Guide to Perfect Teeth Whitening

A bright white smile is something much sought after and people are always eager to try out the latest craze to rid their teeth of stains and brighten their smile.

However as most people will discover after spending money on cheap, quick fix home treatments – the only way to achieve great results is to have them professionally whitened. 

Professional Whitening Treatments

There are 2 types of whitening treatments most commonly used by professional dentists.

Bleaching – this involves patients wearing custom fit mouth trays that will hold the whitening formula in place (usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide). This is then followed by a series of repeat applications to be carried out at home.

Results will vary between the different products, and how long they last depend on the individual but it can be as long as 3 years.

Laser – this type of teeth whitening is becoming more popular in recent years with some added benefits over the traditional tray method. This is carried out by the dentist firstly forming a protective barrier over the gums with a gel that hardens to a rubber like consistency, followed by the whitening compound being applied to the front of the teeth. Using a pen style laser the dentist then activates the whitening solution causing it to foam, lifting and lightening stains.

Which Whitening Treatment is the Best?

There are pros and cons to both types of whitening treatment and it is up to the individual to decide which is best suited to their needs;

Pros and cons

Time – Laser whitening requires fewer applications and in most cases, treatment is complete within 2-4 sessions. However, each treatment must be spaced out, sometimes 1-2 weeks apart, which can mean the final results still take the same amount of time to reach as traditional bleaching.

Convenience – Traditional bleach whitening has the benefit of being able to complete most of the required whitening in the comfort of your own home, whereas laser treatment involves appointments at the dental practice for every treatment, which can be awkward for a busy schedule.

Side Effects – Due to the explicit dental supervision that is required for the laser method – there is also less chance of complications of tooth sensitivity, which can often be a side effect of traditional bleaching.

Price – Any type of professional whitening is going to cost a reasonable amount of money to achieve the long-lasting desired results. Traditional bleaching is the much more affordable option that can be a little slower but is convenient and easy to follow. Laser whitening is significantly more expensive; however, results are usually faster and more dramatic.

If you’re looking for teeth whitening in Essex and surrounding areas then it’s worth doing some research and comparing prices of reputable practices before making the final decision on your choice of treatment.

Keep Teeth Stain Free

If you decide to get your teeth whitened or not there are several ways you can help prevent further staining or help keep your teeth white following treatment.

  • Try to avoid teeth-staining food and drinks
  • Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day with an electric toothbrush
  • Change your toothbrush heads every 2-3 months
  • Brush or rinse after things such as coffee or red wine
  • Use a straw when drinking potentially staining beverages
  • Stop smoking

A brighter smile awaits you.