There are many teeth whitening systems out on the market today. It can be hard to know which ones are appropriate for you and are worth your money. This article will explain the different options available for whitening your teeth today.
The teeth whitening systems that are currently available include tooth paste, whitening procedures performed by a dentist, gels, strips, trays, and rinses. With so many options available it is hard to know what to choose. Each of these tooth whitening options is explained in detail below.
First it is important to determine if teeth whitening is appropriate for you. Good candidates for teeth whitening are people with healthy teeth that are free of fillings, people with healthy gums, and people who have teeth that are not already white. Be sure to ask your dentist if you are unsure if teeth whitening is for you.
Whitening Tooth Pastes
Tooth pastes are pastes that contain abrasive particles in them that remove surface stains and polish the outer layer of the tooth. Whitening tooth pastes contain extra whitening agents such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide that helps to lighten the color of the tooth.
This option for tooth whitening is cheap and simple, because you are already buying tooth paste and brushing every day any way. However, whitening tooth pastes are only able to whiten teeth about one shade. Compare this to professional dental whitening which can lighten the shade of your teeth by three to eight shades.
Over the Counter Whitening Gels and Whitening Strips
Gels are a clear gel that is brushed on the teeth with a small brush that is provided. The whitening agent in whitening gels is usually hydrogen peroxide. Most tooth whitening gel treatments are applied for two weeks, two times daily. Whitening gels usually show results in about three days and the results last about eight weeks.
Strips are thin, see through strips of plastic that contain a whitening agent. The whitening agent is usually a peroxide. Whitening strips are generally applied to the teeth two times a day for about a half hour. This treatment takes about two weeks and lasts for about four months.
Tooth Whitening Rinses
Tooth whitening rinses are a fairly new tooth whitening system. They are basically standard mouth washes with whitening agents added to them. So in addition to fighting bad breath by killing bacteria in the mouth, these rinses whiten teeth as well. However, these teeth whitening solutions can take a long time to see results, sometimes taking up to three months. The procedure is the same as a regular mouthwash, just gargle for one minute two time a day before you brush your teeth.
Tray Tooth Whitening Systems
Tray tooth whitening systems a just what they sound like; a tray that you fill with a whitening agent and place over your teeth. These systems can be bought over the counter or purchased from a dentist. Tray whitening systems are usually worn for a couple of hours a day for up to a month.
Dental Office Whitening
Professional dental whitening performed by your dentist can have dramatic results. However, it is the most expensive option. Whitening procedures performed by a dentist involves applying a whitening agent to the teeth and the exposing the teeth to a UV light or laser. The procedure usually takes an hour or less, with noticeable results immediately after the procedure. However, additional treatments are necessary to increase the effect.
In-office bleaching provides the quickest way to whiten teeth. With in-office bleaching, the whitening product is applied directly to the teeth. These products can be used in combination with heat, a special light, and/or a laser. Results are seen in only one, 30- to 60-minute treatment. But to achieve dramatic results, several appointments are usually needed.
However, with in-office bleaching, dramatic results can be seen after the first treatment. This type of whitening is the most expensive technique.
