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How to Whiten Teeth - Three Basic Methods

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It’s great to know that teeth whitening is one of the simplest and most economical ways to improve your smile today. And most methods are easily acquired. But before you begin your teeth whitening journey, it is essential to determine what you want to achieve – and can achieve – with whitening. The best way to do this is by organising an appointment with your dental professional. Then, you’ll be armed with the best possible plan to whiten your teeth. There are three basic methods you can use to whiten your teeth.

In-Office Whitening

In-office teeth whitening involves your dental professional applying a concentrated whitening gel onto your teeth. As an initial consultation is required to check your eligibility for whitening, your dental professional will have determined the correct strength of whitener for you. Stronger concentrations (using up to 35% peroxide) can be used by dental professionals, so your teeth may be visibly whiter and brighter in as little as one appointment.

Teeth whitening may cause tooth sensitivity, so your dental professional may instruct you to brush your teeth with a desensitising toothpaste for some time before and after the appointment. You may also be advised to complement your treatment with additional home whitening to improve your results.

At-Home Whitening

At-home whitening is similar to in-office whitening, but you perform the whitening yourself, at home, with a milder whitening gel. To perform the whitening, you’ll wear a set of custom trays at home for approximately 30 to 120 minutes each day, or night depending on the whitening system, and you simply stop when your teeth reach your desired shade. The convenience is hard to beat! At-home whitening may also require you to use a desensitising toothpaste for a certain amount of time.

Another handy at-home whitening method is using over-the-counter strips, which are directly applied to your teeth for about an hour a day. The results vary, just like tray applications. This method is most effective when the teeth are completely straight, as the plastic whitening strips must be able to touch the entire surface of each tooth. Quite often, though, whitening strips can be more expensive than specially formulated whitening toothpaste.

Whitening Toothpastes

For many of us who want whiter teeth, whitening toothpaste is an excellent option as it’s incredibly convenient. While you’re brushing with toothpaste twice daily for a cleaner, healthier smile, you’re reaping the benefits of added whitening ingredients. It’s a win-win! Providing you follow the product’s instructions on how to whiten your teeth, you can be on the road to a whiter looking smile in as little as one week. Using any of these teeth whitening methods will help you get a whiter looking smile. Just remember to always consult with your dental professional before you begin so you can improve your chances of a fantastic result.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.