Explore Your Options For Teeth Whitening
There's no doubt that a brilliant white smile adds a lot to the
way you look and as you age your teeth can lose a bit of their
brilliance. Stains from coffee, cigarettes and simply aging can
turn your teeth several shades off from what they once were.
Luckily there are many options for teeth whitening out on the
market. Which one is right for you?
How White Will Your Teeth Get?
When considering teeth whitening many people want to know how
white their teeth will get. The level of whiteness you can
achieve varies from person to person and from teeth to teeth. In
rare cases your teeth can be whitened by up to 9 shades, but it
is not likely. However, even just a difference of three or four
shades will certainly enhance your smile.
The goal for most people undergoing teeth whitening to reach the
optimal level of whiteness, without the teeth looking fake. It
is important to note that the method used to whiten your teeth
will have a significant impact on your outcome. Home-based teeth
whitening systems will not typically achieve the same results as
in-office teeth whitening. Usually during your first consult
with your dentist about teeth whitening he or she will explain
to you what results you can expect for your teeth.
How Much Will It Cost?
You can whiten your teeth at home or go to the dentist and have
it done professionally. The do it yourself systems cost around
$40.00 and typically require that you use strips or a tray for a
week or more every day. Contrary to what you might hear, they DO
work but you will have to make the commitment to apply the
system every day.
An office visit to the dentist just for one teeth whitening
treatment could cost up in the thousand dollar range at some of
the more high end offices. But many people prefer to have a
professional whiten their teeth to be sure it is "done right" or
if they can't commit to using a do it yourself product every
day. Depending on the type of treatment your dentist decides is
best for you , you could have whiter teeth in just one visit!
Tray Whitening Systems
One common method of teeth whitening is the tray system. This
method was the predecessor to today's teeth whitening strips,
but is not obsolete as many consumers still use them today.
Basically a gel-like substance, made of concentrated hydrogen
peroxide and water and gluten to ensure adherence to the teeth,
is put in a tray that fit around the teeth of the user. The
trays generally come in sizes, or in some cases can be custom
fitted for your teeth by your dentist.
Teeth whitening trays generally are worn for several hours
during the day, or even overnight. Most people prefer to be
awake when using the tray so that they can be sure the tray
doesn't fall out, or their mouth gets too dry. In most cases the
user is able to carry on normal activities without disruption.
As a general rule users don't want to venture outside of their
home or car because the trays aren't exactly attractive. They
cause the lips to protrude and speech to be muddled.
Whitening Strips
The whitening strips are thin pieces of plastic coated with
hydrogen peroxide or some other whitening agent. The teeth
whitening agent is typically clear, so the strip itself is
transparent. There are two teeth whitening strips in each
treatment set, one for the top row of teeth, and one for the
bottom. Each is a different size and designed to fit with the
corresponding teeth. They can't always perfectly fit the user
because everyone's teeth are different, but they are usually
comfortable for most people.
The strips are easy to use, you just apply them to the front of
your teeth and then fold them over to stay put. The strips are
worn for 30 minutes at a time twice a day.
Side Effects Of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is fairly safe and minor side effects can
include gum irritation and sensitive teeth. Your gums about the
teeth can become irritated when they come in contact with the
whitening gel. This will subside once you stop using the
whitening product.
Tooth sensitivity is brought on by the inflamed nerve of the
tooth. The teeth whitening strips use a chemical that tends to
irritate the tooth's nerve and consequently cause the teeth to
be sensitive to hot and cold. This is typically temporary and
does not require a dentist visit and will subside once the
treatment is over.