There is a vast variety of whitening toothpastes available on the market all containing chemical agents that polish the teeth whilst brushing and provide a stronger stain removal than your standard tooth paste. Whitening tooth pastes can help to remove stains from the surface of your teeth without causing any form of sensitivity as there are no bleaching agents contained what so ever. These pastes can lighten your teeth but only by at least one shade and are not as effective as light activated gels that are applied by professionals.
Over the counter whitening strips and gels
If you decide to go for teeth whitening strips these are purchased over the counter and are relatively cheap depending upon the brand you chose. The strips have a thin peroxide gel which whitens the teeth when reacting with oxygen. You apply these strips for fourteen consecutive days for around thirty minutes at a time. Results are seen after a few days and can last for up to four months. If you use strips like this it can become as costly as professional teeth whitening which gives longer lasting results
A whitening gel is peroxide based which is currently illegal to use in the UK and should not be used by any professional you visit, don't be afraid to ask what compound they are using. The gel is applied directly onto the teeth's surface by you with a tiny brush for precise application. You should apply the gel twice a day for fourteen consecutive days taking into consideration what you are eating and drinking at this time as drinking red wine and trying to whiten your teeth with at home treatments will not work. The same rules and results apply for this procedure as with the strips you will see results within a few days and lasts for up to four months.
Professional laser whitening
Laser teeth whitening or zoom whitening is a procedure that offers quick, easy and effective immediate results for brighter whiter teeth. A gel carbamide peroxide compound is applied to the surface of the teeth. Once this is applied a laser light is placed over the mouth for a period of thirty minutes in ten minutes reps. after each ten minute rep the gel is removed and a fresh layer applied onto the teeth. The way this procedure work is the gel and light combined together help to break down the tough stains on the surface and eliminating them. Laser whitening should always be carried out by professionals as not to cause damage to the teeth and gums. After the whitening treatment some people feel sensitivity due to the enamel of the tooth becoming slightly porous. This is absolutely normal and in most cases is gone within 48 hours, most consultants will advise you to use a sensitive tooth paste afterwards and not to brush your teeth for 24 hours after the treatment to help with relieving any sensitivity that can become apparent. The best factor of zoom whitening is that your teeth are instantly whiter within one hour and continue to become whiter for 48 hours after.
Having your teeth whitened either professionally or at home is not a permanent solution. In our day to day lives we all eat and drink foods that cause our teeth to stain meaning your teeth will eventually become stained again and need re doing. Whitening should always be carried out by professionals as not to cause damage to the teeth and gums. After the whitening treatment some people feel sensitivity due to the enamel of the tooth becoming slightly porous. This is absolutely normal and in most cases is gone within 48 hours, most consultants will advise you to use a sensitive tooth paste afterwards and not to brush your teeth for 24 hours after the treatment to help with relieving any sensitivity that can become apparent. The best factor of zoom whitening is that your teeth are instantly whiter within one hour and continue to become whiter for 48 hours after.
Having your teeth whitened either professionally or at home is not a permanent solution. In our day to day lives we all eat and drink foods that cause our teeth to stain meaning your teeth will eventually become stained again and need re doing.
Credit : Paula Sawyer
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