When it comes to dental health, everyone is looking to have the whitest teeth possible. Unknown to many, our teeth actually have pores, much like our skin. As we grow older, the colour of anything that we eat will be absorbed into our pores. This includes everything from wine, coffee, tea berries and smoking, all of which are extremely active when it comes to staining teeth. As time goes on, the natural white colour of our teeth begins to darken as a result of these stains, which will not fade unless they are actively removed. This is where teeth whitening comes in.
There are many different types of teeth whitening techniques, all of which have their pros and cons. Some people choose to have their teeth whitened at the dentist, whilst others whiten their teeth themselves. But which one is better for the overall result? Dentists suggest that if your teeth are in perfect condition then at at-home whitener may be the best option for you. On the other hand, in-office procedures may be more effective if your teeth are prone to irritation. Here is a breakdown of each option.
In-Office Procedures
The most common in-office procedure makes use of specially tailored trays. These trays are moulded around your teeth and fitted with a whitening solution to ensure the perfect fit. As the procedure is supervised by a professional, the whitening solution used is stronger than the solution found in many home kits. Often, a light or heat source may also be used to speed up the whitening process.
In general, whitening procedures done in office offer more pronounced results and can improve the shade of yellowed teeth as much as 4 shades or more. However, the procedure is more expensive than home kits because it is supervised by a healthcare professional.
It’s important to note, a side effect of using powerful whitening solution is teeth sensitivity that may last for a few days.
If you do not have the time or budget to do in-office whitening, you can have custom whitening trays made for you that you can use at home with whitening solution, and this option can offer excellent results as well.
At-Home Products
When it comes to at-home procedures, you have a wide array of products to choose from. Here are some options.
Whitening Rinses: These are extremely easy to use. Simply swirl the rinse around your mouth for a minute. As the whitening product comes into contact with your teeth, your teeth will begin to brighten. These are commonly used to prevent staining after your teeth have been whitened.
Whitening Toothpastes: Whitening toothpastes are specially formulated to remove surface strains whilst brushing your teeth. Whilst this can improve the whiteness of your teeth, it can also cause mild teeth sensitivity among users.
Whitening Trays: These trays are specially filled with a gel that fits over your teeth. Whilst they can whiten your teeth quickly, the solution may cause some irritation to gums and some mild teeth sensitivity as well.
These methods are great for achieving a whiter smile, though they vary in price, time commitment, and potential sensitivities. In order to decide which is best for you, we advise seeing your dentist for a regular examination, as they will be able to provide you with the professional advice that you require to get your teeth as white as possible.