Teeth whitening systems
Are you thinking about getting a procedure done to whiten your teeth? Consider the different systems relating to teeth whitening before making a decision.
Teeth whitening among healthy, young people is quite popular these days. It is ideal for people who have healthy, unrestored teeth (no fillings) and gums. Individuals with yellow tones to their teeth respond to various teeth whitening treatments differently.
If you are considering getting your teeth bleached or just to make use of something more natural, take a look at the various different whitening methods.
– Whitening toothpastes
All toothpastes offer abrasives that remove stains from your teeth. Some whitening toothpastes contain certain chemical agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness.
Whitening toothpastes that you buy at pharmacies or grocery stores does not contain bleach but over-the-counter professional teeth whitening products contain agents such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide that assists in the deep whitening of the teeth.
– Over-the-counter teeth whitening strips and gels
Teeth whitening strips became popular a few years ago, with the product promising results without spending too much money and having an awkward visit to the dentist.
They are very thin, virtually invisible strips that are coated with a peroxide-based whitening geld. You apply the strips to your teeth twice daily for 30 minutes for 14 days. Results will be visible within a few days and final results are sustained for approximately four months.
Teeth whitening gels are usually clear, peroxide-based gels applied with a brush to your teeth.
Results will be visible after a few days if the instructions are followed carefully and correctly.
– Teeth whitening rinses
Another product to take the teeth whitening industry by storm is rinses.
Like most other mouthwash products, it cleans in those hard to reach areas in your mouth, but it also freshen breath, help reduce dental plaque and gum disease.
Teeth whitening rinses may include ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, which you use to swish around in your mouth for one minute. Results can be tricky because it takes about 12 weeks of constant use to see improvements.
– Tray-based tooth whitening
Tray-based tooth whitening systems, purchased either at a pharmacy or from a dentist, involve filling a mouth guard-like tray with a gel whitening solution that contains a peroxide-bleaching agent.
Depending on how white you want your teeth, the mouth guard can be used from only a couple of hours a day up until about four weeks straight during the night.
– In-office teeth whitening
In-office bleaching is probably the quickest way to whiten your teeth, with the product being applied directly to your teeth in the dentist’s office.
It can be used in combination with heat, a special light, or a laser. Results are seen in only one, 30 to 60 minute treatments, but to achieve dramatic results, several appointments are usually needed.
However, with in-office bleaching, dramatic results can be seen after the first treatment. This type of whitening is also the most expensive approach.
How long do teeth whitening treatments last?
Teeth whitening is not permanent. People who expose their teeth to foods and beverages that cause staining may see the whiteness start to fade in as little as one month. But it differs from person to person.
Those who avoid foods and beverages that stain may be able to wait one year or longer before another whitening treatment or touch-up is needed.
– Information obtained from WebMD, an online information health database.
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 072 435 7717.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram.
- We have exciting news! We’re offering a free alert to help you always be in the loop. Send an email with the word ‘Subscribe’ to breakingnews@rekord.co.za to receive your free daily breaking news update.
