Underground Journal

Which Teeth Whitening Is Method Best for Your?

Consider This

So, you are thinking about whitening your teeth.  Which product should you use?  Which method works best?  Should you do it yourself at home or do you need to have your teeth whitened by a cosmetic dental professional?  These are just a few questions you must consider before beginning any type of teeth whitening treatment.

Why? What’s the big deal? After all, you’ve seen and heard all of the teeth whitening tips in commercials, in-store advertisements, and heard countless radio pitches about the best, easiest, fastest, bleaching kits and systems, all promising a bright white smile.  The fact of the matter is that the results of any teeth whitening treatment are determined by several factors:  (1) the condition of your teeth; (2) the strength of the product or type of procedure; (3) how often you use the product ; and (4) and how well you follow the instructions.

Extrinsic Stains

Extrinsic (external) stains are on or near the surface of the tooth enamel or dentin tissue.  These stains are most often caused by consuming foods, beverages, and tobacco products.  Poor dental hygiene habits also cause teeth stains.  Although teeth are hard, they are vulnerable to bacteria.  Bacteria is always present in the mouth, but can be controlled through good, consistent dental hygiene practices.  If foods containing high concentrations of sugars are acids are not rinsed from the mouth, they can demineralize the enamel and expose teeth to cavities. If plaque is not brushed or flossed from the teeth, it accumulates, hardens, and forms tartar.  Tartar causes yellow teeth stains and can lead to gum disease if not properly treated.  Flossing, brushing and rinsing regularly and thoroughly promote white, healthy teeth and prevent dental problems.

External stains can be lightened using teeth whitening products such as toothpastes, gel trays, pens, and whitening strips.  These products are readily available-over-the- counter at a local pharmacy, retail store or online.  Prices for these whitening systems range from less than $10 to more than $75 for multiple bleaching applicators.

Home teeth whitening methods can also be used to treat external stains.  Recipes containing baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and strawberries or a combination of these ingredients can be created quickly and are very inexpensive, costing less than $5.

Intrinsic Stains

Intrinsic (internal) stains are embedded deep in the teeth tissue.  These types of stains are caused by fluorosis (too much fluoride), medications such as tetracycline, or any type of trauma that damage the teeth’s nerves.  Internal stains usually appear darker than external stains.  They range in color from dark yellow, to dark brown, to gray.  Your teeth may also look banded or mottled.

Retail whitening kits are ineffective for treating internal teeth stains. These stains require special treatment by a dentist or cosmetic dental professional.  There are several methods that can be used to treat internal stains.  Invasive whitening procedures include porcelain veneers, crowns, or laser teeth whitening.  In-office teeth whitening treatments are more expensive than doing it yourself at home.  Prices range from $300 to more than $1000, and may require multiple sessions to complete the process.

Potential Side Effects

A common side effect of teeth whitening is sensitivity.  Peroxides are chemicals commonly found in bleaching products.  During the carbamide or hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening process, nerves are exposed to these chemicals, resulting in sensitivity to hot or cold foods, beverages, or even the air.  The gums may also become irritated.  Mild sensitivity is to be expected; however, extreme pain can be a serious problem.  Therefore, it is important that you follow the instructions for using the product and not overdo it.  If you are being treated by a dental professional, a protective barrier will be placed over your gums to prevent irritation or burning.

Final Thoughts

Whitening your teeth has many advantages; most notably, beautiful white teeth are attractive.  There are several methods and hundreds of products you can try, but you must know which type is appropriate.  This will be determined by the severity of your teeth stains and how much you can afford to spend in order to achieve optimal results.

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