Guide to Teeth whitening
If you find that your teeth look stained then teeth whitening may be an option. This is a method of dental and home treatment that will work to bring out the natural white colour of your teeth. This treatment will not cause any of the essential elements of your teeth to be lost, as long as it is done properly, and will give you a white smile that you can be proud to boast. Even sparkling white teeth can become stained and discoloured over time, making teeth whitening a real option.
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is exactly as it sounds. The method by which whitening is applied to the teeth is typically through a form of bleach, though some people may not be able to undergo this treatment. Before the treatment begins a shielding guard or gel will be used to cover the gums. Then, the whitening substance will be applied to the teeth, usually though a mouth piece. The teeth are whitened when the ingredients contained within the bleach, including hydrogen peroxide, are disintegrated. The treatment can take up to a month, including initial appointments to create a mouth piece.
What does teeth whitening involve?
The first treatment will be applied at the dentist, but from then on you will need to apply the bleach at home, typically for less than an hour. Your dentist will give you advice on how regularly to use the teeth whitening kit. However, some new teeth whitening treatments have the ability to give you gleaming white teeth within a week or so, as you can wear the mouth piece for up to eight hours.
There are other teeth whitening treatments, such as laser whitening. This would involve the bleach being put on the teeth and then the laser being directed onto the bleach. It is said that laser whitening of the teeth can make them up to five shades whiter. Dependent on your intake of food, drink and smoking habits, the affects of teeth whitening can last up to three years.
Are there any side-effects?
Though this treatment is a great way to give you gleaming white teeth there are, as with most things, drawbacks. One such negative aspect of this treatment reported by several patients is that it can make their teeth fairly sensitive to cold food and drink. There is also the possibility of gum discomfort after treatment has taken place, but this will soon pass.
Teeth whitening home kits
Home kits offer a cheap alternative to teeth whitening. They are available at most good retailers, though you should be careful when undergoing such treatment. It may also be a good idea to ask your dentist whether or not such treatment would actually benefit you. It is also the case that some of the teeth whitening home kits available on the market do not contain enough of the bleach to get the job done properly. You should therefore ask your dentist for advice on what is a good teeth whitening home kit. Also, be careful if you choose to buy a home tooth whitening kit on the internet.
Teeth whitening toothpaste
As well as the treatment offered at the dentist and the home kits, there are also a variety of teeth whitening toothpastes available. It is unlikely that such products will actually be able to whiten your teeth, but they can help to prevent them from becoming stained. Once again, you should ask for advice from your dental practitioner on which teeth whitening toothpaste is best for you.
Tips to maintain the whiteness of your teeth
Whether you have undergone teeth whitening or not, the advice below should help you to keep your teeth looking presentable:
- Brush your teeth twice a day. Fluoride toothpaste may be the best bet to keep your teeth looking sparkly.
- Cut down on food and drink that is likely to stain your teeth, such as coffee.
- Cut down on or entirely stop smoking. This unnecessarily causes stained teeth for a high percentage of people.
- The intake of food and drink high in sugar and acidity should also be limited.
- Make sure you visit your dentist for regular check ups.
