When it comes to having a great smile, whitening products are one of the ways to get there. Most teeth develop stains over time from drinks, food, and even environmental factors. While most people want to have white teeth, there are a number of options available. One thing to keep in mind is that regardless of the method chosen, teeth typically will need to be re-whitened periodically.
To get an idea of the various teeth whitening treatments available, these are a few of the options to consider.
Professional Whitening
If you're not interested in doing your own whitening, then it's best to turn to your dentist. An in-person dental whitening procedure is safe, effective, and very fast. In just over an hour, your dentist can turn your smile into a sparkling one. It's a great option if you don't want to deal with other slower methods. The good news about this option is also that this option will last about six months to a year.
After the procedure, you may have some sensitivity for a few days. However, it will subside over a few days. Usually, most people use a sensitive specific toothpaste to help with the initial symptoms. Touch-up treatments will be needed occasionally but this is a great option when you're wanting a fuss-free option.
Whitening Toothpastes
A whitening toothpaste can be fairly effective to keep your teeth staying white over time. Most recommended toothpaste brands have this option. They typically contain a mild abrasive compound that will polish teeth and remove surface stains. They may also contain a small amount of hydrogen peroxide designed to bleach teeth.
If you want a toothpaste that gives you the best results, look for one that contains hydrogen peroxide as you'll have improved whiteness. Usually, five days are all that's needed to see a difference. While this is a no-fuss option, most people find that they don't see dramatic results. Depending on the toothpaste you use, you may not be happy with your teeth after using a whitening toothpaste. If you're looking for more significant results or have severe staining, then you may want to consider another option.
Tray Whitening
This type of whitening is a take-home procedure that's supervised by a dentist. Like the name suggests, you'll wear a tray at night or for a certain amount of time. The method will require a visit to the dentist where an impression of your mouth will be made. A custom tray which holds a whitening gel will be provided. The gel is put into the tray and then inserted in your mouth.
This gel typically is worn for about half an hour or longer for a few weeks. The downside of this option is that it will take longer to whiten your teeth. However, some people prefer for their whitening to be more gradual. This will happen with tray whitening and usually doesn't have much of an inconvenience either.
Whitening Strips
This is probably the most well-known option that's used today. Whitening strips are clear strips of plastic coated in peroxide. They're available over the counter at most pharmacies and even supermarkets. The pack may last for anywhere from five to 15 days. The most common amount of time to use the strips is two weeks.
The strips peel off and attach to your teeth. They are left in place for about 30 minutes each day. The length of this time is about the same amount as the whitening trays but it's much more affordable and can be done without the supervision of a dentist. The strips may cause some short-term sensitivity but no long-term negative effects in most cases. The results of using the whitening strips is about four months and they can be used periodically to re-whiten teeth.
Choosing a Whitening Method
When it comes to tooth whitening methods, these are the options available. Most people will decide on their choice based on the shape of their teeth, budget, and convenience. While a professional tooth whitening is the most convenient, it also comes with a higher price tag. All have certain advantages and disadvantages. Consider which option will work best for your situation to make an informed decision about teeth whitening.
