Should you have your teeth whitened?
Nobody's teeth are perfect, and in an internet-driven world of dazzling celebrity smiles, it's easy to feel a little shabby. If your teeth are getting you down, there is one affordable way to shape up your smile and strip years from your face: teeth whitening.
How does teeth whitening work?
There are several forms of teeth whitening, and they all differ in terms of their effectiveness, their methods of delivery and how long they last. One thing that unites most popular methods of teeth whitening is the application of a whitening agent to penetrate the stains on the surface of the teeth that naturally accumulate as people eat, drink and age.
Does teeth whitening really work?
Yes! While no method will deliver permanently paper-white teeth, the recognised methods of teeth whitening are effective. After undergoing a whitening treatment, you can expect to notice a significant improvement in the shade of your teeth, and the lightning or complete removal of even stubborn stains.
What is the best method of teeth whitening?
It's impossible to say which teeth whitening method is best overall, only to find the ideal method for you. In making your choice it's important to weigh up the factors that affect you most, such as the cost, the time required to complete the treatment and how long each will last.
Here are the most common teeth- whitening models:
Over-the-counter remedies
Sold as gels or strips at your pharmacy or supermarket, take-home teeth whitening treatments are the most economical option available. Because they're designed for use at home, the whitening solutions they include are fairly weak, and you can expect to achieve mild, but noticeable results. Over the counter solutions are easy to use and offer the advantage of allowing you to whiten your teeth in your own home, whenever it suits you.
Take-home kits
Another option offering great flexibility, take-home kits combine the convenience of home use with a stronger, dentist-prepared formula and mid-range cost. If you choose this middle road, you'll benefit from a mouth tray professionally fitted to your distinct bite and a stronger whitening solution, resulting in a longer lasting, more noticeable change in the shade of your teeth.
Dentist-delivered solutions
Professional teeth-whitening options do cost more than the do it yourself kind and require you to set aside some time in the dentist's chair, but the results they deliver are well worth it. Because this method combines a professional grade in-office whitening solution with a maintenance kit to continue the whitening at home, you can expect dentist-delivered whitening to last several years.