Keeping your teeth white can be a difficult task given that your teeth will invariably become stained over time even if you brush and floss twice every day. To get rid of the stains that naturally accumulate on your teeth, there are a variety of teeth whitening options at your disposal, the following of which are known to be the most effective options for teeth whitening. It’s important to understand that whitening won’t necessarily get rid of the plaque or tartar that’s built up on your teeth, but it can make your teeth whiter if they’ve become yellowed or stained recently.
Whitening Toothpaste
One of the best methods that will assist you in getting your teeth whiter is to make sure that the toothpaste you use every day is whitening toothpaste. Almost all toothpastes work by removing stains on the surface of your teeth, but only whitening toothpastes consist of the chemicals and polishing ingredients that allow for the removal of deeper stains aside from the surface ones. When searching for the right toothpastes, these whitening ones don’t contain any bleach and are comprised instead of ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. These ingredients provide additional whitening once the stains have been removed that gets the white color deeper into the tooth.
When using these types of toothpastes, you can expect your teeth to become around one shade lighter than they were before you started using this product. By combining this whitening option with one or more of the others that are listed here, you may be able to effectively remove all of the unsightly stains on your teeth that cause them to be discolored. You should be aware of the fact that it’s possible to obtain prescription whitening toothpaste as well, which is much stronger than the over-the-counter kind. With this type of toothpaste, your teeth may become three or more shades lighter, which can make for a radiant and beautiful smile.
In-Office Whitening
One of the more effective ways to have your teeth whitened is by scheduling an appointment with a professional dentist, as the whitening provided in-office is known to be strong and long-lasting. With this type of bleaching, the product used for the whitening is placed directly on the teeth and is typically combined with some form of heat such as a laser or special type of dentistry light. While brushing and other whitening products will gradually whiten your teeth, in-office whitening is immediate once the procedure has occurred.
This procedure typically lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and will result in your teeth being whitened by at least a couple of shades. While one treatment is enough to see results, it’s recommended that you make several whitening appointments if you want your teeth to become substantially whiter. To best identify how many appointments you should make to ensure that your desired level of whitening is reached, make sure to ask your dentist.
Whitening Gels and Strips
Whitening gels and strips can be purchased over-the-counter and are known to be highly effective at removing the stains on your teeth and applying a whitening agent. The gels consist primarily of peroxide, which means that the stronger the peroxide the whiter your teeth will become. These gels are placed directly onto the teeth, usually with a small brush. You’ll begin to see the first results in a couple of days and the whitening as a whole should last for at least three months before you need to apply the substance again.
As for whitening strips, these are thin and practically invisible strips that are applied to the upper and lower portions of your teeth. They are layered with whitening gel and are designed to stay on the teeth anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, depending on the exact product you select. The results should last for at least several months.
Whitening Mouthwash
Along with whitening toothpaste, you might also want to consider some whitening mouthwash. This is a relatively modern product that helps to limit the buildup of dental plaque and freshen your breath while at the same time whitening your teeth with the inclusion of hydrogen peroxide. If only using whitening mouthwash to obtain whiter teeth, the results can take anywhere from 10-12 weeks to be visible. Use this mouthwash around twice each day and make sure to swish it around for 30-60 seconds each time.
Dr. Lazare is a dental surgeon with a focus on cosmetic dentistry. He is a member of the faculty for the New York University College of Dentistry and is President of the Lazare Institute for Biomimetics and Smile Design. He performs a range of cosmetic dentistry procedures that includes the provision of dentures, TMJ treatment and teeth whitening in New York. You can find out more about him here: https://www.drmarclazare.com/
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