Most people appreciate a bright, white smile. It can have an effect on your entire outlook on life. It may make you appear younger and more vibrant. As you age, each tooth can slowly become discolored from within. No amount of brushing or cleaning will help. Are you considering a new, whiter, smile? Here is a teeth whitening overview to consider.
Bleach
There are differences between a white smile and a bleached white smile. Young people have a naturally white smile. A deep cleaning will help to restore a great deal of the white appearance. However, as you age, tooth enamel can become discolored. The only way for them to be white, is by bleaching. This is accomplished with a peroxide solution. There are three methods for achieving this. None of them will last forever. They have to be periodically repeated.
In office
When you go to the dentist, you can have your smile whitened, professionally. This is the most expensive technique. It is administered by professionals in a controlled environment. They use a stronger concentration of peroxide compounds. It is considerably stronger than the kind that you can purchase on your own.
This gel is placed directly over the tooth enamel. The dentist places a rubber dam over it. This protects the rest of your mouth. You can then swallow comfortably. It also, keeps you from ingesting any of the solution. This method may take more than one application. You may need to return a few times. In another in office method, a laser is used. This usually works well, the first time. Return visits are seldom necessary.
From the dentist
You can purchase an in home kit from your dentist. It has a lower amount of bleach in it. Often times, the kit will include custom made mouth guards. This makes it much more easier to apply. It is much cheaper than having it done in the office.
Over the counter
There is an abundance of over the counter kits. Some are more expensive than others. They are not as powerful as the ones from your dentist. Several different types are available. You may select some with mouth guards or trays. Some have attachable strips. Others may work by painting them on. Many of these kits may only whiten the front of your teeth. The professional methods will whiten all of them.
Summary
Are you searching for a teeth whitening overview? You will find three major types. The most expensive is in the dentist office. It may also be the most effective. You can purchase an in home kit from your dentist. There are over the counter kits, also. The least effective is the over the counter type. It is the most expensive, too. None of the methods whiten permanently. You will need to repeat the process, occasionally.