What Are The Different Modern Teeth Whitening Options?

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening can be a very effective way of lightening the natural color of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surface. It cannot make a complete color change, but it may lighten the existing shade.

If you want to obtain a bright and white smile, tooth whitening may be just what you are looking for. Not only is dental effective, it can also drastically change your smile and improve your self-esteem at the same time.

The peroxide ingredient in most teeth whitening products is what actually bleaches the enamel and makes your teeth whiter. The strength of the whitening treatment typically depends on the strength of the peroxide contained in the whitening product. The current percentages of peroxide in tooth whitening products are 10%, 16% and 22%.

If you are considering teeth whitening, be sure to review the facts about tooth whitening with your dentist first. Only your dentist can tell you if your teeth and gums are healthy enough to go through a whitening process.

Teeth Whitening Options:

• In-Office Bleaching - In-office tooth whitening offers excellent results. This procedure is performed in the dental office and can be done quickly, usually in a little over an hour. In-office bleaching is expensive, but the time that you save by having immediate results can make this option appealing.

• Teeth Whitening Kits - Teeth whitening kits are effective, but the desired results take longer to achieve than with in-office bleaching. Depending on the strength of peroxide in the gel, these clear trays are usually worn a couple of hours a day or ove
ight and could take anywhere from 3 days to a couple of weeks before any results are noticed. There are basically two types of dental trays and gels: Those purchased from your dentist and those purchased from markets. While they will both whiten your teeth, the two have noted differences.

• Teeth Whitening Strips - Tooth whitening strips are popping up in every drug store across the nation. These whitening strips sold over the counter are fairly inexpensive, easy to use and most of them really work. dental strips may take longer to produce the desired results depending on the strength of peroxide that they contain.

• Dental Toothpastes - Teeth whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives to remove surface stains. Some whitening toothpastes may have additional polishing agents and special chemicals that are more effective against stains than regular toothpastes, but dental toothpastes are not designed to actually "bleach" your teeth.

• Other Teeth Whitening Products - New tooth whitening products are always popping up including whitening chewing gum, dental floss and mouthwashes. While these products are relatively new, not much research has been done to prove or disprove the effectiveness of these dental products.