The best way to get whiter teeth depends on how much whitening you want and how quickly you want to see results. While toothpaste and OTC products may help with surface staining, dentist-supervised take-home whitening or chairside whitening can deliver a more noticeable result.
How can I get whiter teeth?”
It’s one of the questions I regularly hear from patients.
And I understand why. Everywhere you look, you see the next best whitening product. Toothpastes, strips, pens, gels, LED kits and professional treatments all promising a brighter smile.
But when you’re faced with so many choices, it gets pretty confusing. So, how do you know what actually works for you?
The answer isn’t necessarily to choose the strongest product you can find.
Instead, I’d suggest starting with a different question:
How much whiter would you actually like your teeth to be?
Because there’s quite a difference between wanting to remove a little surface staining and wanting a noticeably whiter smile.
Let me talk you through what I’d discuss with you if you were sitting in the dental chair asking me that question.
"I've seen whitening toothpaste. Will that make my teeth whiter?"
It might make them look a little brighter, but there’s an important distinction to understand.
Whitening toothpaste is primarily useful for removing or reducing surface staining. If your teeth have become stained from coffee, tea, red wine, or other foods and drinks, removing some of that staining can make your smile appear cleaner and brighter
But, toothpaste doesn’t fundamentally change the natural color of your teeth.
So if you’re looking in the mirror thinking, “My teeth aren’t really stained. They’re just darker or more yellow than I’d like,” switching to a whitening toothpaste probably isn’t going to give you the result you’re hoping for.
Instead, consider whitening toothpaste more as a way of maintaining a clean, bright smile than as a way of dramatically whitening your teeth.
"What about whitening strips or kits I can buy myself?"
This is where things become a little more interesting.
Some over-the-counter whitening products will lighten teeth, and they’re certainly more targeted at whitening than toothpaste.
But there are a few things I’d want you to consider before buying one.
First, results vary greatly. The product, the concentration of the whitening ingredient, how consistently you use it, and the type of discoloration you’re treating can all affect the outcome.
Then there’s the question of whether it’s actually suitable for your teeth.
If you have untreated decay, gum problems, significant sensitivity or existing dental work, whitening isn’t necessarily something you should simply start doing without having your teeth checked.
There’s also the point of getting an even result. When teeth are crowded, rotated, or unevenly positioned, a whitening strip may not make consistent contact with every part of every tooth. This can lead to some areas being whitened less than others.
Nobody wants Zebra teeth, right?
Instead, when I prescribe whitening for a patient, I’m not simply handing them some gel and saying, “Good luck.” I’m considering their teeth, their oral health, and what they’re hoping to achieve.
And that brings us to the next option.
"What if I want to whiten my teeth at home, but would like professional guidance?"
This is where dentist-supervised take-home whitening can make a lot of sense.
You still do the treatment in the comfort of your own home, but the process starts with me assessing your teeth and making sure whitening is appropriate for you.
Rather than using a generic tray that may not fit particularly well, professional take-home whitening typically involves custom-made trays designed for your teeth, together with professional-grade whitening gel.
The results are a gradual all-over whitening, rather than immediate, which some patients actually prefer.
So if you told me:
“I want my teeth noticeably whiter, but I’m not in a hurry.”
I’d certainly discuss this option with you.
"But what if I want to see a difference quickly?"
Okay. Then we’d talk about chairside whitening.
Chairside whitening is carried out here at the dental office, using professional whitening products under the supervision of the dental team.
For someone who wants a more noticeable result without committing to a longer course of whitening at home, this can be a particularly attractive option.
And there are some obvious situations where that matters.
Perhaps you’ve got a wedding coming up. Maybe you’re going on vacation. You have an important event at work. Or perhaps you’ve simply reached the point where you don’t want to spend weeks wondering whether a whitening kit is going to make much difference.
Chairside whitening offers the convenience of having your treatment carried out professionally, with the dental team able to monitor the process and advise you along the way.
Which whitening option sounds most like you?
If you’re thinking… | We might discuss… |
“I’d just like to get rid of some surface staining.” | Whitening toothpaste |
“I’d like to try whitening myself.” | An appropriate OTC whitening product |
“I want a more professional treatment, but I’m happy to whiten gradually at home.” | Dentist-supervised take-home whitening |
“I want a noticeable result, and I’d like it as quickly as possible.” | Chairside whitening |
Before we whiten your teeth, there's something I'd like to check
This is the part of teeth whitening that isn’t always mentioned in advertisements.
Before recommending whitening, I’d want to examine your teeth and gums.
Why?
Because whitening isn’t a substitute for treating dental problems.
If you have decay, damaged teeth, or unhealthy gums, those issues need to be addressed first. I’d also want to know whether you already have sensitive teeth, because whitening can cause temporary sensitivity in some people.
And there’s another important consideration: your existing dental work.
Crowns, veneers, and tooth-colored fillings don’t respond to whitening in the same way as natural teeth.
So if you have a mixture of natural teeth and restorations, we need to think about the final result before you start.
This is one of the reasons I don’t recommend simply choosing the strongest whitening product you can find.
Good whitening is about getting the right result, not necessarily the whitest possible smile.
So, how white should your teeth be?
This is something I think gets overlooked.
A brighter smile can look fantastic, but the goal isn’t necessarily to make your teeth as white as humanly possible.
Your natural tooth color, your skin tone, your facial features, and any existing dental work all contribute to how your smile looks.
You may only need a relatively subtle improvement.
Or you may want a much brighter smile.
Either way, I’d rather understand what you’re trying to achieve than simply sell you a whitening treatment.
The bottom line: how can I get whiter teeth?
So, if you’ve arrived here by typing “how can I get whiter teeth?” into Google, here’s my simple answer.
If you’re dealing mainly with surface staining, a whitening toothpaste may be enough.
If you’d like to try whitening yourself, an appropriate OTC product may give you some improvement.
If you’d like a more controlled approach but prefer to whiten gradually, dentist-supervised take-home whitening could be a good choice.
And if you’re looking for a noticeable result in a shorter period of time, chairside whitening may be the option worth discussing.
But before you choose, come and talk to us.
I’d much rather look at your teeth, understand what you’re hoping to achieve, and recommend the approach that makes sense.
Ready for a brighter smile?
Call Mint Dental here in Anchorage at (907) 917-3262 or schedule a consultation online and let us help you make that decision.
FAQs
How can I get whiter teeth quickly?
If you’re looking for a noticeable change without having to use a whitening product for several weeks at home, chairside professional whitening may be an option. Your dentist can assess your teeth first and determine whether you’re suitable for treatment.
Is chairside whitening better than whitening at home?
Neither option is automatically better for everyone. Chairside whitening is particularly useful if you want a faster, more noticeable result, while dentist-supervised take-home whitening allows you to whiten gradually at home. Your dentist can help you decide which approach suits your needs.
Do whitening toothpastes really whiten teeth?
Whitening toothpastes can remove surface staining, which may make your teeth appear brighter. However, they generally won’t change the underlying natural color of your teeth in the same way as a professional whitening treatment.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have crowns or fillings?
You may still be able to whiten your natural teeth, but whitening doesn’t change the color of most existing restorations in the same way. Your dentist should assess your smile before treatment, particularly if you have visible crowns, veneers, or tooth-colored fillings.
Does professional teeth whitening hurt?
Some people experience temporary tooth sensitivity during or after whitening. Your dentist can discuss your individual risk of sensitivity and help you choose an appropriate whitening approach.
How long does professional teeth whitening last?
Professional teeth whitening can keep your smile noticeably brighter for around a year, although some people maintain their results for longer. Coffee, tea, red wine, smoking, and other staining habits can cause your teeth to darken sooner.
With good oral hygiene and occasional touch-ups where appropriate, you may be able to extend the results. Your dentist can advise you on the best way to maintain your brighter smile.
