Within the past few years, there has been a growing interest in teeth whitening, and understandably so – who doesn’t want a nice, pearly-white smile? There are various methods of teeth whitening available, all of different price ranges and effectiveness.
Professional Teeth Whitening
By far, the most effective teeth whitening method is to go to a dentist. Though this method is the most costly, it is the best way to get quick, visible results and it’s the safest. Dentists specializing in teeth whitening know how to apply the whitening chemicals so that your gums, mouth, and teeth are not harmed. During the procedure, a tray with a special bleaching gel will be applied to your teeth, and a laser flashed on them. This method is an especially good option for those with sensitive teeth. Professional teeth whitening can cost from $100 to over $800 per visit.
Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products
For those on a smaller budget, there are many over the counter teeth whitening products available that are safe and effective. The key to good results when using over the counter methods is to follow the included instructions to the letter- only use the amount of whitening gel specified, and only for the recommended amount of time. You risk wearing down your teeth enamel if you overuse over the counter systems, so always follow the directions carefully. Temporary side effects from these kinds of products, which apply to just about any teeth whitening method, are sensitive teeth and gums.
Home Remedies for Whiter Teeth
If you want to use a home remedy for teeth whitening, you can try using toothpaste with baking soda, whitening agents, or simply add baking soda to your daily tooth brushing routine. Baking soda is very inexpensive, costing less than $1 a box. Keep in mind that going this route may take longer to achieve visible results, so be patient and consistent. Avoid home teeth whitening remedies that advise you to place fruit such as strawberries directly onto your teeth, as well as those recommending that you gargle with hydrogen peroxide. These methods are not proven to be effective, so they are in essence a waste of time and money. The best reason to avoid these kinds of teeth whitening methods: they are not particularly safe.
The most important thing to remember is that quality gets priority over the price tag when it comes to teeth whitening. Choose a safe, effective method to ensure that your smile stays healthy.
 |
