Health & Fitness

Teeth Whitening and Bleaching Methods

Are you dreaming of getting a brighter smile? Then you must have thought of teeth whitening. There are two options available for you. Either you go for the in-office whitening or home whitening kits. Choosing the best teeth whitening treatment in London option has become a troubling thought for everyone aspiring to get it.

In-office whitening and home whitening kits: what is the difference?

Both methods of teeth whitening depend on the use of hydrogen peroxide. The home kits have the peroxide (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide) in 3% to 20% while that with the dentist has between 15% to 43% peroxide.

For both methods, the same rule applies. The longer the whitening substance stays on your teeth, the whiter they will become. However, the duration in which you will place the substance on your teeth depends on the level of hydrogen peroxide in it: the higher the hydrogen peroxide, the shorter the time. This is because hydrogen peroxide will cause dehydration on the teeth and make them more sensitive.

Each option has both the positive and negative sides. Learn about them before making your choice. What if I told you that everyone will not have a positive result with teeth whitening? It is true. Composite bonding and porcelain crowns do not whiten with these methods; hence people with them should seek other options.

In-office whitening

A faster way of whitening your teeth is getting it done by the dentist. The use of light or heat, sometimes a combination of both will speed up and intensify the whitening process. This process is more robust than the home whitening kits.

The intensity of the result can range from 3 to 8 shades brighter from just 30 – 60 minutes visit to the dentist. Some dentists can give you the recommended whitening treatment within 2 hours of a single visit. The Zoom System is the most common example of this kind.

Home teeth whitening remedies

There are many remedies for yellow teeth, but we will be sharing a few. Knowing the right choice for you is recommended. Inability to do this may lead to some adverse effects shared in the lower part of this article.

 Tray-based teeth bleaching method: this teeth whitening option uses bleaching gel with peroxide base and trays like those of a mouthguard for treatment. The patient will fill this tray with the bleaching gel and then wear it over his teeth for the required number of hours. This treatment will continue for about four weeks for a perfect result. This traybased system of whitening the teeth is available over-the-counter, or you can get your customised tray from your dentist.
 Teeth whitening gels and strip: this involves the application of teeth whitening gels with either a brush or little strip. These peroxidebased whitening agents are applied directly to the teeth once or twice daily for 14 days or two weeks at least.
 Teeth whitening toothpaste: these options are mildly abrasive and can remove stains from the surface of the teeth. These toothpaste with whitening ability contain polishing agents and chemicals which replace bleaching agents and assist in the scrubbing of the teeth to remove the stains. This teeth whitening option is less expensive and can brighten the teeth in one shade. Most teeth whitening kinds of toothpaste contain peroxide. However, they are not usually left on the teeth for a period long enough to cause more intense whitening.

Maintaining your white teeth after bleaching

Whether your new white teeth were gotten from the dentist or through the aid of home whitening kits, you should strive to make the results last longer. Flossing, brushing, and rinsing your mouth every day are the first steps to consider. Alongside this daily routine, you must avoid acidic and tannin-rich beverages and foods that can darken your teeth. Some of them include:

 Black teas and coffee
 White and red wine
 Sports drinks
 Carbonated beverages (dark and light-coloured sodas)
 Berries and other strongly-coloured foods
 Sauces like curries, soy, tomato, etc

Why talking to your dentist about teeth whitening is necessary

Some effects are common to teeth whitening. Most times, it causes the teeth to become sensitive for a short while. People with already existing teeth sensitivity usually feel uncomfortable while undergoing treatment. In situations where these kits are not used according to direction, it can lead to temporary bleaching of the gums or burns in the gums.

Teeth whitening method is useful but not for everyone. People with yellow teeth will benefit more from it than those with brown teeth. And if you are one of those with purple or grey teeth, likely, the bleaching will not be effective at all.

The best way to know if teeth whitening is for you and worth your resources, visit our dentist. At our dental practice, our dentists will be more than willing to suggest a suitable teeth whitening option for you.

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