Have you tried to whiten your teeth at home? Perhaps you’ve used some of the methods you have seen in magazines or on the Internet to make your pearly whites a little bit whiter?
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic enhancements chosen by people nowadays. Because it’s a procedure that be done at home, you can choose what method to use.
But the question is, what method is the safest and most effective when it comes to teeth whitening? This article will help you answer that question.
The Natural Way
Some of the most popular natural ways to whiten your teeth at home are the use of lemon juice, baking soda, or coconut oil. Sometimes these substances are combined to create a paste or solution that promises to whiten your teeth instantly or after several weeks or perhaps, months.
Natural whiteners are easy to prepare and make. Also, they are not difficult to obtain as most of them can be found in the kitchen or easily purchased at the nearby grocery store. However, these materials are actually ineffective and can even harm your tooth enamel.
If these products are used excessively and incorrectly, they become a major threat to your tooth enamel. If this happens, the enamel will recede to reveal the yellow dentine underneath. The tooth enamel will also be prone to damage, causing more issues than just the yellowish teeth home remedies are intended to treat.
The Over-the-counter Remedies
Teeth whitening strips, gels, toothpastes, and rinses – these are some of the products you can use without the recommendation of a dentist. Like natural tooth whiteners, you can easily purchase them anywhere without your dentist’s prescription.
All you need is to follow the directions on the product correctly. In a few days, you can see the initial results and the final results are seen after a few months. Though over-the-counter whitening systems are less expensive options than professional dental bleaching, they are still not the best choice for your teeth.
Over the counter and DIY whiteners are not the same as getting your teeth whitened by a cosmetic dentist, who will examine you first to see if you are an ideal candidate for teeth whitening. Also, if you bleach your teeth on your own you can be unaware of the proper processes of the procedure, as well as the risks.
The Professional Way
Whitening your teeth at home in a professional way involves custom-made whitening trays that contain professional-grade whitening gel. If you decide on professional teeth whitening, your dentist will first determine if you are a good candidate for the treatment.
If you are a good candidate for tooth whitening, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth to fabricate a mouthpiece tray that is customised to fit your teeth comfortably. You will then use the tray at home. This customisation of the mouthpiece allows for supreme contact between the whitening gel and your teeth, and will minimise the contact of the gel with gum tissue.
Your dentist will show you how to use the tray and gel properly. Unlike the natural treatment or over-the-counter whitening products, your dentist will guide you throughout the process until you get the whiteness you want to achieve without damaging your teeth and gums.
What to Consider
If you want to whiten your teeth, there are four things you need to consider:
- Cost
- Appropriateness
- Safeness
- Effectiveness
You wouldn’t want to risk the health of your teeth and gums in the name of whiter teeth, would you? Also, it’s always best to choose a product that’s worth your money, time, and effort instead of those products that might be affordable and easy to prepare but inefficient and likely to cause harm to your dental health.
By visiting a dental professional, you ensure you will have accurate knowledge about the right way to whiten your teeth at home, the do’s and don’ts of the process, as well as the results you can expect.
Choosing where to whiten your teeth, at home or in a dental clinic, is an important decision. That’s why you need a complete understanding of your options. The best person to turn to is your dentist.
Teeth Whitening Options at Innovative Dental
At Innovative Dental, we offer three types of tooth whitening: chair side whitening using Zoom, Laser Brite and take-home whitening kits. Your Moonee Ponds dentist knows what works for you and will provide the highest quality of teeth whitening treatment. Find the best teeth whitening solution in Moonee Ponds here at Innovative Dental and be amazed with the results you’ll get!
