Everyone likes to have nice white teeth. We live in a world where we are judged all the time, especially by our appearance. Having white (or whiter) teeth is absolutely possible. There are several options available but the first thing you really should do is visit your dentist to get his or her advice.
Not everyone is the same and your dentist can give you the best advice on getting beautiful white teeth with an option that’s just right for your situation. Let’s look at what is needed to achieve whiter teeth.
1. In-Office Bleaching
As the name suggests, this is carried out in the dentist’s office. The good thing is, it can be done in one visit or at the most, two visits. This method of bleaching uses a laser. A whitening gel is applied to your teeth’s surface. The laser then activates the gel. A rubber dam may be used to protect your gum tissue though a protective gel may also be used. An ultraviolet laser is used to activate the whitening agent that is in the bleaching gel. The results can be seen immediately, though whitening kits may still have to be used at home. This type of treatment is a little more expensive than any at-home method, which is the only drawback.
2. At-Home Bleaching
For at-home bleaching, you still need to make an appointment with your family dentist. He or she will then be able to evaluate which system would be the best for you based on the colour of your teeth. Then, in order to get a custom-fit tray, an impression of your teeth is taken. You’ll then need to learn (don’t worry, you’ll be taught) how to use the whitening system at home.
You need to use the system once or twice a day for up to two weeks, though it can be less. The sensitivity of your teeth will have to be monitored. This method of teeth whitening does take longer than the in-office method, but it is cheaper.
3. Over-The-Counter Products
There are other products you can try, like over-the-counter products, but the results will vary and be slow as well. If you try any self-bleaching, make sure to read the label and understand what it is that you need to do. Some of these products include prefabricated trays, toothpastes, oral rinses, whitening strips and paint-on agents.
Prefabricated trays contain the bleaching ingredient that’s placed in the upper and lower trays which are worn for up to an hour every day for about a week. Toothpastes made with peroxide can be used for teeth whitening but the active ingredient isn’t exposed to teeth for a long time. Mouth or oral rinses, just like toothpastes, can be used for teeth whitening, but here again, the active ingredient is not exposed for long.
Paint-on products can be used for several days. As the name suggests, you can paint it directly on to the tooth surface. Whitening strips contain the active ingredient on the film strips. These can be placed on the teeth for about half an hour every day for around two weeks. It can be done twice a day if need be.
Even if you choose to try over-the-counter products, it still might be a good idea to visit your dentist for some advice. Perhaps one product may be better for you, or it may be better to avoid another. The only way to know is to get the best professional advice from your dentist.
