The Best Teeth Whitening Methods And How They Work

By Gunther Yoderelli

Teeth whitening is a branch of cosmetic dentistry that has become a multi-billion dollar industry. It can be performed at home, using a variety of do-it-yourself products, or professionally, in a dentist’s office. Either way, it is now possible to undo discoloration caused by years of smoking or by the consumption of teeth staining substances such as coffee or tea.

Laser whitening of teeth is one very popular choice for those who are looking to brighten their smiles and improve their appearance. This professional treatment option usually employs the use of a peroxide containing whitening gel or solution and a small dental laser.

How exceptional can the results be? In many instances, laser whitening improves the whiteness of the patient’s teeth by 10 shades, identifying it as one of the best and most effective teeth whitening treatments available today. Adding to its popularity is the fact that it is a carefully monitored treatment performed by a dentist in his office. It is particularly suitable for patients with sensitive teeth.

To make sure the whitening process is as effective as it can be, the procedure begins with a cleaning of the patient’s teeth to clear the surface of the teeth of materials like plaque. After this the dentist will apply the whitening gel.

A laser light is then applied to the gel in order to activate it. This increases the speed of the whitening process, as well as its effectiveness. The activation process works like this: crystals within the bleaching gel absorb the light’s energy, increasing its penetration of the teeth’s enamel and its teeth whitening power.

For most people, just one treatment will be necessary to achieve the desired degree of whitening, making laser whitening the treatment option of choice for those who can afford it. This is not always the case, however, and in some instances additional treatments may be required.

Are there any disadvantages to laser teeth whitening? A few. One is the price, which runs as much as $1000 per treatment, making it much more costly than other teeth whitening options. Another disadvantage is that occasionally teeth and gum soreness and pain results from the procedure, although it is typically only minor and relatively short lived.

Professional treatment in a dentist’s office is not the only option you have. There are many at home teeth whitening methods that employ a host of products available at your local pharmacy or supermarket. Among these products are teeth whitening strips, trays and toothpastes.

The best at home teeth whitening results are obtained by using whitening trays, but they are not easy to use. Toothpastes, as you would imagine, are very easy to use, but yield lousy results. Whitening strips are a popular choice, because the are easier to use than trays, and yield better results than toothpastes. Unfortunately, though, whitening strips cannot completely whiten an entire tooth, so the whitening they provide is often uneven.

Teeth whitening strips are composed of polyethylene that have been pre-coated with hydrogen peroxide which functions as the whitening agent. Generally, there are two types of strips: those designed for use on the lower teeth, and those designed for use on the upper teeth.

The peroxide whitening compound is applied as you press the strips securely onto your teeth. In order to see good results, they should be worn for about a half an hour twice each day over a two week period.

Gunther Yoderelli publishes a blog where he provides Best Teeth Whitener Information. Go to his site for information about Home Teeth Whitening.

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