As we age our teeth become more yellow and stained. Many people look to having their teeth whitened as a way to look younger, more healthy and appealing. Let’s be honest, the Hollywood ideal is to have a dazzling smile and we all generally take that ideal as the standard in beauty.
It is, however, advisable to consult a dentist for professional advice before undergoing any teeth whitening procedures - if done incorrectly, you can permanently damage your teeth.
The results will vary depending on the procedure used and also from individual to individual. Various techniques are available.
Although these are more effective than the toothpastes, they are also not nearly as effective as a professional visit. The chemicals are also not as strong as what the dentist would use, so treatment takes longer. You do still need to take care - using these incorrectly can irritate the gums and also damage the teeth.
The main difference between the DIY treatments and the professional treatments are:
All in all, the dentist treatment will cost more but the results will be far more desirable. In the end, the better results, the reduced risk of damage to the teeth and the time saved are well worth the effort.
Click here for more about teeth whitening.
Who are the Best Candidates?
If you have healthy teeth without fillings and have healthy gums, you would be a good candidate for teeth whitening. The procedures work better on those whose teeth have taken on a more yellow tone.It is, however, advisable to consult a dentist for professional advice before undergoing any teeth whitening procedures - if done incorrectly, you can permanently damage your teeth.
The results will vary depending on the procedure used and also from individual to individual. Various techniques are available.
Whitening Toothpastes
These are slightly abrasive and can remove surface stains and marks. There is no bleach in these products and so they can go no deeper than surface stains. If you are looking for a marked difference, you are not likely to achieve it with toothpaste and cannot expect to get the same results as a professional dentist would achieve. This is the least expensive method.Over the Counter Products
These are slightly stronger than the whitening toothpastes and consequently cost more. There are a range of products that can be used at home - whitening strips, gels or tray-based systems.Although these are more effective than the toothpastes, they are also not nearly as effective as a professional visit. The chemicals are also not as strong as what the dentist would use, so treatment takes longer. You do still need to take care - using these incorrectly can irritate the gums and also damage the teeth.
A Professional Bundaberg Teeth Whitening
The dentist’s treatment will generally go a few steps further - they will apply protection to the gums before they begin bleaching and they apply the whitening agent directly to where it is needed. They speed up the process by using lasers or special lights that activate the chemicals.The main difference between the DIY treatments and the professional treatments are:
The Strength of the Chemicals Used
Home treatments may not, by law, contain the same concentration of bleaching agents that dentists use because the application at home is not supervised.Personalised Mouthpiece Trays
Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and customise the mouthpiece accordingly. This custom-built tray will fit perfectly and apply the product to maximum effect. Generic trays are less effective and more likely to create irritation in the gums.Extra Protective Measures
The dentist will also ensure that the gum tissue and soft tissue of the mouth is shielded, thus reducing the chances of irritation from the chemicals.The Speed of Treatment
DIY treatments need to be applied daily for approximately a month. Treatment by a dentist shows results the same day and the desired results may take only a few treatments.All in all, the dentist treatment will cost more but the results will be far more desirable. In the end, the better results, the reduced risk of damage to the teeth and the time saved are well worth the effort.
Click here for more about teeth whitening.
