Common Treatments For An Uncommonly Brighter Smile

Teeth whitening has become a trendy subject for many Americans today and is an extremely popular and safe type of cosmetic dentistry. Whiteners are ideal for individuals who have healthy gums and healthy teeth with no fillings. Teeth whitening techniques have been used by dentists for decades to give patients fast results for teeth that are stained and discolored. Dentists offer a variety of options for whitening teeth during a single office visit. There are also natural whitening products and at-home kits available on the market.

Whitening Teeth Naturally

Many people prefer to avoid the use of chemicals for whitening their teeth by utilizing products and techniques for natural teeth whitening. Techniques which require herbs and other natural products have been used for centuries, long before man-made products became available on the market. Although natural products may not work as quickly as chemically based products, they are far more beneficial than some of the chemical products that may cause harm.

However, "natural" does not always mean "useful". For example, some people believe that acidic solutions like lemon juice are effective for cleaning their teeth. But, using acid can cause serious damage to both the teeth and gums. You may have to search the market thoroughly for natural products that are both safe and effective, but they can be found. Just be sure that these products don't include lemon juice or any other form of acid.

Whitening Teeth with Lasers

There are a variety of dental procedures available for whitening, the most popular being laser teeth whitening. Laser whitening is a fast, cost effective, and painless process which can make teeth up to 10 shades lighter in less than an hour. The procedure is quite simple. Most dentists will perform a traditional cleaning before beginning the laser treatment. The dentist then applies a hydrogen peroxide whitening gel to the teeth and shines a laser to activate the solution. A reaction occurs in which the laser breaks down the hydrogen peroxide gel. This allows oxygen to enter the enamel and dentine of the tooth in order to bleach away discoloration. All this is effectively done without changing the structure of the tooth at all. This is perhaps the most effective teeth whitening solution available.

Whitening Teeth from Home

If you don't want to bother with making a trip to the dentist or waiting a long time for a natural product to work, then you may want to try using an at home teeth whitening system. These systems are available either from a dentist or from one of many retail outlets. They vary in quality from simple whitening toothpastes to more complex systems that include solutions and other paraphernalia.

At home systems are less expensive than other teeth whitening options, but they typically aren't as long-lasting or effective as professional whitening.

Keep in mind that all teeth whitening techniques do not produce the same results on all types of discoloration. However, whitening does not have to be expensive or ineffective. Whether you choose natural methods, laser whitening, or an at home system, you are sure to find an option that works best for you.

by Anna Nissic