There are a lot of ways to whiten teeth. Some people use over-the-counter products, while others go to the dentist for professional whitening treatments. What is the best way to whiten teeth? That depends on your individual needs and preferences. In this article, we will discuss some of the best teeth whitening methods to get your teeth whiter, so you can choose the method that is best for you!
Why do people want whiter teeth?
Before we start looking at the best teeth whitening treatments, let’s talk about why people want whiter teeth in the first place. The reality is that there are a lot of reasons you might want whiter teeth. Maybe you have discoloration from drinking coffee or tea, or maybe your teeth have yellowed with age. People whiten their teeth to make themselves feel better about how they look. When someone has white teeth, it can make them feel more confident in themselves.
- According to a study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 94% of people feel more confident when they have whiter teeth.
- In another survey, it was found that nearly 80% of Americans are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth.
- A third survey found that over 50% of people think that having white teeth is essential for looking attractive.
No matter what the reason, there is no doubt that whiter teeth can make you look and feel better! People often think that whiter teeth mean healthier teeth, but that is not always the case. Some people have naturally white teeth, while others have stained teeth from drinking coffee or tea. If you are one of those people who has stained teeth, then whitening your teeth will not make them healthier – it will just make them look whiter!
DIY Teeth Whitening Products
There are a lot of DIY teeth whitening products on the market. You can find whitening toothpastes, gels, strips, and more. Some people swear by these products, while others find that they don’t work very well. If you decide to try one of the many DIY teeth whitening methods to whiten your teeth, be sure to read the instructions carefully and only use them as directed. Some tooth whitening products can damage your teeth if you use them too often or for too long. If you have sensitive teeth, you may want to avoid whitening toothpastes and gels, as they can be very harsh on your teeth. With that in mind, here are some of the most common “at-home whitening” products used for teeth whitening at home.
Teeth whitening strips
Teeth-whitening strips are one of the most popular DIY teeth whitening products. They are easy to use and relatively inexpensive. To use them, you simply apply the strips to your teeth and wait for a certain amount of time – typically around 30 minutes (but refer to the instructions on the whitening strips for specific instructions). You can find whitening strips at most chemists or online.
Teeth whitening gel and trays
Another popular DIY tooth whitening product is teeth whitening gel. This bleaching gel is usually used with a mouth tray, which you can buy at most chemists or online. To use the gel, you put it in the tray and then place it over your teeth. You leave it on for a certain amount of time – typically around 30 minutes. Once you’re done, you simply remove the tray and rinse your mouth out. Sometimes these products will also come with a portable UV light which accelerates the whitening process.
Teeth whitening pen
A teeth whitening pen is a small, handheld device that contains a whitening gel. To use it, you simply apply the gel to your teeth and wait for a certain amount of time – typically around 30 minutes. Whitening pens are generally less effective compared to strips or trays because the whitening gel can easily come off your teeth with your mouth closed, which can significantly reduce their effectiveness.
Activated charcoal
Activated charcoal is touted as a natural way to whiten teeth however, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Activated charcoal is a fine, black powder that is made from carbon-rich materials like wood or coconut shells. It is often used in emergency situations to treat poisoning because it can bind to toxins and remove them from the body. Some people believe that activated charcoal can also bind to stains on teeth and remove them too, however, studies have shown that it is ineffective.
Whitening toothpaste
Whitening toothpastes are another popular DIY teeth whitening product. These toothpastes contain abrasive particles, and usually bleaching agents that help to further whiten teeth. Be sure to use whitening toothpaste as directed since too much can damage your tooth enamel!
Professional teeth whitening options
Now that we’ve discussed DIY methods for tooth whitening, let’s talk about the professional way to give you those pearly whites you’ve been dreaming about. There are two main professional teeth whitening options: laser teeth whitening and bleaching.
“Professional teeth whitening procedures are generally very safe, and have been used by millions of people worldwide.”
Laser teeth whitening
Laser teeth whitening is a relatively new procedure that uses a powerful laser to penetrate the tooth enamel and break up any superficial stains. The laser also helps to seal the pores of the enamel, which helps to prevent new stains from forming. Laser teeth whitening is generally very effective, and can make your teeth several shades lighter.
Bleach teeth whitening
Bleaching is another common professional teeth whitening method. This involves using whitening agents to remove the stains from your teeth. The bleaching agent is usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Bleaching is a relatively safe and affordable way to whiten your teeth, and can make them several shades lighter.
Dental veneers for whiter teeth
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution to whiter teeth, or if you have other dental issues that you also want to correct, then dental veneers may be the best option for you when it comes to teeth whitening. Dental veneers are thin, porcelain shells that are custom-made to fit over your teeth. They are permanently attached to your teeth and can last up to ten years with proper care. Dental veneers are a popular choice for teeth whitening because they can make your teeth several shades lighter, plus they have the added bonus of correcting other dental issues, like chipped or cracked teeth.
What causes teeth to become yellow or stained?
Now that we’ve talked about the best ways to whiten teeth, let’s talk about what causes them to become yellow or stained in the first place. There are a few different things that can cause your teeth to become discolored:
Drinking coffee, tea, or red wine
Drinking coffee, tea, or red wine can stain your teeth. The best way to prevent this is to brush your teeth immediately after drinking any of these beverages. If you can’t brush your teeth right away, try swishing water around in your mouth or chewing gum to remove tooth stains.
Smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products
Smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products can also stain your teeth. The best way to prevent this is to quit smoking or using tobacco products altogether. If you can’t quit, try to limit the amount that you smoke or use tobacco products, and brush your teeth immediately after using them.
Eating certain foods, like blueberries or soy sauce
It may come as a surprise but there are certain teeth-staining foods that you should definitely try to avoid if you want white teeth. Eating certain foods, like blueberries or soy sauce can also stain your teeth. The best way to prevent this is to brush your teeth after eating any foods that are known to create teeth stains. If you can’t brush your teeth right away, try swishing water around in your mouth or chewing gum to remove the stains.
Taking certain medications, like tetracycline
Taking certain medications, like tetracycline can also cause your teeth to become stained. Tetracycline is a type of medication that is sometimes used to treat infections, acne and rosacea. The best way to prevent this is to ask your doctor if there are any other medications that you can take instead.
Age causes yellow teeth
Age can also cause your teeth to become yellow or stained. This is because the natural enamel on your teeth starts to wear away as you get older, and this leaves the dentin underneath exposed. The best way to prevent this from happening is to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day.
Poor oral hygiene
If you don’t brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day, then the plaque and bacteria on your teeth will start to build up. This habit of maintaining bad oral health, as well as any oral disease or gum disease like tooth decay can cause your teeth to become stained and yellow over time.
How to prevent your teeth from becoming yellow
All of these things can cause your teeth to become stained or yellow. However, there are some things that you can do to prevent this from happening. Here are a few tips to stop your teeth from getting stained in the first place:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
- Floss your teeth once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups.
- Eat a healthy diet and avoid sugary drinks.
- Quit smoking or using tobacco products.
- Limit your coffee, tea, and red wine intake.
- Brush your teeth immediately after eating or drinking anything that can stain your teeth.
- Rinse your mouth with water after eating.
Frequently asked questions about teeth whitening
How long does in-chair teeth whitening take
Generally, within about 60 minutes, teeth can be whitened several shades lighter. In-chair whitening hydrogen peroxide is usually applied and it can take up to an hour for the reaction to happen. But the best results are achieved when no more than three sessions are conducted.
How much faster is professional teeth whitening, compared to DIY teeth whitening?
Professional teeth whitening is faster because it uses a more concentrated bleaching agent that can complete its work in about an hour. A home tooth whitening kit will therefore take several weeks before the desired whitening has been achieved.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Generally, teeth whitening from a professional procedure will last up to two years. The best way to ensure the best long-term results is to avoid foods that are known to cause stains on teeth, and also by using an at-home tooth whitening kit on occasion to maintain the desired shade.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Teeth whitening is a safe and affordable way to achieve brighter teeth. However, it is important to use a professional teeth whitening method if you are looking for the best results. An at-home tooth whitening kit can be less effective, and may damage your tooth enamel if used incorrectly. Professional teeth whitening procedures are generally very safe, and have been used by millions of people worldwide.
Are there any side effects of teeth whitening?
The most common side effect of teeth whitening is temporary tooth sensitivity. This usually goes away within a few days after the procedure. In rare cases, people may experience more serious side effects, like gum irritation or allergic reactions to the bleaching agent. If you experience any side effects, it is best to see your dentist for advice.
What is the difference between in-chair and at-home teeth whitening?
In-chair teeth whitening is a professional procedure that uses a more concentrated bleaching agent to achieve results in about an hour. An at-home teeth whitening kit uses a lower concentration of bleach, and can take several weeks to achieve the desired results. In-chair teeth whitening is also generally more expensive than at-home teeth whitening. However, it is important to note that at-home teeth whitening kits can be less effective, and may damage your tooth enamel if used incorrectly.
How much does professional teeth whitening cost?
Professional teeth whitening costs will vary depending on a variety of factors. The extent of the stains on your teeth will dictate how many teeth whitening sessions you’ll need in order to achieve the best result possible.
