Health

Dental bleaching or teeth whitening has become more in demand in recent years, as more and more individuals are looking for a way to enhance their overall image, which can be achieved by improving the appearance of their teeth. Through dental bleaching, teeth stains and discolorations caused by smoking, drinking red wine or caffeinated beverages and using certain antibiotics could be lightened by up to four to five shades. Here are some dental bleaching methods that are available today.

Bleaching Strips

These are made from plastic strips, which are coated with a mild carbamide peroxide solution. They can be used at home by pressing the coated side against the teeth for a certain period of time. Using bleaching strips is economical and effective, as long as they are properly and regularly applied.

Teeth Bleaching Pens and Gels

Teeth bleaching gels are probably the cheapest dental bleaching product that you can get. They are applied to teeth and left to dry completely before drinking or brushing. Teeth bleaching pens, on the other hand, also has a bleaching gel which is applied to the teeth after rotating the bottom part. If you have mild teeth stains, these methods could provide great results and is also easy to use.

Tray Whitening Kits

These kits could be used at home and come with mouth trays and individual doses of peroxide which are in syringe form. To use them, the peroxide should be injected to the mouth trays, which are then worn over your teeth overnight or for several hours, depending on the product. They offer gradual but exceptional results, whitening your teeth by up to three shades. You could either choose to purchase custom-fitted mouth trays from your dentist or those readily available kits which come with boil and bite trays that offer a way to have the mouth tray conform to the shape of your teeth.

Laser Bleaching

Laser bleaching is still the best and most effective way to achieve a whiter and brighter smile. Although it is quite expensive, if you choose a dentist who is able to perform the procedure properly, the shade of your teeth could lighten by up to five shades. The dentist would first apply a bleaching gel made of peroxide to your teeth which would be activated by laser light. The treatment could take between 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the amount of whitening you need.