If there’s one thing that almost everyone wishes their teeth would be, it’s white. Having a set of pearly white teeth gives you the confidence it takes to be proud and open with your smile. With so many different whitening options available, it can be hard to determine which one is best for you. So, we’ve come up with a comparison guide to help you out!
Laser teeth whitening
Having an in-chair procedure with a dentist is a sure way to get white teeth. The procedure involves applying a rubber solution around your gums, and a bleaching solution to your teeth (usually containing hydrogen peroxide). A laser light is then applied to your mouth, which reacts with the bleaching solution to whiten your teeth. The whole process involves two appointments: an initial assessment of the required teeth shade and the procedure itself, which takes around an hour. The results are practically instant but will take additional ‘top-ups’ every few months, which make it a quite expensive option. Whilst laser teeth whitening is effective, it can also cause prolonged periods of sensitivity post-procedure, so if you suffer from sensitivity, this might not be right for you.
Take home whitening kits
Take home whitening kits are very popular because they are both affordable and convenient. An impression of your teeth is taken at your dentists in order for the kit to be customised to your mouth, which optimises the effects of this procedure. The whitening process involves applying a whitening gel to a dental tray (a kind of mouthguard) which you simply place in your teeth during each session. The application lasts around 10-30 minutes for a total of one to two weeks. The results last for months and you can get replacement gels to repeat the procedure at your own convenience. This is a perfect option for people who want to get beautifully white teeth from the comfort of their own home and within a reasonable price range. It is also painless and does not require any recovery time.
Bleach strips
Bleach strips are an inexpensive option and can be bought from most pharmacies. They are made from flexible plastic which you attach to the front of your teeth. The peroxide they are soaked in whiten your teeth by bleaching the enamel. You wear them for 30 minutes a day for around two weeks for the optimised effect to be reached, which lasts for a few months at a time. Whilst these are cheaper and can be done at your own convenience, they also carry major disadvantages. There is no professional guidance during the process, which means that some people perform the process badly, requiring corrective treatment from their dentist. They also do not whiten the entirety of your teeth (just the front where the strip is applied). Bleach strips are definitely a last resort, and are even warded against by the NHS.
Whitening toothpaste
Toothpaste is your beginner’s stage to teeth whitening. They are inexpensive, relatively safe and performed from your home as part of your dental routine. There are many different options available to you, including charcoal versions (which naturally remove stains) and enamel builders (which provide a whiter shade by strengthening enamel). Whitening toothpaste takes a long time to provide results, and those results largely aren’t as good as other whitening options.
Teeth whitening is a common procedure that helps you to improve the shade of your teeth and give you confidence in your smile. It is important to consider the pros and cons of every whitening procedure and decide which is best for you. A great way to help you make that decision is by talking it through with your dentist – they know what they’re talking about!
