Teeth Whitening - The Facts

by Timothy Croy



Nearly anyone that wants to brighten their teeth or smile can benefit from teeth whitening products. Some reasons you may want to get your teeth whitened may be due to your age, staining, or smoking. These factors all make you an excellent candidate for teeth whitening. Studies indicate that the teeth whitening process is effective in more than 80% of patients. Teeth whitening is now becoming more popular than ever, and research to better the teeth whitening system follows close behind.

Teeth whitening is a non-permanent procedure that works by removing harmful organic materials in the tooth enamel. The bleaching compound, which is a peroxide derivative, works by dissolving the organic materials in the enamel. For this reason, teeth whitening is more effective if there is an ample supply of enamel.

Today, there are 2 basic types of teeth whitening procedures: those done at the home via whitening kits, and those at a dentist's office by specialists.

Teeth Whitening Home Kits

Teeth whitening kits provide an affordable alternative to professional teeth whitening. Generally, the kits contain a brand-name whitening gel that is applied in a provided mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is then fit over the teeth and left on for various amounts of time. The cost of these kits can vary greatly, as a quality one can be several hundred dollars, while a cheaper kit will only cost you around 30 dollars. Obviously a quality kit will be more effective due to the better ingredients used in the gels.

To be sure you get a quality kit, look for the ADA seal of approval on the box (American Dental Association). Following the manufacturer's directions in the box is very important when using a home kit. Also, be sure to consult with a dentist if you plan to use a whitening kit for long periods of time. The bleaching compounds can cause severe teeth sensitivity that can have long term effects.

Professional Teeth Whitening

A professional teeth whitening treatment is the more expensive of the 2 options, however it is the safest and is generally more effective. A dental specialist will first determine if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening, then decide which type of whitening system would best fit your situation. Once determined as a candidate, the dental specialist will remove any general debris and plaque in the teeth that may hamper the whitening process. If you have cavities or gum disease, this will need to be taken care of prior to treatment.

Generally, the professional method is the preferred choice of most, as positive results are more common. Be sure to consult with your dentist to see if you are a candidate for teeth whitening, as it is instant and generally hassle free.

Are There Disadvantages or Limitations to Teeth Whitening?

As with any cosmetic treatments, there are bound to be a few side effects that can occur. Sore gums, sore teeth, and hyper-sensitivity can be caused by the whitening bleach. Also, don't expect your bridges, crowns, or fillings to brighten. The teeth whitening material is only effective for tooth enamel. Therefore, it is very important that you consult with a dentist before trying a whitening product, especially home kits.

You may also find yourself disappointed with the results. Everyone is different; therefore no procedure will have the same results. If you are unsatisfied with your teeth after a whitening procedure, you should consult with your dentist if further treatments will help or not.

Because teeth whitening has become so popular and effective, research continues to improve all teeth whitening systems.

http://thebrightersmile.com is a website devoted to giving you the latest information regarding teeth whitening. Whether you're inquiring about the different kinds of teeth whitening bleach or professional laser teeth whitening, we've got you covered!