Teeth Whitening Procedures
If you visit the dentist, you can ask about teeth whitening
procedures. A bit more costly than their do-it-yourself
counterparts, teeth whitening procedures conducted by the
dentist are truly effective. Nevertheless, you do not have to
necessarily visit the dentist - there are a number of
toothpastes with teeth whitening agents and there are teeth
whitening products available at many local stores.
If you want to whiten your teeth it is best that you use
products that have already been approved by the American Dental
Association. Products sold that can be used to whiten teeth
usually include special toothpastes with whiteners added.
Whitening agents usually come with a plastic tray that people
can insert in their mouths. Before inserting the plastic tray
the individual will have to put a gel in the tray and then place
the tray in their mouths for a specific amount of time. Of
course, the whitening process does not necessarily take place
with one application. In fact, numerous applications will have
to be made before one sees the desired results. A visit to the
dentist may take one or two visits for the same effect. This
procedure does, however cost more money.
There are also overnight applications that people can use to
whiten their teeth. Such applications usually include strips
that are placed on the teeth and whitening action takes place
while the individual sleeps. Again, this is a process that will
have to be repeated for several weeks before the desired results
are achieved. Still, it is a less expensive variant to those
procedures done in the dentist's office.
There are a few things that consumers need to be aware of when
using whitening products. First, not all products are alike and
some may have to be used for longer periods of time than others
to produce the same results. Second, some whitening agents can
irritate an individual's mouth, especially if the individual has
pre-existing conditions like sore gums, cavities or canker sores
and the like. Therefore, it is a good idea to visit the dentist
and get a full check up before one begins using whitening
products. Also, for those products that provide a tray for
consumers to use, it is helpful to know that not all trays fit
everyone's mouth properly and this can be a source of irritation
for the mouth. These things should be seriously considered
before purchasing whitening products.
It is important to use whitening products exactly as directed.
Also, it is equally important that you do not overuse such
products. In essence, whitening products can make the teeth
start to appear transparent if they are used too often. Remember
whitening products contain a bleaching action and too much of
any one product is never healthy. Again, if a consumer has
concerns about using whitening products the best person to
discuss such concerns with is a dentist, who can advise
consumers about what products to use, what products are safe,
and how to use them appropriately.