1. Brighten Up for a Younger Look
Age, coffee, tea and tobacco all yellow teeth. Brightening your smile gives you a more youthful, healthy look. Teeth whitening at a dentist's office can range from custom take-home gel trays filled with carbamide peroxide to more complicated procedures involving lasers. Costs run into the hundreds of dollars and up. A less expensive option are the teeth whitening strips sold at your local drug or grocery store. The whitening strips actually do work, though not as well as the procedures offered in your dentist's office. This is the best way to brighten your teeth without breaking the budget.
2. Choices, Choices, Choices
Finding the right teeth whitening product is confusing when you face the numerous name brand and generic whitening strips that fill the aisle. A few facts may make the decision a bit easier. The active ingredient in most teeth whitening strips is hydrogen peroxide in concentrations ranging from six to 10 percent. Generally, the longer the teeth whitening strips ingredients are in contact with your teeth, the better results you have. A product with a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide worn daily for a significant period of time will result in brighter teeth. Personal preferences often cause an individual to choose a product that does not require extended wear. Remember, teeth whitening takes longer if you wear the strips for only a short time each day.
3. Don't Forget the Side Effects
Teeth sensitivity and gum irritation is a reported side effect of all whitening products. Dentists studied whitening solutions containing carbamide peroxide for more than 15 years and found no ill health effects. The American Dental Association does not recommend any brand of whitening strips. Teeth whitening strips are not subject to FDA regulation because they are not considered drugs. The product is considered safe but studies are needed on the long term effects. Teeth whitening products do not damage tooth enamel and most side effects disappear after you stop using the product. Balance your desire for a brighter smile with the irritation caused by the whitening product. Try a product that contains a lower percentage of hydrogen peroxide or contact your dentist for alternative teeth whitening solutions.
4. Ask a Dentist
Contact your dentist before beginning any teeth whitening program. Ask if you have any dental health issues that affect the use of teeth whitening strips or any other whitening regime.
5. Dazzling Smile Tips
Teeth whitening strips often cover only the front top and bottom teeth. Manufacturers offer longer strips but these are normally premium products that cost more money. If you have a wide smile, consider finding longer whitening strips. Watch the area between your gums and top of the whitening strip. Adjust the strips to cover this area if the strip does not adequately whiten the area. Dental work and gray teeth do not respond to whitening strips so contact your dentist for alternative solutions.
