The Different Types Of Tooth Whitening Procedures
There are different types of tooth whitening procedures although all methods use the substance peroxide to bleach the enamels. The only difference is how the peroxide is applied, how much and how often it is applied to our teeth.
The degree of whiteness actually depends on the patient – a chart depicting the different levels of teeth whitening is typically shown before the treatment. There is no other chemical used in teeth whitening except for peroxide because by far, it is the safest and most effective ingredient in whitening teeth.
Over-the-counter whitening products
Store-bought tooth whitening products can cost as little as $20 and as high as $100, depending on the brand, quality and the degree of performance. Available in most drugstores and groceries, over the counter tooth whitening products typically comes in a kit that holds a bleaching gel and a teeth tray (one size) gel applicator.
Others come in the form of teeth whitening strips and paint-on teeth whiteners. It is generally understood that over the counter teeth whitening products contain a milder form of peroxide that is less concentrated than take home whiteners from the dentist’s clinic. The use of a tray may only whiten a few teeth because of poor fitting while customized trays can whiten the entire to rows of teeth.
Home whitening kits
Many professionals think that home tooth whitening kits are the most effective because it is done gradually and the bleaching gels makes longer contact with the teeth – usually overnight. The peroxide is applied on the teeth via customized bleaching trays specially created by a dentist to fit comfortably into the mouth.
This makes the tooth whitening process less difficult and stressful. A patient is cared for and monitored by the dentist during the course of the tooth whitening treatment. The amount of peroxide is also regulated according to the patient’s needs.
In-clinic tooth whitening
If you want immediate results, in-clinic tooth whitening is the best option for you. It fixes the colour of your pearly whites quickly and gives you that dazzling smile as soon as you get out of your dentist’s chair, granted that your teeth stains are far from stubborn.
For more intense discolouration, you may be advised for several treatments. The downside of in-clinic tooth whitening is that it could be very expensive, reaching up to $650 for a session. The procedure involves applying a highly concentrated peroxide gel on your teeth for several 20 minute intervals. Another procedure is through laser treatment.
Tooth whitening seems to be the all-new rage: celebrities are delirious about cosmetic dentistry while the general public make a mad scramble to the dentist’s office to book themselves for a tooth whitening treatment.
What is it, really, that makes teeth whitening so appealing? Fact is: we all want our pearly whites to be just that: white. Unfortunately this is not so easy a task – especially when smoking, coffee, tea and wine are included in our lifestyles. They contribute to the staining of our teeth and reduce the whiteness as we age.
