Contact Your Dentist To Determine Which Home Whitening Applications Are The Safest And Best For Your

While peoples' teeth are not naturally brilliantly white, regardless of how well they are brushed and taken care of, it has become all the rage to use products to obtain this look. In addition to over the counter teeth whitening products, most family dental services also offer professional teeth whitening services; sometimes as an enticement to attract new clients.

Cosmetic dentistry has become extremely popular as increasing numbers of people are demanding a perfect smile free of defects or staining. In addition to a relatively expensive dental procedure to get that look, there are many whitening products on the market, in addition to natural home remedies that people have used for decades. Because of a relative lack of consumer protection in this industry, it is important to educate yourself about the basic safety and effectiveness of these alternatives before using them. If in doubt, and if you want the best, brightest results, visit your dentist.

All teeth whitening solutions including those sold over the counter and those used by a dentist use some type of bleaching agent, typically a form of peroxide, to brighten teeth. Over-the-counter products include gels, temporary strips, bleaching trays and whitening lights. The active ingredient in most of these products is hydrogen peroxide, but some use a carbamide peroxide solution which works to bleach teeth. Experts typically agree that hydrogen peroxide is better, since it breaks down faster, doesn't harm teeth and produces superior results.

All Natural Whitening Methods

Its possible you have heard about "all-natural" whitening methods such as lemon juice or baking soda. A baking soda paste may be effective when used to brush the teeth, especially when mixed with a hydrogen peroxide mouthwash. Generally, people do report good results, and baking soda has the added benefit of killing bacteria that create plaque.

Other natural solutions, such as fresh lemon juice should never be left on the tooth surface for long periods of time. The citric acid actually eats the calcium off of your teeth, leading the enamel to wear down. Bad! A lesser known whitening agent is found in strawberries, but ironically strawberries contain acids similar to lemons which will have the same effect on your enamel.

Many people advocate eating lots of crunchy vegetables to scrub away stains. This does indeed work, but is a very gradual process. Yet another home treatment is to brush with a lye paste mixture created from wood ash. This type of lye contains potassium peroxide which is a bleaching agent, but this too may cause tenderness and harm tooth enamel.

Over the Counter Whitening Kits

At-home teeth whitening kits such as Crest 3D White White-strips, Listerine Whitening Quick Dissolving Strips and Aquafresh White Trays cost between $15 and $40. They require daily use for a specified amount of time, and at best, whiten teeth only three to possibly five shades. The Go Smile Whitening System cost is higher at closer to $80 and combines a peroxide-based formula sealed in an ampoule container with a special whitening light. The light helps to boost the effect of the peroxide by breaking it down faster, scrubbing away stains during this process. According to some independent research panels, the general population tends to consider the 3D White-strips from Crest to be the most effective over-the-counter option.

Dental procedures, by contrast, can cost anywhere from $300 to $800 and are seldom covered by dental insurance. While far more expensive than use-at-home treatments, they are far more effective. ZOOM, for example, is a hydrogen peroxide-based gel applied by a dentist then illuminated by a special light. The hour-long process is pricey, but teeth are visibly whiter and brighter when the treatment is finished.

Having your teeth whitened by a dentist will give you longer-lasting results than if you use an OTC product. Regardless, none of these processes are permanent. Results vary based on your diet, how well and often you brush your teeth and have your teeth professionally cleaned, as well as your body chemistry, and the strength of your tooth enamel. Regardless of your care, you will need to repeat tooth whitening to keep your teeth white and bright. If you want the most dazzling smile that is highly promoted on TV, and you want it done right, your best bet is to ask your dentist about the procedures he or she offers.

About the Author:
If you seek Portland Oregon Cosmetic Dentistry author Stephen Daniels highly recommends West Hills Dental Center. Specializing in conscious sedation, their experienced dentists can help with all routine dental care and most cosmetic dental procedures, in addition to a wide range of anxiety-free treatments for the whole family.

Contact Your Dentist To Determine Which Home Whitening Applications Are The Safest And Best For Your

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