Just how important is your smile? A great smile puts others at ease, can break the ice and makes you look happy, confident, and self-assured. It can also help to leave a very favourable impression of yourself.
Unfortunately, many people hesitate and feel embarrassed to smile because of stained or yellow teeth. That is a real shame considering that modern teeth whitening methods can really improve the appearance of many people's teeth and make them feel much more confident.
The problem is making sense of the many options out there and finding the right on for you. Fortunately, we can help with that. Below you will find out how teeth whitening works, a short summary of the popular methods.
Teeth Whitening Basics - How It Works
Teeth whitening methods mostly use a form of peroxide to bleach the teeth and remove stains and discoloration. As the peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and bleaches the coloured stains. This lightens the colour of the teeth and removes the stains without removing any of the tooth surfaces.
Teeth whitening can be performed by a dentist in his surgery, or by your self in the comfort of your own home. Let's take a closer look at the methods below…
Teeth Whitening Basics - Whitening Toothpastes
Whitening toothpastes work by using mildly abrasive chemicals to remove surface stains. They do not contain bleach. Although some of them have polishing agents that make teeth cleaner and therefore looking whiter. Be sure to check for the American Dental Association seal of approval.
Toothpastes may help, but they will not whiten your teeth nearly as much as other whitening methods.
Teeth Whitening Basics - Whitening Strips
Bleaching or Whitening strips were made as an alternative to mouth guards and a bleaching solution. They are much easier to use than a mouth tray because they are basically a sticky tape that you apply by placing the strips on your front teeth. Whitening strips are usually worn twice a day for a half an hour each time.
Teeth whitening strips are available over-the-counter or through your dentist. The strips that you can obtain from a dentist surgery contain a stronger concentration of peroxide.
Teeth Whitening Basics - Brush on Whitening
Brush on whitening gels is peroxide based gel that is applied with a small brush onto the front teeth.
Teeth Whitening Basics - Teeth Whitening Gel Kits
Teeth whitening gel kits can be obtained over the counter. This method is very similar to Dental Supervision Gel Treatment, the difference being that you can do this yourself at home.
This method works by putting concentrated peroxide gel in a mouth tray and leaving it place on your teeth for a specified period of time. Look for a kit with a tray that can be formed to fit your teeth or you may have some inconsistent results. This method of whitening is very affordable and efficient.
Teeth Whitening Basics - Dental Surgery Whitening
Dental Surgery teeth whitening usually involves gel being directly applied to the teeth and activated with heat, a special light, laser or a combination of all three. Dental treatments will usually last 30 to 60 minutes. Sometimes you will need more than one appointment.
A dentist surgery bleaching usually produces the fastest results. So if you have a special occasion on the horizon that you would like your teeth whitened for, the dentist could possibly be your best bet. Expect to pay a lot of money for the privilege.
Teeth Whitening Basics - Dental Supervision Gel Treatment
One of the most popular methods of teeth whitening is dental supervision gel treatment. This makes it a little more afford able but you still get the guidance of a professional. You will get a tooth tray that is especially made for you which helps to get every area of your teeth as white as possible.
The gel used is carbamide peroxide. It works much more efficiently than the hydrogen peroxide, which is found in cheaper methods. The custom tray will be very useful later on when you need to follow up with the maintenance treatments for your teeth. Dental supervision gel treatment is very similar to using a teeth whitening gel kit.
