There are lots of products on the market which promise to whiten your teeth. These days, almost all teeth whitening solutions can offer you varying degrees of whitening results, for a varying price range. The best teeth whitening products fall into two major categories: in-office procedures and at-home solutions. The most noticeable difference between them is their cost and effectiveness.
In-office whitening methods
Professional whitening procedures are usually performed in a dentist’s office and involve the use of bleaching gels that are activated by light or a laser. In-office teeth whitening delivers optimum whitening results in a short amount of time. Performed under the supervision of a dentist, this method of tooth whitening is gaining popularity despite the face that it is considered the most expensive method of teeth whitening.
The bleaching procedure usually starts with a professional teeth polish and cleaning. Then, a guard is placed on your gums to protect them from the potent chemical compound. The teeth are then coated with the whitening gel mixture on the front surface of the tooth. The dentist may choose to use either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as the bleaching agent. Then, a curing light or laser will be used to heat the solution and activate the peroxide. It will then be left on the teeth for 30 to 60 minutes, and finally, the teeth are rinsed with water, and a fluoride application may be used to help ease the sensitivity some people experience with this procedure.
Light activated teeth whitening system, is considered the most effective but also the most expensive alternative for various types of teeth discoloration. The use of laser technology has opened a lot of possibilities in dental care, treatment and cosmetics. You can get immediate positive results with laser or blue light whitening systems. Most dental professionals agree that tray teeth whitening or bleaching is a relatively safe and easy method to lighten the teeth by two to five shades in only a few days.
Some of the popular whitening products dentists uses in the professional whitening procedure are: LaserSmile, Rembrandt Sapphire, LumaArch, BriteSmile and Zoom. The results of laser or light procedures are quite immediate. The major issue is that the costs are very high and could sum up to hundreds and even thousands of dollars per session.
At-home whitening products
The at-home whitening products are divided to several methods. Home whitening kits and trays are very popular with people who wish to bleach their teeth. These kits contain active ingredients like Hydrogen peroxide and Carbamide peroxide. The process includes applying the gel on the tray, insert into the mouth and bite it for a few minutes. It doesn’t take a lot of time and it’s done in the convenience of your own home. Recommended whitening kits are “Ivory White” and “Stay White”. The kits does not cost as much as an in-office procedure, and usually bring the same results.
Another very popular at-home method is whitening toothpaste. There are a large number of teeth whitening toothpastes available on the market. Teeth whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives which are great polishing agents and help in removing the stains. Another important ingredient in the toothpastes is carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. These peroxides help in bleaching the yellowish layer settled on the teeth.
Teeth whitening toothpastes are sold in every drugstore, which makes them very accessible. The costs are quite low, not more than 20 dollars for a toothpaste which lasts at least a month, even if you use it on a daily basis. There are tons of whitening toothpastes, not all them really deliver the results. A few of the most recommended toothpastes are Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste, BriteSmile Toothpaste, Supersmile Professional Whitening Toothpaste, GoSMILE AM & PM Toothpaste Duo and AP-24 Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste.
At-home whitening strips. This is also a very convenient and cost effective option. The strips are placed over your teeth and contain a bleaching solution. The solution sticks to your teeth and soaks in to whiten your teeth. The strips are easy to put on and take off, discreet, and the treatment is generally quick – around 1 – 2 weeks. The problem with these strips is the fact they don’t fully cover the teeth, and the active ingredients can’t reach the crevices between the teeth.
One last, very effective teeth whitening product is whitening pens (or paint-on gels).
These pens make the process of teeth whitening simpler than it has even been before. They are simple and easy to use and support our busy daily schedule. The tooth whitening pen contains active ingredients, usually Carbamide peroxide, which serves as a bleaching agent. Pen types come in a liquid form of gel, making it possible for you to achieve results by painting it on your teeth. These whitening pens are a lot cheaper then any other solution, and are usually below $100.
A wide array of whitening pens is offered on the market. Some of the most popular products are: Idol White Teeth Whitening Pen, On-the-Go, Miracle White pen and Liquid Smile Professional Whitening Pen.
No matter which product you choose to whiten your teeth, the most important outcome is that a white, dazzling smile will help you feel better about yourself and build your confidence. Finally, after a long time, you’ll be able to freely smile again, and that’s the most valuable aspect of teeth whitening.
