A Survey Of Best Teeth Whitening Techniques

One of the sad realities of life is that our teeth get stained as we age. The foods we eat, the beverages we drink, and the cigarettes we smoke discolor our teeth and ruin our smiles.

Fortunately the damage can be reduced and even reversed. The following are some of the most effective teeth whitening methods for helping you to regain your once bright smile.

One effective whitening technique that has been around for a while now is bleaching trays. They are typically available from your dentist, but there are some do-it-yourself kits available also.

It is a simple, yet effective, product. A tray is molded or shaped to the shape of your mouth. A peroxide whitening or bleaching agent is placed on the tray, which is then put in your mouth and worn for 30-60 minutes each day for a period of several weeks.

While this was indeed the best teeth whitening technique available at the time, there were pros and cons. On the plus side, there was significant whitening of the teeth. The downside was wearing the apparatus, which can be awkward in the mouth. Additionally, the chemicals may make teeth sensitive to hot and cold.

An even more effective teeth whitening method than tray bleaching is laser whitening. In laser whitening, a whitening gel is applied to the patient's teeth and then energized with light from a dental laser, speeding up the process considerably. Though highly effective, it is also expensive.

There are several less expensive but effective ways to whiten teeth. Among the best of these teeth whitening methods are whitening strips.

Whitening strips are worn for 1 hour each day and have been shown to whiten teeth substantially. A drawback, however, is that the spaces between the teeth remain unwhitened and become even more noticeable as a result.

Many people prefer teeth whitening gels to other teeth whitening products. They are easily applied and yield quick results. If you decide to try a gel, check the concentration of active ingredient. A higher percentage of peroxide means that you will see results faster. You can apply gels to your teeth using custom fitted trays. Just be careful to protect your gums during the treatment.