Some Popular Tooth Whitening Methods

If you look in the mirror and notice that your "pearly whites" aren't so pearly, you may wondering about the latest tooth whitening methods that are available. How do they work, and what is the cost? Do they actually make your teeth look whiter, and if so, how much?

Toothpastes

Using special toothpastes is one of the most common tooth whitening methods there is. There are many whitening toothpastes available, and many do quite a good job when it comes to just general buildup or discoloration. These toothpastes typically contain a bleaching solution and peroxide that are specifically designed for the enamel of teeth. These tooth whitening methods are typically very safe but not always as effective as one would want.

Gels and Strips

Over the counter gels and strips are other common tooth whitening methods there are. These are usually available at any pharmacy or retailer. These methods usually contain a small amount of bleach or peroxide that helps to restore the brightness of your teeth.

Many of these solutions are placed in a mouthguard that you wear overnight or for a certain number of hours per day. Some of these are strips that have a solution on them already and which you place over your teeth once or twice a day. Some need to then be removed while others simply dissolve.

These tooth whitening methods are typically much more effective than any other home treatments, however, there are some concerns you should consider. For one, your teeth may become more sensitive when you're using these products. The tissue in your mouth may also become irritated from the mouthguard or from the bleaching solution you're using. Some also have a very unpleasant taste this is hard to get rid of.

For most however these side effects are very mild and go away once the tooth whitening methods are done.

Tooth Whitening Methods In Your Dentist's Office

Many dentists have a variety of tooth whitening methods that they can offer. Most of these are just more concentrated forms of the home systems. Most involve a special cover that is put over your soft tissue and then a special bleach solution is applied to the teeth. These procedures typically take around 30 minutes to an hour, and you may need more than one procedure depending upon the actual discoloration of your teeth. Some tooth whitening methods use lasers to increase the effectiveness of the bleaching solutions, however, there are no laser treatments that currently have the American Dental Association's seal of approval.

If you are interested in any of these tooth whitening methods, you may want to start with a basic home treatment. And if these do not give you the desired effect, then you can speak with your dentist about more progressive treatment options.

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