When it comes to teeth whitening, there are a number of options to choose from. From tooth whitening gels to whitening strips, trays and rinses, people opt for different whitening products to satisfy their individual dental needs. Here is an insight into the different types of tooth whitening options that are available
Almost all toothpastes are effective in removing stains from the tooth surface as they are composed of mild abrasives. However, certain mild whitening toothpastes have gentle chemical or polishing components that are known for their exceptional stain removal properties.
It should be noted that whitening toothpastes only work to remove stains from the tooth surface but they don’t have bleaching agents; which is why these toothpastes aren’t effective in color lightening. While whitening toothpastes can only lighten the color of the teeth by one shade, professional whitening performed by an experienced dentist can make the teeth at least three shades lighter.
Many teeth whitening gels available in the market today can be applied directly to the teeth by using a simple brush. In most cases, these gels require two applications on a daily basis for up to two weeks. Results can be seen in the first couple of days but actual results become noticeable within four months of use.
Strips used for tooth whitening are actually thin and virtually invisible strips that have a coating of peroxide whitening gels. These are applied twice on a daily basis for 30 minutes for up to two weeks. Just like whitening gels, Results can be seen in the first couple of days but actual results become visible within four months of use.
Whitening rinses are the more recent option in teeth whitening systems. Like a majority of mouthwashes, these rinses tend to make the breath fresh while eliminating dental plaque as well as gum disease. However, these rinses also contain ingredients like hydrogen peroxide that help in whitening the teeth.
It usually takes around twelve weeks to get results. The basic use of these rinses involves swishing them around in the mouth for a minute twice on a daily basis before brushing the teeth.
These whitening systems are available as over-the-counter product or can be obtained from a professional dental lab. Typically, a mouth guard-like tray is filled with a special whitening solution that is composed of peroxide-bleaching agents.
The tray is worn for a certain amount of time, usually from several hours on a daily basis to every night for around a month or longer.
In-office tooth whitening is a highly effective option for getting quick relief from tooth discoloration and staining. If the dentist performs in-office bleaching, the whitening product can be directly applied to the surface of teeth.
The bleaching products can be combined with other treatment options like heat or laser treatment. Usually, dramatic results can be noticed right after a single-visit treatment.