective without causing sensitivity or irritation. The pen-like product can be used up to twice a day and is available in several shade options.