Different Home Teeth Whitening Methods

With all the advancements in technology and the range of options available today, it's no longer necessary to see a professional to get aesthetically pleasing results in certain arenas. Teeth whitening has become more and more accessible with a variety of methods that can be done in the comfort of your own home. Depending on your method of choice, you can achieve results that look as good as any dental procedure would.

First of all, it is important to know if this is a process that would even work for you. There are those that are more suited to this process than others, particularly those who have naturally healthy teeth with no fillings. Processes to whiten also work well on teeth that are yellow, which could be due to staining over a period of times from cigarettes, alcohol, tea or coffee.

For minor stains and more of a polished finish, a great whitening toothpaste may be all you need. There are many over-the-counter brands available to just add that extra sparkle, and of course, some have better whitening strength than others. Because all toothpastes contain mild abrasives, surface cleaning is generally not a problem.

Stronger toothpastes will contain additional chemicals for additional stain removal. However, toothpastes will only remove stains that are already there and will not have any bleach in them. At the most, a toothpaste can lighten your teeth by one shade. For more obvious results, you would have to turn to one of the other available options when it comes to at-home ways to whiten.

Also Read This: Tooth Whitening Products That Are A Waste Of Time

Professional products for whitening that are available over-the-counter will contain stronger chemicals like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These are effective at actually lightening the color of the teeth that lies deeper. Whitening gels and strips work in the same way, but they must be applied to the teeth in very specific ways for very specific times according the the individual product's requirements.

Gels are applied to the tooth surface using a small brush. Alternatively, strips already contain a thin layer of peroxide gel and are applied to teeth directly. Usually, these products are best used at night when you won't be consuming food and they can work most effectively. Both types of products produce visible results within just a few days, and with prolonged use, the effects can last up to 4 months.

Tray-based whiteners can be very effective. You can get these from your dentist as well as over-the-counter. These are worn for a longer period of time than the previously mentioned products, and can even be worn overnight. The peroxide-based gel that fills the mouth guard to be worn will work to various degrees dependent on its composition.

Because at-home treatments are done by yourself, they will never be as strong as going to the dentist to get your teeth whitened. Not only does the dentist have the right strength of product and proper tools to accommodate effective whitening; he or she can also help to fit your teeth properly with the right type of tray for more effective whitening at home, as over-the-counter trays tend to come in one size, which may be uncomfortable or cause other issues for your gums in the process.