If your teeth are not as white as you would like them to be then there are some brilliant teeth whitening methods out there that can get your teeth looking brighter. Whether you have noticed that your teeth have yellowed over time, or if you have a big event coming up and want to look your best, whitening your smile can dramatically boost your confidence.
However, finding the right teeth whitening method for your needs can seem overwhelming at first, particularly if this is your first time seeking out cosmetic dental treatments. So, let us discover 3 of the most widely used teeth whitening approaches so that you can choose the best one to get the smile of your dreams.
Whitening Strips
If you are looking for teeth whitening treatment that you can use from the comfort and privacy of your own home, then whitening strips might be the perfect solution for you. As far as home teeth whitening kits go, Crest Whitening Strips are hugely popular and used all around the world. If you would like to learn more about Crest Whitening Strips UK websites like eurowhite.co.uk have some fantastic resources where you can compare the different kits. Essentially, whitening strips work by coating your teeth in a gel that contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. This gel is pressed against your teeth so that the ingredients can penetrate your teeth and produce a whitening effect. Each flexible plastic strip is designed for one-time use and is moulded around your teeth, with one strip for your top teeth and one strip for the bottom. Results are usually noticeable after 10 days.
As discussed, there are a few different types of whitening strips with differing strengths depending on your needs. Although most whitening strips are designed to be worn for about 5 minutes a day, you can also purchase more powerful strips that are designed to stay on your teeth for 30 minutes and can whiten more quickly. Whitening strips can typically be used twice a day and you should not brush your teeth before using them as this can lead to sensitivity. Correspondingly, always leave 30 minutes between using your strips and brushing. As with most whitening products, prolonged use can lead to sensitivity, so always use whitening strips carefully.
Professional Whitening Using Peroxide Gel
If you are looking for dramatic results, then a professional dental teeth bleaching might be what it takes to get your smile looking exactly how you want it. Dentists can use gels that contain much stronger agents than over-the-counter products. Whereas OTC products contain between 10 to 22 percent carbamide peroxide, which is equivalent to 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, a dentist has access to bleaching agents that contain anywhere from 15 to 43 percent hydrogen peroxide. Needless to say, your dentist will take out safety measures to ensure that your mouth and gums will be protected during this type of treatment.
A dentist can perform teeth bleaching from their own practice, or they can provide you with an at-home kit depending on the current condition of your teeth. One of the benefits of the whitening gels used by dentists is that they contain a buffer solution to protect your tooth enamel from damage. Treatments last between 30 to 60 minutes. The results of professional bleaching can often be seen instantly and usually last for up to a year depending on your eating, drinking, and smoking habits.
Laser Whitening
Using a laser as part of a professional teeth whitening treatment involves using a controlled beam of light to speed up the chemical reaction of any whitening solutions. Whereas most teeth whitening treatments work by releasing oxygen ions from a tooth whitening gel which gently lifts stains from the teeth, a laser can make this process much faster. Depending on the type of laser used, laser whitening makes it much easier to bleach one tooth at a time. So, if one tooth is more discoloured than any surrounding teeth then this particular tooth might require a slightly longer time under the laser.
Before laser teeth whitening treatment, your dentist will conduct an initial screening process. This is to check for any recession of the gums or tooth rot. Any inconsistencies in your teeth can lead to uneven bleaching and therefore some prior dental work might be needed. Laser teeth whitening treatments usually last between 30 to 60 minutes but depending on the current condition of your teeth and the desired results, you might need to undergo a few sessions. When administered correctly, laser teeth whitening can make teeth between 2 to 8 shades brighter. After a laser whitening treatment, you might notice some sensitivity, especially in the first few days.
Ultimately, by doing plenty of research, and assessing the different options, you can find the best teeth whitening treatment for you. Above all, remember to always seek advice from a dental professional before using any whitening products.
Your diet plays a huge role in maintaining your oral health and keeping your teeth looking bright. But it’s also important that you learn about things like foods that can stain your teeth – this will help you keep your smile looking bright!
