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Whitening your teeth 101
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Pearly whites that are exactly that, pearly and white make for a beautiful and more confident smile. With so many whitening options on the market it can be difficult to decide which one is best- or just best for you. There are three main ways to whiten your teeth: at home, in office, and whitening toothpaste.
The strength of whitening options are based on how much peroxide it contains. The more peroxide the more powerful the whitening. However, the more peroxide also means more likely to cause sensitivity and irritation.
There are several options that are easily accessible and affordable with great results.
Toothpaste
Whitening toothpastes do work! However, keep in mind that using only a paste will take the longest amount of time to see results ( sometimes taking months). Try Crest Pro-health or Colgate Total Whitening.
Listerine White Strips
Perfect for anyone on the go these strips dissolve in your mouth! A strip is worn on the top and lower teeth twice a day and begin to dissolve in about ten minutes. Results are seen in around two weeks and even better news, they can be bought for under $20.00!
Crest White Strips
Crest white strips are cheap and one of the most effective ways to whiten your teeth with an over the counter brand. A strip is worn on the top and lower teeth twice daily for a half hour for two weeks for the original (msrp $25.00). There are also three other products: advanced seal ( 30 minutes once a day for two weeks, msrp $45.00), pro effects (30 minutes twice a day for ten days, msrp $40.00), and premium (30 minutes once a day for ten days, msrp $35.00).
While the original has the least amount of peroxide and takes two weeks, it will usually cause the least amount of sensitivity or irritation- and is the cheapest!
Trays and Bleach
Your dentist can also make a custom tray for you and bleach can be bought in syringes. Bleach can be bought through your dentist or at any local drug store. Depending on the kind of bleach, the trays can be worn for a half-hour or even overnight.
In Office Treatment
In office treatment means that the dentist does the whitening for you. Talk with your dentist about these options which can be costly. These options are also the most effective.
Tips
- If you bleach your teeth the result can last up to twelve months, even longer if you don't smoke or drink a lot of coffee or tea. If you smoke cigarettes, you may not be an ideal candidate to bleach your teeth
- White spots on your teeth after bleaching are normal, and usually fade within an hour
- It is normal to experience sensitivity while bleaching but if it becomes too painful to handle do not force yourself to finish the treatment as you can cause painful irritation
Always talk to your dentist before whitening your teeth to make sure that you are a good candidate!
As always feel free to e-mail me at dentalhealthexaminer@yahoo.com
