17 Jan 2023
A beautiful smile is one of the most attractive traits somebody may have. It builds confidence and helps you feel good about yourself. Yet, if your teeth are yellow or discolored, it can be embarrassing and impact your self-esteem. Fortunately, there are several teeth whitening treatments available to help you attain a brighter, whiter smile. Nevertheless, with so many alternatives available, deciding which one is ideal for you might be daunting. That is why we have put together this complete guide to assist you in selecting the finest teeth whitening treatment for your needs.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry treatment that removes stains and discoloration from the teeth. It entails the use of whitening substances like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which penetrate the enamel and dissolve the stains. Depending on the method used, teeth whitening treatments can be performed in-office or at home.
Understanding Teeth Discoloration
Teeth can become stained for a variety of causes. The most prevalent explanations are:
- Aging causes the enamel on our teeth to wear away, leaving them more prone to stains and discoloration.
- Genetics: Some people are born with thicker or more porous enamel, making their teeth more prone to discoloration.
- Lifestyle: Eating foods and drinks including coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries that are known to stain teeth over time might result in discoloration.
- Smoking: Tar and nicotine included in tobacco products can discolor and yellow teeth.
- Medication: Tetracycline is one medicine that has been known to stain teeth.
Types of Teeth Whitening Treatments
There are various tooth whitening methods available nowadays. Here are some of the most common options:
In-office Teeth Whitening
In-office teeth whitening is a professional teeth whitening process performed in a dentist’s or dental hygienist’s office. This approach includes applying a high concentration of whitening gel straight to the teeth. The operation takes roughly an hour and produces rapid benefits.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
For individuals who wish to whiten their teeth at home, at-home teeth whitening kits are a popular and practical solution. As opposed to in-office treatments, these kits use a smaller amount of whitening gel and usually involve the use of a tray or strips to administer the gel.
Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste is a popular and simple alternative for individuals who wish to progressively whiten their teeth. Abrasives in whitening toothpaste help remove surface stains from the teeth.
Whitening Strips
Another popular at-home teeth whitening solution is whitening strips. Bleaching gel is applied directly to your teeth with these strips. Depending on the intensity of the bleaching gel, you’ll wear the strips for several hours each day for a week or two. While whitening strips might be beneficial, they can also cause gum sensitivity or inflammation.
Whitening Gels and Trays
Whitening gels and trays are other alternatives for at-home tooth whitening. These kits include custom-fitted trays as well as a bleaching gel that you may use at home. Depending on the intensity of the bleaching gel, you’ll wear the trays for several hours each day for a week or two. While teeth whitening gels and trays might be beneficial, they can also cause gum discomfort or inflammation.
Finally, your unique needs and preferences determine which teeth whitening treatment is right for you. Choose expert treatments for quick results or at-home treatments for a more cost-effective approach. For long-lasting effects, maintain proper dental hygiene and avoid stain-causing foods and beverages.