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Teeth Whitening Basics
Do I need teeth whitening?
Your smile is a signature of your personality. A happy, bright, white smile is a real asset. It puts others at ease and attracts souls to you. It makes you feel more confident about yourself and confident in the presence of others.
Unfortunately, teeth can and does become discoloured and this can make individuals ashamed of their teeth, so they stop smiling or at best only manage that tight lipped smile that doesn’t leave a favourable impression on anyone.
Fortunately, with modern tooth whitening technology, it can aid you in getting back that winning smile.
Below we have provided information on the most effective and popular teeth whitening methods:
Laser Teeth Whitening
How teeth whitening works
First, we want to say that the process only works on natural teeth. Dentures, crowns and other artificial dental work require a different process that your dentist will be happy to provide advice on.
Tooth whitening is a very effective way of whitening your teeth without removing any of the vital tooth surface or enamel.
Our teeth discolour with age but our dietary habits will speed up the process.
Food and drink such as red wine, coffee, tea and some fruit juices all stain our teeth, just as smoking, and tiny breaks in the tooth enamel and some antibiotics also stain our teeth.
The common ingredients in tooth whitening products are usually either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
We recommend that you consider getting an assessment from your dentist before you use any teeth whitening treatments.
Your dentist may want to carry out the work for you but most individuals will want to do the work themselves in the comfort of their own homes.
A complete treatment will take up to two to three weeks, each application taking about thirty to forty minutes to complete.
The effects last up to three years but this may vary from person to person.
Whitening Toothpastes
Whitening toothpastes can help in maintaining the effects of the whitening treatment after the treatment has been finished? Some use abrasives for polishing the teeth but we recommend that you use fluoride toothpaste twice a day whilst at the same time reducing sugary snacks and drinks.
Whichever toothpaste you decide to use, do be sure to look for the Dental Association seal of approval.
Toothpastes may help, but they will not whiten your teeth nearly as much as other whitening methods.
Teeth Whitening Strips
Are easy to apply, the adhesive strips are applied to the front teeth twice a day and left in place for half an hour.
These are obtainable from apothecaries, supermarkets or your dentist and are not too expensive.
Brush on Whitening Gels
A small brush is used to apply the peroxide based gel to the front teeth.
Teeth Whitening Gel Kits
Very similar to the kits used under dental supervision but you can purchase the treatment over the counter and use it in the comfort of your own home.
The whitening gel is placed on a mouth tray that is moulded to fit your teeth and is left in place until the treatment is completed.
This is an inexpensive and very effective form of treatment.
Dental Surgery Whitening
Using your Dentist
Your dentist will provide you with advice on the suitability of tooth whitening treatment and will provide the treatment when you want it.
Professional treatment should be quick, should be comprehensive and will be expensive.
A laser or a heat system is used to heat the gel that has been applied to the teeth.
The treatment can last as long as one hour and you may require repeat treatments. But it generally produces quick results.
Dental Supervision Gel Treatment
A substitute treatment that is cheaper to laser or heat treatment, your dentist will use a carbamide peroxide gel or hydrogen peroxide gel in a tray that has been moulded to your teeth. This ensures that all your teeth are treated. The carbamide peroxide gel is commonly more efficient.
The custom tray will be very useful for later on if you need to follow up with the maintenance treatments for your teeth. Dental supervision gel treatment is very similar to using a teeth whitening gel kit.
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