subject: Tooth Bleaching Guide [print this page] Would you like a bright new smile? It may make you look and feel younger. In time, tooth enamel can grow dim and become discolored. Scrubbing them will not be of much help. Are you searching for a whiter smile? Consider this teeth whitening overview.
Bleaching method
There are differences between a white smile and a bleached white smile. Young people have a naturally white smile. A deep cleaning will help to restore a great deal of the white appearance. However, as you age, tooth enamel can become discolored. The only way for them to be white, is by bleaching. This is accomplished with a peroxide solution. There are three methods for achieving this. None of them will last forever. They have to be periodically repeated.
In office
Your dentist can make your smile bright and white. This is done by professionals, in a controlled environment. It is most effective method, available. It is also the most expensive, too. It uses a strong peroxide gel solution. This gel is not available over the counter.
The in office method utilizes a bleaching gel with a rubber dam. The dam is put over the teeth to protect the rest of the mouth. You can be more comfortable, this way. It also keeps you from swallowing any bleaching solution. This often takes more than one application to be successful. You may require several visits. In some techniques, a laser light is used. This process is like the normal method. However, it usually works well with one application. Return visits may not be necessary.
Take home kits
You can purchase an in home kit from your dentist. It has a lower amount of bleach in it. Often times, the kit will include custom made mouth guards. This makes it much more easier to apply. It is much cheaper than having it done in the office.
Over the counter
Over the counter bleaching kits are widely available. Some will not cost much money. They are not as effective as the professional methods. Some may include a universal mouth guard. There are also paint on and strip kits, too. You may only receive partial bleaching with some of these kits. It may only work on the front.
Summary
A teeth whitening is done using one of three basic techniques. You can go to the dentist office. There are professional take home kits from your dentist. You may purchase kits, over the counter. The most effective is also the most expensive. This is the in office method. The take home professional kit will be more potent than the over the counter. However, you will pay for that potency. All these methods are not permanent and will need to be redone, from time to time.
