Many people today want pearly white teeth because it can increase confidence and self-esteem. Fortunately, for those who want to improve their smiles, a lot of kits are available today. Some of them can go to a dental clinic for treatments and other options. Others can get kits such as strips, trays, toothpaste, rinses, and gels that can have a bleaching effect on their teeth.
The teeth whitening process is best for people who have never undergone any fillings and have healthy teeth and gums. If you want to have a brighter teeth, there are a lot of whitening kits on the market. You can do some research on some of the products and get it on Amazon to see if it’s effective for you.
Examples of Whitening Systems
Toothpaste
Toothpaste can remove the stains on the surface of the tooth because they have abrasives as ingredients. They gently polish the enamel with the help of chemical agents that are usually mild.
The toothpaste may only remove the surface stains, but they don’t have any bleaching effect. There are professional whitening products that were mixed with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide to lighten one’s teeth. Regular toothpaste can lighten the hue by a shade. On the other hand, your dentist prescribed products that can give you up to eight shades of lightening effect in just a few weeks.
Strips and Gels
The gels and strips are usually bought over-the-counter in many pharmacies. The gels can consist of a peroxide base, and they are applied directly to the surface of the teeth. The instructions may vary with each ingredient in the product, so it’s better to follow the directions placed on the labels. You can see the results in just a few weeks, and they can be sustained for about three to four months after use.
The strips, on the other hand, are thin and invisible. They are coated with peroxide-based gels that can whiten your teeth in days. You apply the strips according to the instructions on the packaging. The initial results can be compared to that of the gel, and they can last longer.
Mouth Rinses
One of the most popular products out there is whitening rinses. They are available and are used like mouthwashes, and they are used for fresher breath. Aside from this, they are used to prevent gum diseases and dental plaque. The products also include ingredients that whiten the teeth, but they can take about 12 weeks for the results to be seen.
To use them, swish them around your mouth for at least a minute. You can couple them with other whitening products for more effectiveness. Strips can last for 30 minutes, and the mouthwash will have at least 2 minutes of enhancing the effect of the gels. You’ll get plenty of time in getting whiter teeth in the process.
Tray-Based Whiteners
In the tray-based systems, you can purchase the kits from your dentist or a trusted online shop. You essentially fill your mouth with guard-like trays that have gel-whitening solutions on them. This solution may also contain bleaching agents like peroxide. Know more about peroxide on this site here. Usually, you may be advised to wear the trays for four weeks at night or longer, depending on the whitening level you want to achieve.
In-Office Procedures
Bleaching done in a dental clinic can be one of the quickest ways of whitening your teeth. With this process, the product will be applied directly to your mouth by a dental hygienist. There’s the use of lasers and special lights that can speed up the results. If you want to achieve longer-lasting and dramatic results, you need to have several appointments in a month. This can be the most expensive approach, but others feel that it’s worth it.
How Long Should the Effects Last?
It’s important to remember that the process of bleaching the teeth is not permanent. The people who are often exposing or eating food and beverages that can stain can see that the level of whiteness will start to fade in time. The people who avoid the drinks and foods with tannins can get up to a full year without the need for touch-ups and other treatments. The degree of the bleaching effect will depend on the individual’s lifestyle, the overall state of their tooth, the whitening system used, the level of stains, and a lot more.
Dentist Supervised or DIY?
There are a lot of DIY methods and kits available for people who find it inconvenient to go to the dentists. If you opt to go on this route, make sure that you are following the instructions carefully. You need to read the labels and follow only the recommended amount and time of use.
If possible, check the reviews of other people about the product from community forums and social media pages. You’ll know that a kit is legitimate when it has helped many consumers achieve the degree of whitening that they are aiming for.
Get the Right Strength
You need to have the right strength of the bleaching agent regardless if you choose the DIY route or have the dentist-supervised products. The safer concentrations that you may want to consider include 10 to 22% carbamide and about 3% hydrogen peroxide. If you are in the dental office, your dentist may apply about 15% to 44% of the carbamide for faster results.
Mouthpiece Trays
There are trays where the impression of your teeth will be taken at first. The dentist will customize the fit exactly, and you can have the maximum gel concentration that will give you the best results. There are also custom-made trays that are designed to minimize the gel’s contact with your gums, so it’s best to look for these varieties if you do things your own.
The costs can be a consideration for other people. The over-the-counter products are more affordable, and the in-office treatments are the costliest. If you have made appointments with the dentist and they have recommended a product for you to use, then, by all means, go for it. You can also check other people’s feedback about the kits that you are planning to purchase to be on the safe side.