Teeth Whitening Methods: How Many Ways Can I Whiten My Teeth?
Every time you eat, drink or smoke, you are also increasing the stains on your teeth, and so many people like you are turning to teeth whitening products to remedy their situation. Presently, there are plenty of whitening products to be found on the market.
However, when choosing a particular product or procedure, it’s also important to pick based on the kind of effectiveness you expect. Teeth whitening procedures are designed to remove the stains found on the enamel. Take note that when you use them, their effects will not be permanent as stains will inevitably return to the teeth as a result of chewing and drinking.
Whitening Strips
Teeth whitening strips are coated with a thin layer of peroxide gel. They are also applied for 30 minutes twice a pay over a two week period. You will see results in only a few days, but in some cases the outcome can be rather uneven. A whole package of teeth whitening strips will usually cover both the upper and lower teeth.
The extent of the treatment also depends on the concentration of peroxide in the strips and the severity of the stains. Teeth whitening strips have prices that vary between $10 and $50 for a package of strips.
Whitening Toothpastes
These products whiten your teeth by polishing it. They tend not to be as effective as products that contain peroxide. They are often used after bleaching procedures to maintain whitening.
Teeth Whitening Kits
Teeth whitening kits are designed to polish our teeth with the use of chemicals only, although they tend to be less effective then teeth whitening products that contain peroxide. For the most part though, they are also used after a bleaching procedure in order to maintain the teeth whitening effects.
Most teeth whitening kits include whitening gels which are placed in mouthpieces that fit over your teeth. How long you have to keep wearing these mouthpieces will depend on the kit that you want to use. A comprehensive teeth whitening product will cost you between $500 and $800, as well as the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval.
Professional Teeth Whitening
The fastest and often, the most expensive method of teeth whitening is with a dentist. In this kind of procedure, the dentist will then assess your need for a dental cosmetic procedure and apply the necessary treatment.
Laser Teeth Whitening
This type of procedure is performed in a dental office. Laser has become very popular because they provide results in only a few sessions. A laser procedure begins with the cleaning of the patient’s teeth and after that, bleaching gel is applied on the teeth’s surface.
The dentist will then use a laser to penetrate the teeth’s enamel. The procedure lasts about an hour. Over all, laser teeth whitening procedures yield better and faster results compared to teeth whitening kits that you can find on shelves. And depending on the condition of your teeth, the treatment can whiten your teeth by 8 shades.
The cost of getting a laser procedure can range between several hundred dollars to a couple of thousands of dollars. The price depends on how much whitening you require on your teeth and the severity of its stains. The benefits of laser teeth whitening are quick results, greater safety and immediate results.
If you have any additional questions about the effectiveness of different teeth whitening procedures, as well as their affect on your teeth, you should speak with your dentist. At the end of the day, what matters is that whiter teeth will leave you with a brighter smile.
