Four Methods Of Achieving Whiter Teeth
Wherever you are, the possession of a bright white smile makes you feel much better. Although straighter teeth are often healthier than crooked ones, it doesn’t matter so much if the latter don’t gleam because they can enhance the person’s character.
People with less than perfect teeth that are stained or show signs of dental decay tend not to get the same social acceptance as someone whose teeth are good. Practising good oral hygiene will help to keep teeth white but if you want a better shade of white there are other ways than just brushing.
Brushing, flossing and rinsing with a mouthwash will certainly keep your mouth healthy but they do not always keep that gleaming smile.
Using a peroxide based solution to whiten teeth is popular with patients and dentists alike. There are several different variations on these techniques and they fall into two categories: home treatment or dental office treatment. All these methods will be effective but each has its pros and cons. Always consult your dentist or call your dental insurance plan provider if you are in any way unsure about dental treatments.
A perfect smile can be maintained in one of several ways.
- Teeth whitening strips
- Tray-based teeth whitening solutions
- Paint-on teeth whitening
- Professional teeth whitening treatment
Teeth whitening strips are the simplest form of improving your dental looks. According to Proctor and Gamble wearing whitening strips coated with 6% hydrogen peroxide for two weeks will increase the whiteness of the teeth by a factor of 10%.
A good thing about whitening strips is that you can wear them all day but without other people being able to see them. The disadvantage of whitening strips lies in the fact that by lying across the front of the teeth they often fail to reach between the teeth, places where there may be stains.
Most dentists prefer and employ the better choice of the tray-based whitening solution procedure. The tray is so shaped that one part fits around the upper teeth and the other around the lower teeth. In the tray is a bleaching gel that may continue to work for several hours.
Using a tray instead of white strips has the advantage of ensuring that the gel reaches areas that are not reached by whitening strips. Unfortunately the tray has to stay in the mouth for a minimum stipulated time – a distinct disadvantage. Times vary depending on the manufacturer.
Paint-on tooth whitening is another way of applying a peroxide solution onto the teeth. After applying the whitener to the teeth by brush the solution hardens into a thin film. The length of time the solution remains on the tooth varies between manufacturers. This length varies according to the manufacturer and may be anything from one hour to over-night. After the whitening solution has been on the teeth for the required time it is removed by toothbrush.
The advantage of paint-on whitening is that trays are not necessary and the solution reaches all parts of the tooth. Unfortunately this will not be successful if applied to any existing dental work.
Before attempting any self-applied treatment it is prudent to consult your dentist. To avoid possible damage to existing dental work such as fillings and veneers it is essential that the solutions be used correctly. A considerable amount of expense and treatment time may be involved if any of these solutions are used incorrectly.
Teeth whitening treatment done by a professional is often thought to be better than that carried out by oneself. The truth is that professional treatment and self-administered treatment both produce the same results over time. Time now becomes the most significant consideration. Whereas home treatment may take up two weeks, a dentist should be able to complete the treatment in one session.
Using a dentist has the obvious disadvantage of being expensive. If you do not have a comprehensive dental insurance policy which covers these sorts of treatments, the cost will be substantially more than buying over the counter products. The cost with dental insurance is not necessarily more than that incurred by self-treatment; it can be less. The advantage of being treated by a dentist is that the task can be done quickly. Seldom does a whitening session last for more than an hour. There is also the added advantage of the dentist giving your mouth a good check up at the same time, something you cannot do yourself.
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