Teeth Whitening Products - Over-the-counter smile brighteners
There are many things that cause our smile to lose that pearly white glow. Coffee, tea, and smoking are the primary culprits. These days, there are many teeth whitening products available, that can help us get our bright smile back. Teeth whitening products are ideal for people who have no fillings and healthy gums. Following are some of the options available to you.
All toothpastes have agents that help remove surface stains because they have mild abrasives. Some teeth whitening products are toothpastes that contain gentle polishing or chemical agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness. Toothpastes can help remove surface stains only and do not contain bleach; some over-the-counter and professional products contain hydrogen peroxide (a bleaching substance) that helps remove stains on the tooth surface as well as stains deep in the tooth. Toothpastes can lighten your tooth’s color by one shade.
Over-the-counter gels are clear, peroxide-based gels that are applied with a small brush directly to the surface of a tooth. Instructions call for a twice a day application for fourteen days. Results can be seen in a few days and final results are visible for four months. The price of this type of product is about $15 for a fourteen-day treatment.
Teeth whitening products such as strips are very thin, virtually invisible strips that are coated with a peroxide-based gel. The strips are applied twice daily for thirty minutes for fourteen days. Initial results are seen in a few days and final results are visible for about four months. The retail price of this product ranges between $10 and $55 for a fourteen-day treatment.
Tray-based teeth whitening products can be purchased either over-the-counter or from your dentist. These treatments involve filling a mouthpiece tray with a gel solution which contains a peroxide-bleaching agent. These treatments can be done at home or in your dentist’s office. It is recommended that you consult with your dentist before using these products for instructions.
Unfortunately, teeth whitening products do not offer permanent results. Everyday people eat foods and drink beverages that cause staining, which will cause whiteness to fade in as little as one month. If you avoid foods and beverages that stain, you may be able to wait one year or longer before another treatment or touch-up is needed.
There are some conditions where it is not recommended to use teeth whitening products. If you are pregnant or under the age of sixteen, it is not advisable to undergo treatments. Also, if you have sensitivity, allergies, fillings, crowns, or other restorations, it is recommended that you contact your dentist before using teeth whitening products. For more information, advice and recommendations about teeth whitening products, consult your dentist.