If you smoke or drink lots of coffee or dark colored drinks, the yellowing of your teeth will be worse. Our teeth have a tendency to yellow with time and age as it is. To help increase confidence and self-esteem, there are several teeth whitening solutions available to help restore the color of your teeth to their natural white.
Over the counter whitening products have varying issues. Whitening toothpaste is so normal now that it can almost be hard to get toothpaste without "whitening" ingredients. However, these toothpastes only remove very light surface stains. They can only lighten your teeth by about one shade - although they may also help slow yellowing over time by removing stains before they get deep into the tooth.
Whitening mouthwashes are also now available, but experts think they may not be very effective simply because they are in contact with the teeth for too short a time.
Over the counter whitening strips and gels contain one of two bleaches - carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Gels are brushed on with a small brush, while strips are applied to your teeth, usually twice daily. Tray-based whitening systems work the same way and can be bought over the counter or from a dentist.
The downside to over the counter whitening "systems" is the one size fits all approach and the reliance on the patient using them correctly. If they are used irregularly, they will be less effective. Also, there is a very real risk of damage to the gums from exposure to the bleach, causing irritation. As the over the counter whitening trays are not fitted to your teeth, they can, in rare cases, cause permanent tooth damage - which may cost more to fix than any savings from using an over the counter product.
Some people should not whiten their teeth. Children under 16 should not use (or need) whitening products. If you are pregnant or lactating you should wait until after you have weaned the baby. People with sensitive teeth should talk to their dentist first, because the whitening system can cause irritation. Any cavities or gum issues should be treated before whitening, as it can make cavities worse. Also, the whitening materials will not affect fillings, crowns, etc - which can result in uneven whitening that actually makes your teeth look worse.
While in-office whitening solutions may be more expensive there are a lot of benefits. They are properly supervised and steps are taken to ensure you will not have any problems from the chosen procedure.
A slightly cheaper alternative is to buy a whitening tray from your dentist. These trays or "stents" are made from impressions of your teeth, all but eliminating any risk of tooth damage and significantly lowering the risk to your gums. You wear them for a few hours a day for a week or two. If stains are very severe, your dentist may recommend a crown or a porcelain veneer instead.
Over the counter whitening products have varying issues. Whitening toothpaste is so normal now that it can almost be hard to get toothpaste without "whitening" ingredients. However, these toothpastes only remove very light surface stains. They can only lighten your teeth by about one shade - although they may also help slow yellowing over time by removing stains before they get deep into the tooth.
Whitening mouthwashes are also now available, but experts think they may not be very effective simply because they are in contact with the teeth for too short a time.
Over the counter whitening strips and gels contain one of two bleaches - carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Gels are brushed on with a small brush, while strips are applied to your teeth, usually twice daily. Tray-based whitening systems work the same way and can be bought over the counter or from a dentist.
The downside to over the counter whitening "systems" is the one size fits all approach and the reliance on the patient using them correctly. If they are used irregularly, they will be less effective. Also, there is a very real risk of damage to the gums from exposure to the bleach, causing irritation. As the over the counter whitening trays are not fitted to your teeth, they can, in rare cases, cause permanent tooth damage - which may cost more to fix than any savings from using an over the counter product.
Some people should not whiten their teeth. Children under 16 should not use (or need) whitening products. If you are pregnant or lactating you should wait until after you have weaned the baby. People with sensitive teeth should talk to their dentist first, because the whitening system can cause irritation. Any cavities or gum issues should be treated before whitening, as it can make cavities worse. Also, the whitening materials will not affect fillings, crowns, etc - which can result in uneven whitening that actually makes your teeth look worse.
While in-office whitening solutions may be more expensive there are a lot of benefits. They are properly supervised and steps are taken to ensure you will not have any problems from the chosen procedure.
A slightly cheaper alternative is to buy a whitening tray from your dentist. These trays or "stents" are made from impressions of your teeth, all but eliminating any risk of tooth damage and significantly lowering the risk to your gums. You wear them for a few hours a day for a week or two. If stains are very severe, your dentist may recommend a crown or a porcelain veneer instead.
About the Author:
Want to find out more about Rockville, MD Family Cosmetic Dentistry, then visit Potomac Dental Clinic site on how to choose the best teeth whitening solution for your needs.