One of the most common reasons people dislike the look of their smile is from teeth discoloration. Even with diligent brushing and flossing, discoloration still plagues millions of people every year. If you are looking for that classical, sparkly white smile, you should consider professional teeth whitening over the drugstore whitening kits.
The Professional Advantage
Drugstore teeth whitening kits do make a difference for some people, but they often take longer and have more side effects. The results don't last as long either, requiring multiple whitening procedures to achieve only a slight improvement. Professional bleaching jobs are offered in-office and at-home, each with its advantages.
In-Office Bleaching
These treatments are done in the dental chair by your dentist. This will get you the most dramatic results because the bleaching ingredients are different. To handle professional-grade bleaching products, a special license is required. This helps get you a brighter smile that lasts a long time. Since the solution is so concentrated, it takes less time to do the treatment.
The process consists of creating a barrier along the gum line for protection, with a tool called a retractor to hold your cheeks, lips, and tongue out of the way. The bleaching solution is applied to your teeth and the dentist uses either a curing light or a laser to activate the peroxide. In just this one treatment, you will see dramatic results in just 30-60 minutes.
At-Home Professional Kit
The professional at-home system is purchased from a dental office. While this bleaching solution will not have a higher concentration in it, the results are still going to be higher quality than any product you buy at a corner store. These kits come with specific instructions and have bright results, but usually take longer than an hour in the dentist's chair.
Using this system involves trays that have been specially made to fit your teeth. The solution is put in the trays and you can either wear them at night or for a specified amount of time during the day. Your dentist may also provide a sensitivity toothpaste to help limit the negative side effects that drugstore kits are known for. This allows you to comfortably whiten and brighten your smile until you are happy with the results.
Keeping Them White
No one wants to go through the hassle of professionally whitening their teeth for short term results. There are things you can do to keep it bright. The first suggestion is to avoid food and beverages that have high levels of pigment, such as:
· Red wine
· Coffee
· Black teas
· Dark juice
· Brown colored sodas
If you can't avoid these completely, try drinking through a straw or brushing your teeth right after. This will help protect against stains. Other things to avoid are smoking and chewing tobacco.
The other thing you can do is to practice proper dental care. Brush your teeth every morning and night for 2 minutes each time. Floss your teeth every day too. Using whitening products like toothpaste and mouth wash. They can help remove stains and protect from them sticking to your teeth. Protect your teeth and keep them white.