Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment designed to add shine and happiness to every smile, and it is becoming increasingly popular. Once largely for celebrities, recent advances in teeth whitening systems mean that today, people from all walks of life can enjoy the same confidence-boosting results. In fact, there are now so many different types of accessible treatments that it can be hard to know where to look.
In this article, we’re going to guide you through everything you should know about today’s most popular teeth whitening options.
The two main categories of teeth whitening treatments
The two main options are to buy something over the counter that you can then use at home or to have everything taken care of by a specialist at a practice. Both options have their pros and cons, with over-the-counter options tending to be more affordable and flexible, and in-practice treatments providing greater control and optimal results.
Whitening products you can use at home
If you choose the budget-friendly category, you should still quite rightly expect results that boost your confidence and help you to fall back in love with your smile. Most systems will involve some combination of strips, gels, and specialist toothpastes:
- Whitening strips are thin, highly flexible strips of plastic that are coated with whitening gel. They are applied directly to the teeth for approximately 30 minutes a day. The downside is that they may not provide complete coverage, leading to uneven whitening in some cases.
- Gels are often administered by pen applicators or small brushes, with some working alongside an LED mouthpiece to achieve the desired results. The application tends to be more precise than that achieved with strips, but some find that the gel leaves a bitter aftertaste for a period of time.
- Whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives that are designed to remove surface stains as a result of twice-daily brushing. They offer a convenient approach to gradual whitening that can fit into an existing routine. However, they will not achieve the same level of overnight change that many associate with teeth whitening agents.
It’s also insightful to take a look at some of the professional options so that you can weigh things up and come to an informed decision.
Professional teeth whitening options
Having the treatment pathway carried out under the expert supervision of a professionally trained cosmetic dentist will ensure that you always achieve optimal results. Dental practices will use laser whitening treatments, custom-fitted trays, and sometimes a combination of the two:
- Laser teeth whitening involves a gel based on a highly concentrated peroxide whitening agent being applied to the teeth. A laser is then used to activate the agent in the gel, allowing it to rapidly break down the deposits that have created deep stains. While fastest and most effective in many cases, it is also by far the most expensive type of teeth whitening treatment.
- Custom-fitted trays that use impressions of your teeth to make sure that professional-grade whitening gel is optimally applied to your teeth are the other common option. Dentists will always use the very best gels and strips from the likes of White Dental Beauty that are sourced by an established national supplier to ensure consistency, efficacy, and customer safety.
Trying to figure out which treatment pathway you want to take can be difficult, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for the first option you come across. To help you make your decision, we’ll finish with some key questions that will allow you to find an approach you’re most comfortable with.
Questions to ask your dentist about teeth whitening
Contacting your dentist is always the first port of call when it comes to every aspect of oral health, and also when it comes to the rapidly growing world of oral cosmetics. This is because not only will they be able to ensure that you achieve optimal results, but they will also be able to make sure that there are no underlying issues that need to be addressed prior to a cosmetic procedure or treatment taking place.
Booking a regular appointment to check out the condition of your teeth is the first thing you need to do, and once you are there, ask them the following questions so that you can get a quick run-through of your options:
- Will I need any restorative work or precautionary work before I consider cosmetic work?
- Do I appear to have sensitive gums that may not respond well to contact with teeth whitening agents?
- What are the active ingredients used in your treatments, and are they safe given my current level of oral health?
- How quickly will you be able to help me see results, and when is your next free appointment?
- Can you talk me through the maintenance and touch-ups I can expect to have once the initial treatment is complete?
By taking your time and making sure that you ask the right questions, you can ensure that you get the smile you have always wanted. Ideal when you want to be able to get the most out of the skills and knowledge that your local dentist is waiting to share with you.
