Are you feeling lately that your teeth are not appearing as white as they used to be? It is normal for teeth to get pale and stained with time. This is because the food and drinks which you consume leave stains on your teeth. Discoloration of teeth can also occur due to aging or lack of oral hygiene. Do you wonder how you can get whiter and brighter teeth? Teeth whitening is your solution.
Different DIY and professional options for whitening your teeth are available in the market. But it has some disadvantages also. In upcoming sections, we will explain different ways to whiten your teeth and it’s pros and cons.
Professional Teeth Whitening:
In-office or Professional teeth whitening is an expensive but faster and long-lasting way to whiten your teeth. First, bleach and other chemicals are applied to your teeth. Then, they are given a special kind of heat, light, or laser to speed up the process. A single session of 30-60 minutes will show you the difference. But dentists suggest multiple sessions for the best result.
It is advisable to go for a complete dental cleaning before in-office teeth whitening. If you have stains on your teeth due to cavities and plaque, they can be treated with a deep dental cleaning and maintaining dental hygiene every day.
DIY & at Home Different Types Of Teeth Whitening Techniques:
#1 – Strips and Gels:
These are peroxide-based whitening gels. They are applied with the help of a thin brush or strips on your teeth directly. You may need to apply them once or twice a day for approximately 10-14 days. Generally, the effect of teeth whitening strips and gels lasts for 4 months.
Also Read: Invisalign: Teeth Straightening For Adults
#2 – Trays:
They come in the form of a mouth-guard filled with peroxide gel or paste. You need to keep the tray on your teeth for various hours a day for 4 weeks for them to show the outcome. You can fit them at home by yourself, or you can go to a dentist as well.
#3 – Whitening Mouthwashes:
Whitening mouthwashes remove the plaque, disinfects your mouth and freshens your breath. They are also known as whitening rinses. They have certain chemicals in them, which make your teeth white. However, whitening mouthwashes are not very effective due to the limited duration of their contact with teeth.
#4 – Toothpaste:
These toothpastes are enriched with whitening chemicals and peroxide. Their regular use makes your teeth one shade lighter. Brushing regularly with normal toothpaste also prevents stains. But whitening toothpaste is specially designed for the whitening purpose.
Also Read: What To Do About Sensitive Teeth
Teeth Whitening Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- It provides cosmetic and aesthetic benefits.
- Your smile becomes brighter & whiter.
- Your self-confidence increases with whiter teeth.
- It removes stains and makes your teeth color even.
- It makes your face appear younger and vibrant.
- There are hardly any risks involved in teeth whitening. It’s a reasonably safe process.
Cons:
- Few temporary side-effects of teeth whitening include gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.
- It is not effective on your fillings and crowns.
- The whiteners available in the market don’t treat all kinds of teeth stains.
- There is a potent bleaching agent in teeth whitening products. It can cause you an upset stomach and a burning sensation in the throat or in soft tissues.
- It is not permanent. You need to do it again in either 6 months or a year, depending on your diet and oral care you take.
Also Read: Dental Crowns: How They Are Made
Take Away!
A smile with pearly whites evokes a different kind of confidence. Therefore, you must consider a few things about teeth whitening along with the pros and cons. But before going forward with the whitening, it’s best to take your dentist’s opinion.
