An overview of the different types of teeth whitening
Dr. D.Sendhil Nathan MDS, DNB Prosthodontics And Implantology
The boom in dental sciences has brought a diverse range of options to recover the bright whitish smile we desire. You can easily get different teeth whitening products from your dentist or in a drug store.
Hydrogen Peroxide is the main ingredient present in all teeth bleaching products. The ingredient is added to the tooth whitening products in the range of 10%, 16% and 22%. Because of the difference in composition of the ingredient, the results given by them and time taken to achieve the desired result vary.
What are the different teeth whitening methods available? Let us see.
1) Teeth Whitening Toothpastes
The whitening toothpaste is more powerful than regular toothpaste in removing stains. This is due to the excess of hydrogen peroxide. Similarly, tooth whitening toothpaste contrast with other pastes with the presence of abrasives and other chemical agents.
This approach is effective to remove the surface stains. You can get the same result of bleaching treatments given by a cosmetic dentist in a dental office.
2) Teeth Whitening Rinses
The composition of the whitening rinses is same as the mouthwashes we are currently using.
Similar to mouthwashes, the teeth whitening rinses also take care of encountering oral bacteria. They differ from the mouthwashes with the presence of hydrogen peroxide that takes care of cleaning our teeth.
You need to swish your mouth with the whitening rinse for at least one minute before brushing. As the cleaning agent communicates the teeth for a short span of time, it will take around 3 months to achieve the whitish smile.
3) KöR Whitening
This is one of the most advanced teeth whitening methods. Unlike certain teeth whitening approaches, it will not affect the salivary flow when the whitening product is applied on the teeth.
The whitening gel is applied on the teeth with the help of custom made trays worn inside the mouth. It makes the teeth to absorb the oxygen. This empowers the gel to be penetrated deep inside the teeth enamel. Similarly, the gel is in contact with the teeth for a long time. Hence it is effective to clean the deep stains on the teeth.
4) Whitening Strips
Whitening Strips are thin plastic pieces covered with hydrogen peroxide. The strips are inexpensive and easily available. You need to wear the strip for at least 60 minutes a day for 5 to 14 days. Then you can see the results. Similar to whitening toothpaste, the whitening strips are also limited to remove the surface stains.
The strength of the strips depends on the amount of peroxide it contains. Hence higher the strip’s strength, lesser the time taken to whiten your teeth.
5) Whitening Trays
The whitening trays are provided with gels that contain hydrogen peroxide. You have to wear the tray 2 hours a day for at least 15 days to get the results.
You can get such teeth whitening trays and gels from your Dentist or from a drugstore. We recommend you to utilize the trays get from your Dentist. This is because the gels present in that trays contain a higher amount of hydrogen peroxide. Similarly, whitening trays get from your Dentist are custom made to fit your teeth.
In contrast, whitening trays available in stores are generic sized. They may not fit effectively to your teeth. In such cases, the gel emitted from the tray and contact with the gums. It causes gum irritation.
6) In-office teeth cleaning
Nothing can match the teeth whitening results you get with the bleaching treatments done in a dental clinic. As the stain removal and teeth bleaching are done with the hands of a cosmetic dentist, you will not encounter any side effects.
When compared to the above mentioned strategies, it is quite expensive but the results are highly durable. Likewise, it does not require much time. You can whiten the teeth within a few minutes in a single dental visit.
Conclusion
Consult your Dentist to prefer the brand and product recommended by him/her to whiten your teeth.
Everyone wishes to have a pearl whitish smile. Various discoloration agents left on the teeth by certain things we consume like beverages turn the teeth as yellowish or darkly stained.
Apart from utilizing the discussed methods, switch to maintain effective dental hygiene practices like brushing twice a day, regular flossing, dry tooth brushing, mouth rinsing after every meal to avoid such stain deposits on the teeth.
