A bright smile with clean white teeth connotes confidence and is much sought after by people of all ages. However teeth whitening therapy is a big industry today with a variety of products to choose from. Results obtained are a matter of debate with some products proving to be effective while others to be downright fraudulent not to mention expensive.
Teeth Whitening Methods
In any case the American Dental Association recommends that any teeth whitening treatment should be done under the supervision or by a dentist to avoid causing damage to the teeth enamel.
Some commonly used teeth whitening methods
- Whitening strips
- Laser whitening and light therapy
- Toothpastes
- Bleaching kits
- Paint-on lotions and liquids
Whitening strips are popular option for teeth whitening. Available over-the-counter, the strips are effective if worn for long periods affixed to the teeth. However the effect lasts only for only a few hours at a time.
Laser whitening or Light Therapy is more effective with the effect lasting for several days to months at a time. The therapy involves the application of a whitening gel with a high concentration of bleaching agent to the teeth. The laser acts as a catalyst in this process and ensures that the teeth are whitened quickly to a lighter shade.
Whitening toothpastes have also shown good results, though the change is gradual and seen over a period of time. Also one needs to brush at least twice a day, preferably after every meal for the change to be noticeable.
Bleaching kits come with a mouth piece tray and whitening gel with the tray often worn at night for 6-8 hours daily. The gel though not as strong as that used in laser whitening nevertheless provides satisfactory results if used consistently for a period of 6 months to a year.
Paint on lotions and liquids are one of the best remedies to whiten teeth in most cases. Not only are they easy to use and save time, but also quite effective with lighter shades visible after a few applications. The paint on lotions are available over-the-counter as well as provided by the dentist according to the patient’s requirement.