Within the last decade the sales of teeth whitening products have skyrocketed. Whether you choose to whiten at home, or whiten your teeth professionally, achieving a pearly white smile can happen almost instantly. However, depending on the current state of your teeth, not all methods will give you the bright smile that you're after.
Professional Whitening
Teeth whitening procedures are designed to return the color of your teeth their natural shade. In most cases, it does not dramatically alter the color of your teeth, but rather, it makes them a few shades lighter. According to the International Dental Health Foundation, professional bleaching is the most common form of teeth whitening. It typically involves the use of hydrogen peroxide and can take up to three to four weeks to complete.
At Home Whitening Kits And Strips
A cheaper and very popular alternative to professional whitening is the use of at home whitening kits. Whitening kits involve placing gel on your teeth via a brush or tray. Whitening strips are thin sheets of peroxide coated plastic, which are placed on your teeth for approximately 30 minutes. These strips are very easy to use and whiten your teeth in days. Results last up to a year.
Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste can be effective at removing stains on teeth like those from coffee or smoking, but cannot change the natural color of one's teeth, according to Mayo Clinic prosthodontist Dr. Alan Carr. According to a study published in the "International Journal of Oral Hygiene" whitening toothpaste may indeed make your teeth whiter than conventional toothpaste, but the difference is only marginal. Whitening toothpaste is generally safe for your teeth, but may damage enamel after repeated use.
Teeth Whitening And Caps
Teeth whitening is not recommend for individuals with crowns, caps or veneers as the active ingredient in teeth whiteners will not effectively bleach artificial teeth. If you were to whiten real teeth with artificial teeth, it is possible that your real teeth will obviously stand out compared with your teeth that are not capable of being whitened. To achieve a whiter smile with false teeth it may be best to consult your dentist about bonding or veneers.
Considerations
Various whitening procedures are generally safe and have been proven effective when it comes to achieving a brighter smile. Repeated use of strong abrasives on teeth, however, can wear down teeth enamel over time. For a more natural approach you might consider eating a number of foods that may gradually help whiten your smile. The natural fibers in foods, including carrots, apples, pears, cauliflower and celery, make you more likely to salivate and help scrub away stains on your teeth.
