What You Should Know About Teeth Whitening and At-Home Whitening Myths

Teeth whitening treatments have allowed a large number of people to have beautiful smile that gives a boost to their confidence. However, this has also given rise to a large number of do-it-yourself kits.

There can be a lot of problems with this method and going with a dentist to get your teeth whitened is a safer bet. Let’s explore the many at-home whitening processes that are little more than myths.



 

Whitening strips: This is a very popular method of teeth whitening that a lot of people use. These are mostly sold over the counter at any pharmacy. While they do promise whiter teeth, it can look awkward when used improperly. There is also a chance that the chemicals used are strong for your teeth and can cause enamel degradation if used excessively.

Teeth bleaching: This comes with a do-it-yourself kit where you can paint the bleaching agent on your teeth. If you leave it on too long, the color will end up a lot brighter than you wanted it to be. The chemicals used in the agent can also cause irritation in the gums and teeth and cause serious dental problems.

Whitening trays: Another do it yourself kit that has become very popular among the general public. These generalized whitening trays do work better than other DIY agents. But there are risks involved as well. The chemicals used may not be suited to your dental condition and can cause more problems than you signed up for.

Over the counter Whitening products: There are a wide assortment of specialized whitening toothpaste and mouthwashes that promise whiter teeth. However, these are generalized with varying concentration of the whitening agent. Unless specifically prescribed by your dental care professional, it is best to avoid these products.

Your best option is to go to a dental clinic to get your teeth whitened. Your dental care professional can set you up with any of the whitening treatments available. If the problem has risen from an underlying dental problem, that needs to be fixed before you can opt for whitening.

1. Professional Cleaning and whitening: The most common reason behind discolored teeth is poor hygiene. The accumulation of dirt and food stains pile up over time and make your teeth appear discolored. Just a professional cleaning often takes care of discolored teeth, and if you want it, a simple professional whitening treatment will get you the shade you like.


2. Laser whitening: This is a new whitening procedure that has become popular in most dental clinics. This treatment can be covered in a single session, taking no more than a couple of hours. You can choose how light you want your teeth to be.


3. ZOOM whitening: This is the latest technology used in teeth whitening processes. The dentist will apply a gel over your teeth and use the ZOOM lamp to activate the gel. It is completed in a single appointment and takes a few hours depending on the shade of white you want. This method can help you choose from over 12 shades of white that you can get for your teeth.


4. Cosmetic treatments: Sometimes the discoloration can happen from serious dental problems like tooth decay and gum diseases. In this case, the doctor treats the existing conditions before attempting a whitening procedure. Veneers, implants and bridges can be used if the tooth is broken, damaged, or needs to be replaced.

Not every person has the same disposition when it comes to their dental health. This is why your treatments need to be customized. Consult with your dental care professional to know which treatment will work best for you.

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Video Source: American Dental Association (ADA)