Teeth Whitening Options
Teeth whitening is making waves in cosmetic dentistry niche as well as general dentistry. Men and women across the globe are clamouring for whiter and brighter teeth. The good thing is that teeth whitening is not on the high cost spectrum like most dental techniques.
Teeth whitening is making waves in cosmetic dentistry niche as well as general dentistry. Men and women across the globe are clamouring for whiter and brighter teeth. The good thing is that teeth whitening is not on the high cost spectrum like most dental techniques. You can even carry out an in-home tooth whitening using kits purchased from the dental store – this is the most cost-effective way of obtaining tooth whitening. However, in-office whitening is highly effective and will ensure that proper measures are taken.
Generally, teeth whitening works well; those who have undergone the procedure will attest to this fact. Significant improvement in the colour of the teeth is obvious after a whitening session as people start commencing on the change in the appearance of the teeth and smiles. However, you need to carry out maintenance measures to prolong the effect of the whitening procedure.
Options for Teeth Whitening
The major whitening options available today are differentiated mostly by the concentration of the active agent used (carbamide perodixe or hydrogen peroxide) and the number of sessions required.
The whitening options in use include;
• In-Office Whitening
The advantage of in-office whitening is substantial change in the colour of the teeth over a short period of time. In-office whitening is simply tooth whitening performed in the dentist’s office. The process involves a thorough controlled use of comparatively high-concentration peroxide gel administered to the patient’s teeth by the dentist. Prior to applying the gel, the dentist or trained technician protects the patient’s gum by placing a paint-on rubber dam on it. The peroxide is left on the teeth for 15 – 20 minutes per session, and the entire process may last up to one hour. Subsequently, the patient is given take-home whitening kits for further maintenance of the effect from the procedure. Some dentists may not provide the take-home kit but will ask the patient to get them from a local dental store. Those dentists who give maintenance kit to their patients will normally include it as part of the total cost for the procedure. The cost of in-office whitening will depend on the dentist, and the type of whi
tening.
• Over-the-Counter Whitening
This is the most-cost effective whitening, and since it is applied at the comfort of your home, it is also very convenient. Over-the-counter tooth whitening is achieved with whitening kits bought from a dental store. The bleaching gel in the in-home teeth bleaching kit is usually in lower concentration. The application of the gel to the teeth is done using a non-custom made tray, paint-on applicators or whitening strips. The tray in the in-home whitening kit may not achieve even whitening of the entire teeth. This is why some people prefer the in-office whitening since the tray is usually custom-made to suit the individual’s mouth, thus achieving better whitening.
If your decoloured teeth have become a source of worry and concern, do not hesitate in consulting your dentist for advice and recommendation on teeth whitening option that will be best for you.
Resources:
Sami Boulis is the author of this article on Teeth Whitening.
Find more information about Tooth Whitening here.
