Teeth Whitening Systems - Deciding What's Best For You
Teeth whitening systems have become a popular method to use and a common part of beauty and personal care. People are beginning to make taking care of teeth whitening as important as taking extra measures to take care of their hair, skin and nails. With so many options available to whiten teeth, there's no reason not to.
The trick is that it can become confusing. There are so many options and brands to choose from. Not to mention people wonder if they should see a professional or if the at home kits are good enough. The truth is that although at home systems make take slightly longer to see maximum results, those results can be just as dazzling as getting the work done by a professional.
Not to mention home kits can cost a fraction of the price of seeing a professional. So one thing that is important to understand are the options available for teeth whitening kits. Another option is to get an at home product from your dentist, usually in the form of trays that may even be fitted to your individual teeth. Or there is simply the option to get the over the counter, at home treatment systems to try to freshen up those pearly whites.
The Various Options
Strips — Thin and almost invisible plastic strips are meant to fit onto the teeth and wrap around, possibly under to the other side as well. The strips usually contain a peroxide-based gel and should be applied twice a day for up to 30 minutes at a time. Usually this is for a two week period in order to see maximum results that will last.
Gels — Gels are also peroxide based and may be applied directly to the teeth with a brush or a tray that fits over your teeth. Again this routine usually calls for a twice daily application for a two week period. Results can begin to be seen in a matter of days and may last as long as four months.
Toothpaste — Any toothpaste has some element of removing surface stains because of the mildly abrasive content. Add to that carbon peroxide or hydrogen peroxide or a chemical agent meant to whiten, and this increases the positive results. This option usually can only lighten the teeth by about one shade, however. Light activated whitening pastes used in a dentist's office may be able to lighten teeth as much as eight shades.
Tray Whitening — More intensive tray whitening, not just the at home gel option, may be used for a few hours all the way up to eight hours. In some cases they may be worn overnight. Keep in mind these may also be used for as long as four weeks.
How Long Do They Take To Use
Some teeth whitening systems are meant to be a one time use for a few minutes whenever you feel your teeth could use some sprucing up. Others are more intensive and may be used one to three times a day for as long as two weeks.
How Long Will The Results Last
How long these effects last vary. Obviously none of these options are permanent. Some last longer than others depending on how intensive they were to begin with. Also keep in mind that what you expose your teeth to will effect your teeth. So if you whiten for weeks but then drink coffee or wine or smoke, the results will begin to fade quickly.
To see optimal results you may want to change your diet or habits or be willing to re-whiten again soon. During the time that you are using your whitening system, the more your expose your teeth to things that can discolor them the less likely you are to see results you want.
Important Things To Consider
When using any kit, one thing to monitor is how your teeth are reacting. Some users notice heightened sensitivity to hot or cold. Using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth during the whitening phase can help to counterbalance this.
However if you notice any difference with your teeth you should consult your dentist before continuing use. More than likely whatever you are experiencing will stop once the whitening period is complete, but it is better to be safe than sorry. For most people, however, teeth whitening systems are a great way to get the best results.
Source:
http://www.squidoo.com/the-benefits-of-teeth-whitening-systems
