Everyone wants to have a million-dollar smile, especially when they have an event coming up. A smile that is so bright and charismatic that it sweeps others off their feet. However, the opposite is often the case as the teeth become duller and discolored over the years. Two of the teeth’s layers determine the brightness or dullness of a human’s smile. They are enamel and dentin.
The Enamel and Dentin
The enamel is the outermost layer of the teeth. It is a hard covering that protects the teeth and gives them a bright and shiny outlook. However, like many other things, the enamel also wears out. This wearing happens due to consuming food, drinks, and drugs which stain and discolor it.
While you can manage this with an oral care routine, it becomes pretty difficult when the dentin starts to show. The dentin is the layer under the enamel. It is pretty soft and yellowish. If your teeth have begun to appear yellowish, it’s time to get them whitened. Teeth whitening returns your teeth to their original shine through some dental procedures, as we’ll see in the next section.
Teeth Whitening Options
It’s very possible to get your white smile back with the variety of whitening options available today. These options vary by time frame, results, and cost. However, if you’re in so much hurry to get it done, you should visit a dentist for professional whitening. The major teeth whitening options available are;
Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are made of soft and flexible materials like polyethylene. They are affordable and work well on fairly stained teeth. On the other hand, it might not be able to correct extremely brownish or yellowish teeth. Whitening strips are thin and pretty easy to use. To apply them, place one strip on the top row of your teeth and another on the bottom. You might need to use them for one week before seeing significant results.
Whitening Trays
Whitening trays are another effective method of whitening teeth. Like whitening strips, trays also contain bleaching agents that erase stains from the teeth. However, they are not as easy to use as strips. Whitening trays have to be fitted tightly to your teeth for some time. This is why it’s better to go for the custom-fit ones tailored to your teeth. The non-custom fit might not adhere to your teeth for as long as it should. And when it comes off, it may irritate your gums. Although whitening trays are DIY solutions, they are pretty expensive.
Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste is cool if you’re not in too much of a hurry. Although they are whitening agents, they are designed to work over a long time. This is due to their low concentration of bleaching agents. Also, you can use them alongside ordinary toothpaste. While the latter keeps the mouth clean, the former will gradually erase tough stains. However, using a whitening toothpaste for too long increases your teeth’s sensitivity by weakening your enamel.
UV Light or Laser Whitening
UV light or laser whitening is becoming more popular these days. It’s a process whereby ultraviolet (UV) light is used to speed up the reaction of the whitening gel on the teeth. Although it whitens the teeth fast, its result is not permanent. The whiteness can quickly fade if a strict dental care routine does not follow.
UV light whitening is approved by the FDA and can only be carried out under the supervision of a dentist. The dentist first examines your teeth to know how sensitive it is. After that, they place a guard on your gums and lips for protection. However, keep in mind that this process is costly.
Professional Whitening
This is by far the most effective way to whiten your teeth in a short period. Just like UV light whitening, this is also carried out by the dentist. While other over-the-counter whiteners might require you to be consistent for days, this doesn’t. You spend an average of 1-2 hours in the dentist’s office and come out with a million-dollar smile.
Professional whitening also uses hydrogen peroxide like others. However, dentists can use as much as they need at their professional discretion. They’ll also have to cover your gums with a protective gel or thin rubber sheet. One professional whitening visit wipes out stubborn stains and can make your teeth eight or more shades whiter. Although this costs more than others, it is worth it. If you’re in a rush for a whiter smile, this is what you need.
Conclusion
All the teeth whitening options listed above are easy to get. The first three are over-the-counter treatments that are ubiquitous. However, you need to pay a visit to the dentist for the last two. Each treatment option has its advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it’s good to visit the dentist for recommendations. Also, the dentist may discover other underlying problems during your oral examination. If you’ve decided to get professional whitening, visit our website for more information.
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