You don’t have to go to dental clinics and spend too much cash just to whiten your teeth. There are a lot of over-the-counter products that can help you achieve whiter teeth. These products can be used right at home – convenient, and less expensive. To whiten teeth at home, just buy over-the-counter products, such as the following:
Toothpaste. The most common whitening product is the teeth-whitening toothpaste which is also the cheapest because it only costs $4 to $10. Toothpastes actually have whitening agents, however, they are not really for teeth whitening. With the help of chemical or polishing agents and mild abrasives, toothpastes remove stains on the tooth surfaces.
Teeth-Whitening Strips.
Teeth-whitening Strips are purchased in the form of kits and cost about $25 to $60. Teeth-whitening strips are made up of thin, yet flexible pieces of quality plastic called polyethylene. Polyethylene is coated with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which is considered a cleansing or bleaching agent. There are different instructions depending on the product, but generally, the strips are applied to the teeth for several minutes, once or twice a day for a specific number of days.
Whitening Gels. Teeth-whitening gels can cost for about $12 to $18. Teeth-whitening gels are clear and are peroxide-based. The gel is applied before bed by directly painting the gel on the teeth using a small brush, or pen. Generally, the process of teeth-whitening gel application lasts for 14 days or more, depending on the product.
Teeth-Whitening Tray. The teeth-whitening trays can be purchased over the counter or from your dentist for about $15 to $45. Teeth-whitening trays involve putting a gel whitening solution, which contains a peroxide-bleaching agent, into a mouthguard-like tray. Depending on the product, the mouthguard-like tray will then be worn for about two hours a day for a month or longer.
Light-Based Kits.
A light-based kit costs about $45-$60. Before using the special light, you should first use an acid rinse, and then using an applicator, apply whitening gel to your teeth and hold a special light to your teeth for whitening.
Do Teeth-Whitening Products Work?
Teeth-whitening products actually work if they are used consistently for a long period of time. However, over-the-counter teeth-whitening products only contain less concentration of the whitening agents, compared to professional tooth-whitening products with the help, of course, of a dentist.
Most teeth-whitening products are safe, however, some people experience gum irritation and mild tooth sensitivity. It actually depends on how sensitive the user is. The first thing to do would be to talk to your dentist before getting started on any tooth whitening effort. The process is often ineffective for people with worn tooth enamel, sensitive teeth, tooth-colored fillings, crowns, or gum diseases. That is why it is advised to talk to your dentist before buying over-the-counter teeth whitening for the safety and effectiveness of the product.
The next thing to seriously look into is the purchase of teeth whitening products. It is recommended to buy products from well-known brands since it means that a lot have been using the product thus it’s safe to use. Look for the ADA as only the best teeth-whitening gels, strips, trays, or light-based kits would have this seal of excellence. The products that do carry this badge of approval and recommendation mean that the American Dental Association of experts in the field has accepted these products for their safety and effectiveness.
Now remember, if you use the tray-based system, choose a tray with a flexible mouthpiece. This helps to prevent uneven teeth whitening and irritation of the gums. Also take note to avoid beverages that can cause staining or discoloration of your teeth, such as coffee, red wine, and tea. Also, avoid smoking which is also one of the main causes of teeth discoloration. For pregnant women and nursing mothers, it is recommended to delay the process. This is to avoid potential risks it could have on your teeth, the unborn child, or the breastfeeding baby.
Further Details
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6517292/
Barney Petrus is a respected authority in the fields of Cosmetic Dentistry and Restorative Procedures, celebrated for his remarkable credentials and qualifications. With aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Barney Petrus’s impressive background, highlighting his pivotal role in enhancing smiles and oral health through cosmetic and restorative dentistry.