With mask mandates being lifted in certain states, teeth whitening rose over 47% amongst Americans in 2021.
Usually, there are two treatments you need to understand when learning how to whiten teeth, bleaching or whitening. The two terms are often muddled but are separate procedures. Tooth whitening is a process by which you can make your teeth appear whiter.
Bleaching is any process that uses a form of bleach-containing peroxide to remove surface and deep-set stains from the teeth. Whitening tends to be only at surface level and refers to a process of cleaning away debris and light stains to reveal the teeth beneath. Bleaching can whiten the teeth to a couple of shades brighter than their original color.
If you are wondering how to whiten teeth the best way, then read on to learn more about some of the options available.
Professional Bleaching
A professional cosmetic dentist should do bleaching. It generally takes around an hour, and a dentist can advise you on the best shade procedure for you and your teeth.
The process involves a gel usually containing around 35% hydrogen peroxide, depending on the depth of the whitening required. The gel is placed onto the teeth, and then a dentist shines a heat lamp onto your teeth for short intervals. Some dentists also use a laser for the process, which some believe can speed up the whitening.
Your gums, lips, and tongue are all protected during the procedure to avoid any bleaching agent getting onto them. Sometimes a dentist will provide you with an at-home whitening tray so that you can maintain the treatment with a mild solution.
Whitening Strips
You can buy whitening strips over the counter, and they are a popular way to help increase the whiteness of a beautiful smile. The strips come pre-packaged, and you can press them directly onto your teeth. The application usually lasts around 30 minutes, and you can engage in other activities while it works.
Often you need to use them twice a day for a fortnight for best effects. However, they can cause gum irritation. Tests show that they are more effective than toothpaste or mouthwash whitening options.
Whitening Toothpaste
These kinds of toothpaste contain a very mild abrasive that will help remove deeply ingrained debris from the tooth’s surface and restore some degree of witness to your teeth. They do not contain any bleaching agents but may use a polishing ingredient to help restore the shine.
Whitening toothpaste is unlikely to give you perfect teeth when compared to the professional bleaching options, but they could restore a shade of whitened back to your teeth when used over time.
Many dentists advise caution against using an abrasive agent on your teeth, even a mild one, as the damage could accumulate and cause bigger problems down the line. So, if you choose to use whitening toothpaste, you should use them sparingly and not all the time.
How To Whiten Teeth
Hopefully, this guide has given you some insight into how to whiten teeth and some of the best ways to achieve a whiter smile. The best method is to speak to your dentist about professional bleaching if you want to achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.
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