There are endless options for whitening your teeth, from strips at your local supermarket to professional treatments. And unlike crowns or dental bridges, teeth whitening has one purpose: to make your smile as aesthetically pleasing as possible. But how does it work, exactly? The professionals at Lincoln, NE’s Blome Family Dentistry, the area’s premier family dentist, explain.

How Do Whitening Products Work?

With the exception of whitening toothpastes, bleaching is the primary method used to whiten teeth. The procedure changes your natural tooth color, noticeably improving it to a brighter shade. The same method is applied whether you opt for in an-office procedure with your family dentist or an at-home whitening kit.

What Are My Whitening Options?

The active ingredients in whitening products are what prepare teeth for a red-carpet-worthy smile. While various methods exist, they all work in the same fashion, using active ingredients to brighten up discolored teeth. Here are your primary options:

• At-Home Whitening Kits: These over-the-counter kits are highly affordable and include gels, brushes, and trays with precise instructions. Despite the low cost, they’re usually effective at creating a stunning smile.
• In-Office Treatments: They may be pricey, but they’re also long lasting and effective. In particular, ask your family dentist about light-activated whitening. The results are instant and unachievable by other methods, enhancing your smile to higher levels of brightness than you could ever achieve at home. The results last about a year, so the cost is well worth it. 
• Mouthpieces: For a slightly cheaper option, ask your dentist to create a customized in-home bleaching kit. Similar to supermarket aisle options, this custom kit is created to brighten your individual smile, so you’ll notice a significant difference after wearing it for just a few hours a day. 

If you’re seeking a top-notch family dentist, turn to the experts at Blome Family Dentistry. Whether you need a routine checkup, whitening, or dental bridges, these experts can help. Visit their website to learn more about their available services, or call (402) 483-7000 to schedule an appointment today.