Teeth Whitening
Have you whitened your teeth lately? If you're like most Americans, the answer is probably a resounding 'yes!' If you have whitened your teeth recently, then you may have used one of the over-the-counter whitening products. Or perhaps you've gone the in-office route, and had your teeth whitened by a cosmetic dentist. Whichever whitening path you've chosen, you probably would have liked to know a little more about teeth whitening before you started on your road to whiter, healthier-looking teeth. These days, dental care for adults isn't just about brushing and flossing anymore (though these are extremely important!). It's also about having a beautiful, white smile that presents you and your life in a healthier glow. If you're someone who has done some teeth whitening in the past, you probably would have liked having more information before you started. And, if you're someone who has only thought about it but hasn't embarked on it yet, it's a good idea for you to arm yourself with as much information ahead of time. Here are some teeth whitening tips that will help you find the right product or procedure for you.
Over-the-counter whitening
Home teeth whiteners are more prolific and popular than ever. Here are some tips about these for those who choose to do it themselves:
Ø Though most toothpastes contain mild abrasives that can help to remove surface stains, some toothpastes are more effective at whitening than others. Whitening toothpastes contain a chemical agent that's specifically designed to remove stains. However, whitening toothpastes don't contain bleach or hydrogen peroxide. This means they're not as effective whiteners as some other products. If you're looking for a really effective whitener that lightens more than a shade, consider another product such as strips or an in-office whitening procedure.
Ø Whitening gels are clear gels applied in the home. These are applied directly to the surface of the teeth with a brush. Whitening gels typically contain peroxide, making them a bit more effective in whitening a shade or two more than regular toothpastes or even whitening toothpastes. They typically need to be applied a couple times a day for several weeks for best results, and their results often last from one to several months. However, if you're looking for results that last longer, you should consider an in-office whitening procedure. Additionally, gels can be messy, making it easier for them to be washed away by saliva.
Ø Whitening strips are thin strips applied directly to the teeth. Whitening strips typically contain the same peroxide used in gels, and the results are generally the same or sometimes better. If you're looking for a decent whitening product that you can do at home, whitening strips are a good choice. However, as with gels and toothpastes, the results don't last longer than a few months. You'll need to redo strips a few times a year, on average.
In-office whitening
Many folks who want whiter teeth choose in-office whitening procedures because they can be safer, since a dentist is performing the procedure. Another reason for choosing in-office whitening is the fact that these procedures tend to be more effective, lightening several shades more, and oftentimes in just one visit.
Ø In-office deep bleaching systems utilize trays that are custom-made to fit each patient's individual mouth structures. The procedure is safe and surprisingly comfortable. Patients take home their custom-made trays in order to perform the bulk of the whitening at home. If you're someone who doesn't want to spend a whole lot of time sitting in a dentist's chair, but you want the effectiveness of an in-office whitening procedure, a deep bleaching system may be right for you. These systems often take just a couple or a few weeks to achieve optimum results.
Ø Gel-and-laser whitening systems can be more powerful than even deep bleaching systems. They're also safe because they're performed in a dentist's office. The lasers are used because they activate the gel solution, and this creates a process that works safely and effectively to whiten teeth up to several shades. If you're someone who wants the safety and effectiveness of an in-office procedure, but you don't relish sitting multiple sessions in a dentist's office, consider a gel-and-laser whitening system. And, if you're somebody who likes the idea of taking just a single visit to get your teeth nice and white, that's another reason to choose a gel-and-laser system, as these typically, take just one visit to a dentist's office.
The world awaits! You're somebody who knows what you want, and you are ready to go after it! But, if your smile isn't as white and healthy-looking as you wish it were, you may be putting off going after your dreams. But it doesn't have to be that way anymore. Thankfully, with all the teeth whitening products and procedures available today, a vibrant, white smile is just a few steps away. And now you're armed with all the information you need to pursue that beautiful smile you've always dreamed you could have. For more information and additional tips on teeth whitening and all the procedures available today, schedule an appointment with your dentist to have your questions answered.
Over-the-counter whitening
Home teeth whiteners are more prolific and popular than ever. Here are some tips about these for those who choose to do it themselves:
Ø Though most toothpastes contain mild abrasives that can help to remove surface stains, some toothpastes are more effective at whitening than others. Whitening toothpastes contain a chemical agent that's specifically designed to remove stains. However, whitening toothpastes don't contain bleach or hydrogen peroxide. This means they're not as effective whiteners as some other products. If you're looking for a really effective whitener that lightens more than a shade, consider another product such as strips or an in-office whitening procedure.
Ø Whitening gels are clear gels applied in the home. These are applied directly to the surface of the teeth with a brush. Whitening gels typically contain peroxide, making them a bit more effective in whitening a shade or two more than regular toothpastes or even whitening toothpastes. They typically need to be applied a couple times a day for several weeks for best results, and their results often last from one to several months. However, if you're looking for results that last longer, you should consider an in-office whitening procedure. Additionally, gels can be messy, making it easier for them to be washed away by saliva.
Ø Whitening strips are thin strips applied directly to the teeth. Whitening strips typically contain the same peroxide used in gels, and the results are generally the same or sometimes better. If you're looking for a decent whitening product that you can do at home, whitening strips are a good choice. However, as with gels and toothpastes, the results don't last longer than a few months. You'll need to redo strips a few times a year, on average.
In-office whitening
Many folks who want whiter teeth choose in-office whitening procedures because they can be safer, since a dentist is performing the procedure. Another reason for choosing in-office whitening is the fact that these procedures tend to be more effective, lightening several shades more, and oftentimes in just one visit.
Ø In-office deep bleaching systems utilize trays that are custom-made to fit each patient's individual mouth structures. The procedure is safe and surprisingly comfortable. Patients take home their custom-made trays in order to perform the bulk of the whitening at home. If you're someone who doesn't want to spend a whole lot of time sitting in a dentist's chair, but you want the effectiveness of an in-office whitening procedure, a deep bleaching system may be right for you. These systems often take just a couple or a few weeks to achieve optimum results.
Ø Gel-and-laser whitening systems can be more powerful than even deep bleaching systems. They're also safe because they're performed in a dentist's office. The lasers are used because they activate the gel solution, and this creates a process that works safely and effectively to whiten teeth up to several shades. If you're someone who wants the safety and effectiveness of an in-office procedure, but you don't relish sitting multiple sessions in a dentist's office, consider a gel-and-laser whitening system. And, if you're somebody who likes the idea of taking just a single visit to get your teeth nice and white, that's another reason to choose a gel-and-laser system, as these typically, take just one visit to a dentist's office.
The world awaits! You're somebody who knows what you want, and you are ready to go after it! But, if your smile isn't as white and healthy-looking as you wish it were, you may be putting off going after your dreams. But it doesn't have to be that way anymore. Thankfully, with all the teeth whitening products and procedures available today, a vibrant, white smile is just a few steps away. And now you're armed with all the information you need to pursue that beautiful smile you've always dreamed you could have. For more information and additional tips on teeth whitening and all the procedures available today, schedule an appointment with your dentist to have your questions answered.