The Many Ways to Whiten

Those looking to brighten their smile have a myriad of options and methods from which to choose. In this world of choices, deciding between the professional and the store bought route usually comes down to your means and expectations for teeth whitening.
It is important to note that the teeth whitening market currently has no set standard “shade”, as explained by Dr. William Panico, DMD. One system or product may make claims that it will whiten your teeth a certain number or degree of shades, but may not be visible to the naked eye because it is not regulated by the FDA. Whitening systems will remove organic staining due to types of food or drinks. Therefore, consumers must be prudent in their whitening decisions so as to choose a safe yet effective option that best suits their dental needs.
Dr. Panico advocates informing his patients of all available whitening options, rather than merely promoting in-office procedures. He works personally with each of his patients interested in pursuing a brighter smile in order to ensure that their expectations are met.
Over the counter whitening strips and gels can, in many cases, be a fairly effective, consistent, and inexpensive option. Yet for those patients who wish to see immediate results, Dr. Panico recommends the in-office, one-hour Zoom whitening system. It is a more expensive whitening system that allows for quick results.
Another important consideration in selecting the optimal whitening system is the longevity of results. A one-time, zoom whitening session will give a brighter smile for a given period of time, but the system will have to be repeated in order to maintain the result. Dr. Panico also offers a take-home custom tray treatment through which he and his team fit each patient for customized teeth trays that can then be filled with a whitening solution. These trays can be used for years to come and are therefore an excellent option for those who may prefer sustained, long-term results. The crucial differences between over the counter whitening solution and the professional counterpart available through Dr. Panico’s office include strength, speed of results, and ultimately, effectiveness.
For more answers to whitening questions and further information on numerous systems, contact Dr. William Panico, DMD, of Whitecaps Dental at 609-886-2277. His office is located at 4 Oslo Ave, Rio Grande.