Teeth whitening is the process of removing teeth discoloration. It is among the most popular type of cosmetic dentistry. As we age teeth discoloration becomes a problem. The best way of dealing with it is involving a professional and getting your teeth whitened.
Whitening Options
There are a couple of options. You need to talk to your dentist to help you choose the one best for you. Find out some of the options you might want to choose from.
Whitening Toothpaste
One of the major cause of teeth discoloration is stains. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day helps remove these stains. After all, most pastes are designed to help remove stains. Some pastes are better than others though.
Some kinds of toothpaste contain more abrasive that improve their effectiveness. Some even contain some chemicals and gentle polishing. These kinds of pastes can help remove most of the stains in your teeth.
However, they don’t contain bleaching agents. They can only lighten the color of your teeth by just about a single shade. A whitening done by a dentist can whiten your teeth by up to eight shades.
Whitening Strips and Gels
Whitening strips and gels can be bought over-the-counter. They usually come with a set of instructions which you should follow. You are supposed to apply a certain amount of gel every day as you brush your teeth every morning.
The amount you should apply varies according to the amount of peroxide in the gel. If you follow the instructions strictly, you will start seeing results in a few days. Within four months you will be seeing the final results of your work.
Whitening strips are also very effective. They are very thin and no one can know you are using them. Not unless you tell him or her. The strips are coated with peroxide and they work as whitening gels. Results will be seen within a few days and within four months, you will be seeing the final results.
Whitening Rinses
These are among the newest approach to the whitening of teeth. They help freshen one’s breath and they are very effective in fighting gum disease. Most of them contain hydrogen peroxide which is a known whitening agent.
They are easy to use. All you need to do is swish the rinses in your mouth for about one minute. Do that at least twice a day and within 12 weeks you will be seeing results. It is worth noting that rinses may not be as effective as the other over-the-counter methods.
Tray-Based Whiteners
The trays are like a mouthguard but filled with whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide. You will be given instructions on how to wear them. In most cases, you will need to wear them during the night as you sleep. Within four weeks, results will be evident.
In-office Whitening
The quickest method is without doubt in-office treatment. A dentist applies teeth whitening products directly to your teeth with a combination of laser, heat or special light. The use of the special light is known as zoom teeth whitening. The whole procedure can even take less than 40 minutes.
How Long Do the Effects Last?
No whitening option is permanent. Even after an in-office whitening, you will still need to take proper care of your teeth. Avoid eating foods that cause stains and maintain proper oral hygiene. Also, stay away from smoking.
Risks Involved
Whitening of teeth has some risks but they are not all that serious. The most common one is increased tooth sensitivity. Sometimes it may also affect the gums and cause an irritation. The conditions are temporary so you have nothing to worry about.
Teeth Whitening Kit
Having a teeth whitening kit is a wise move. It can help of accelerate the speed of the process if you are doing it from home. Hismile (teeth whitening kit) is one of the most effective kits. It comes at a very affordable price and it is a worldwide brand. It can be found in almost all corners of the world.
For the best dental services, visit our offices today. Burnaby Heights Dental has been operational for more than 20 years. Book an appointment and meet Dr. Katy. She is the expert in helping people get beautiful natural-looking smiles.