Nothing can draw attention like a bright smile. It’s your best accessory! That’s why you want to take care of your teeth and keep them white. When it comes to teeth whitening, a session at your dentist’s office is the best option. However, if you’re on a budget, some at-home solutions could do the trick!
Brush Your Teeth
Of course, the most important step to taking care of your teeth is brushing them twice a day correctly. Brushing your teeth right after consuming foods and drinks that can notoriously yellow your teeth is crucial too. Just be sure to be careful with brushing after eating or drinking anything acidic; acid can damage your teeth’s enamel, leading to erosion.
Whitening Rinses
Whitening rinses are so easy to use! It’s as simple as swirling the solution around in your mouth for a minute. The whitening agent in the product gets in contact with your choppers for only a quick minute, so your teeth get brighter gently and gradually. They also help prevent new stains, so you can continue using them to keep your smile bright. You can do this as a final step after brushing your teeth.
Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste products have active ingredients that remove surface stains on your teeth. They can whiten your teeth through gentle brushing and even provide gradual brightening. However, you also have to be wary in using these products, as these can lead to sensitive teeth for some people.
Gel Strips
Gel strips are powerful whitening products that give you faster results than most at-home options. You can use these strips by putting them on your teeth once a day for up to 2 hours. However, depending on how concentrated the product is, you may have to wear them for up to 10 to 20 days to see significant results.
Whitening Trays
Whitening trays are filled with a gel that you fit over your teeth. They can give you the fastest and most-effective results when it comes to at-home whitening products. However, these at-home kits are not custom-made for your mouth, so they can rub and irritate your gums. You also need to closely follow the instructions on the package to get the results you want and avoid damaging your teeth.
Advantages of Professional Teeth Whitening
More Effective and Thorough Whitening
A professional whitening service will guarantee better, whiter and more even results. With a dentist around, they can address moderate to severe stains or discolouration better than any over-the-counter whitening product. Over-the-counter products are only really helpful in removing light stains, if they’re effective at all.
Speedy Results
Professional teeth whitening can give you whiter, brighter teeth in as fast as 2 hours. How convenient is that? Typically, it takes several 30 to 60-minute visits to the dentist to get teeth 3–8 shades brighter. However, some dentists use specialised techniques that only take a single 2-hour session. Although it costs more than an at-home treatment, the final results of a professional teeth whitening service are instant and just incomparable.
Personalised Treatments
An at-home whitening product, which you can buy over-the-counter, is one-size-fits-all. Unfortunately, this means measurements are compromised, and you’re left to use products that don’t necessarily fit your mouth or your whitening needs. Your dentist, though, can provide a professional whitening service that can be customised according to your wants and needs.
Safer Treatments
Some over-the-counter teeth whitening products can cause teeth and gum damage, especially if misused. That’s why a professional whitening treatment is much safer. Not only are you more comfortable, but you also have an expert performing the procedure. Plus, your dentist can always adjust the amount of whitening agent and concentration. Not to mention, your gums are covered during the procedure to ensure they’re protected. You’ll also receive tips on post-session care for your teeth and how to limit tooth sensitivity.
How Will You Get That Whiter, Brighter Smile?
There are several over-the-counter teeth whitening options you can try at home. However, use them cautiously as they may also damage your teeth’s enamel or gums if you’re not careful. This can lead to sensitive teeth and cavities, which can be a pain to deal with. If you want to get the best whitening results, you should let your dentist handle your teeth whitening. Not only will you get whiter teeth faster, but it will be a much safer procedure too. Nevertheless, the best way to whiten your teeth is to prevent stains before they happen. Good oral hygiene plus regular dental checkups are the foundation of a beautiful, healthy and bright smile!
