Teeth Whitening for a Brighter Smile

Teeth whitening has become a huge trend. A few years ago, it was unheard of, but now it seems that whitening has become a part of our regular dental. There are many choices for whitening available, with very different results and price tags attached.

The most effective whitening procedure is done in the dentist's office. These treatments involve painting them with a bleaching agent, and then activating the solution by exposing them to flashes of light.

A much more common option is an at-home whitening method that involves trays made from impressions of your teeth so that they fit comfortably. Over a period of three to six weeks, you wear the trays - complete with bleaching agents - for two to four hours each day. If you do the whitening treatments at night, the time can be shortened to about two weeks.

Dentist supervised treatments can be costly, so you may prefer to try a cheaper whitening procedure first. There are options!

Several companies make home treatment kits that include painting on a whitening gel, letting it sit for a period of time, and them rinsing or brushing it off. There are teeth whitening strips that you can place on your tooth - almost like stickers. They are embedded with a bleaching agent that helps lighten or remove stains.

Many manufacturers have a whitening toothpaste on the market. You can simply use the toothpaste on a daily basis to help boost your whitening power. There are a few cautions for home whitening systems and even the toothpastes. These bleaching agents can really dry out your gums and cause tooth sensitivity.

Usually the side effects are temporary, but overuse of anything can cause damage that you need to be aware of. The whitening formulas can even cause drying out of your lips and around the corner of your mouth, resulting in painful cracking and drying. So just be careful and don't overuse these products.

A great tip to protect your lips and gums from the drying effects of teeth whitening products is to simply coat the areas lightly with petroleum jelly. This prevents the whitening agent from coming into contact with your gums and lips, so the moisture is retained.

There are many options for whitening. Your budget and the time you wish to devote to this process will help you determine what is right for you. It is always a good idea to consult your dentist before starting any new procedures like this.

Also read our article about Teeth Whitening Gels