If you’ve been thinking about brightening your smile, you’re not alone. Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments and for good reason. A whiter smile can boost your confidence and help you feel your best. But with so many options available (strips, gels, pastes, lights, and even TikTok “hacks”), it can be hard to know what really works. Why are there so many different ways to whiten your teeth and what actually works?
At Bauer Dental Group in Upper Arlington, we want to give you the facts. Here’s the truth about teeth whitening, what actually works, and what’s just a waste of money.
Teeth Whitening That Actually Works
1. Professional In-Office Whitening
If you’re looking for the fastest and most effective way to whiten teeth, professional whitening at the dentist is the gold standard. We use safe, professional-strength whitening agents that can brighten your teeth by several shades in just one visit. Plus, we take steps to protect your gums and enamel throughout the process. You also get custom trays that are fit to your teeth that you can take home and use to touch up your whitening at home. This allows you to keep up with the dramatic white results at home.
➡️ Best for: Patients who want dramatic results quickly and safely.
2. Custom Take-Home Whitening Kits
Another highly effective option is a custom whitening kit from your dentist. At Bauer Dental Group, we create trays that are molded to fit your teeth perfectly. You’ll use a professional-strength whitening gel at home, usually for a set amount of time each day. The brand that we have found to be most effective is Philips Zoom!. There are a few different concentrations and makeups that we tailor to you based on certain wants/needs. This method whitens more gradually but still delivers impressive, long-lasting results.
➡️ Best for: Patients who prefer to whiten at their own pace.
3. Whitening Toothpaste (for Maintenance)
Whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains from coffee, tea, or wine, but they won’t actually change the color of your teeth. They’re great for maintaining results after professional whitening but aren’t a true whitening solution on their own. The reason they aren’t a true whitening solution is because the strength of the whitening agent is very low and it isn’t on your teeth long enough to have an effect.
➡️ Best for: Keeping your smile bright after whitening.
What’s a Waste of Money
1. Charcoal Powders & Abrasive Pastes
While charcoal products may make teeth look cleaner at first, they are highly abrasive and can wear away enamel over time which can lead to yellowing and sensitivity.
2. Whitening Lights in At-Home Kits
Many over-the-counter kits advertise “LED light-activated whitening.” The truth? The gel, not the light, does the whitening. Without the right strength gel (only available through a dentist), these products don’t deliver lasting results.
3. Social Media Hacks (Oil Pulling, Lemon Juice, etc.)
DIY whitening trends like lemon juice or baking soda might seem harmless, but they can damage enamel and make your teeth more sensitive. Once enamel is gone, it doesn’t come back.
The Bottom Line
If you’re serious about whitening your teeth, the safest and most effective option is to see your dentist. At Bauer Dental Group, we offer professional teeth whitening in Upper Arlington that delivers real results without harming your teeth or gums.
✨ Ready for a brighter smile? Contact us today to schedule your whitening consultation and find the treatment that’s right for you.