Hello again jashnimal-ga,
I will start my answer by presenting to you the different methods
currently available for whitening your teeth:
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Whitening Tooth Paste
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“The idea with whitening tooth paste is that the active whitening
ingredient is applied to your teeth every time you brush.”
“Pros: Tooth whitening tooth paste is relatively low in cost, easy to
purchase, and may be a viable maintenance approach to tooth whitening.
Cons: The active whitening ingredient just isn't exposed to your teeth
long enough to achieve significant whitening. It can't be depended on
to make progress on teeth that are already discolored but is best at
maintaining the shade you already have.”
Harbor Dental Bleaching Group, Inc.
http://www.whiterteeth.com/opaste.html
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Whitening Gel
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“The gel is made with a polymer system that will adhere to your teeth
so that the whitening ingredients can work without the use of a tray,
which some people find messy, says Dr. Golub Evans. The gel removes
surface stains as well as stains within the teeth. You should expect
to see results within a few days. The gel retails for $14.99.”
Source: CBS News
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/11/08/earlyshow/saturday/main528714.shtml
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Whitening Strips
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“Dr. Golub Evans says whitening strips are considered very safe. You
place them on your teeth twice a day for 30 minutes at a time and you
can expect whiter teeth within two weeks. It's important for people
using strips to remember that they should avoid liquids such as red
wine and black coffee. The strips temporarily make the teeth more
porous which means they can stain more easily. The strips retail for
about $39, but there are many deals that bring down the price.”
Source: CBS News
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/11/08/earlyshow/saturday/main528714.shtml
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Over-The-Counter Trays
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“Over-the-counter kit contains bleaching gel, mouthwash, and one
tray—like an athletic mouthpiece that fits over both upper and lower
teeth. Fill the tray with gel from a tube, then squish it into place.
Leave the mouthpiece in for 5 to 15 minutes, twice a day, for seven to
ten days. After each wearing, rinse with the mouthwash "to restore pH
balance and leave your teeth feeling fresh and minty."
“A thirtyish tester used this method ten minutes each morning and
evening for a week. Her teeth did become lighter, at least enough for
people she knew to comment on. The taste was "bleachy," but mouthwash
took care of that.”
“The fine print inside warned, "Avoid prolonged contact of the
bleaching agent with the gums." The bad news: That was nearly
impossible. The mouthguard isn't customized to users' teeth, so gel is
likely to leak. The good news: Our tester had no ill effects.”
Cost: $11 for 25 applications.
Bottom line: A bit awkward, but not bad for modest results. Easier on
the budget and less time-consuming than Whitestrips.
The Washingtonian
http://www.washingtonian.com/etc/shopping/whiterteeth.html
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Professional In-Office Tooth Whitening
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“For your upper arch only, the dentist can make a custom mouth piece,
use a relatively high concentration of bleaching material (often
called Power Bleach), and have you wear it in the office.
A single tooth or set of teeth can be bleached using very high
concentrations of the bleaching material. Your soft tissue is
protected during these procedures. This procedure, combined with
take-home dentist dispensed bleaching is effective in the treatment of
severe staining due to trauma and exposure to certain drugs such as
tetracycline. The inside of a tooth can be bleached after a root canal
procedure to lighten it to match the surrounding teeth.”
“Pros: Fast dramatic results can be achieved. You can have immediate
results for a special event. Specific problem teeth can be lightened
to match the rest of your smile. You are working with a professional
who knows how to handle such ingredients and procedures and can
integrate bleaching into your overall oral health care plan.”
Cons: The cost is higher than over-the-counter products. Minor and
transient tooth sensitivity can occur for some patients.”
Harbor Dental Bleaching Group, Inc.
http://www.whiterteeth.com/opio.html
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Professional Take-Home Trays
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“A dentist makes a custom mouth piece that is trimmed off of your gums
and soft tissue. It also is made to channel more active ingredient to
your teeth. The dentist then gives you a kit including the custom
mouth piece, the bleaching material, and instructions. A common
treatment plan is to wear the mouth piece twice a day, one hour each
session, for 14 days. The dentist may recall you to check on your
progress.”
“Pros: This method is the most proven and effective method of
bleaching your teeth. It is also the most practical for most people.
It is easy to stay with the treatments because you can pick when you
do them each day (such as during a commute, while watching TV, etc.).
In the uncommon case of sensitivity, the dentist can adjust the
treatment regimen. The dentist may also combine the take-home
treatment with in-office tooth bleaching. There are a number of
treatment options to address different types of stains and your
specific needs. The dentist is a professional at understanding the
procedure, attaining the best results given your unique dental
requirements, and ensuring your safety.”
Cons: The initial cost is higher than over-the-counter products.”
Harbor Dental Bleaching Group, Inc.
http://www.whiterteeth.com/opth.html
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Professional Laser Whitening
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“A dentist protects your gums and soft tissue. Bleaching material is
placed on the tooth/teeth to be bleached. A laser is then concentrated
on the material for a relatively short period of time, activating the
bleaching process.”
“Pros: The procedure is faster and produces quicker results.
Cons: Lights are mostly for sizzle as they accelerate the chemical
reaction to save a few minutes. Mixing high-concentration hydrogen
peroxide with heat can cause a higher incidence of sensitivity and is
even at risk of pulpal damage. Most dentists have not accepted the
procedure or do not have the equipment. It is the most expensive
technique available. There is only so much whitening that can be done
in an hour so additional at-home whitening is usually required.”
Harbor Dental Bleaching Group, Inc.
http://www.whiterteeth.com/oplaser.html
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According to the dentist Dr. David Hall the best way to whiten teeth
is with at-home tooth whitening treatments.
“Although our office provided this service, the best way to whiten, in
my opinion, is with the at-home tooth whitening treatments. By wearing
the bleaching trays for extended periods, you get the most thorough
whitening, although the laser bleaching or power bleaching is faster
and, for some lifestyles, more convenient.”
Source: Mynewsmile.com cosmetic dentist referral service
http://www.mynewsmile.com/bleachin.htm
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At the Ask the Dentist Dental FAQ at the Australian Dental Association
website:
Question: What is the best way to whiten the teeth?
“There are many excellent ways to whiten the teeth and all have
advantages and disadvantages. Since each case is different there is no
one best way. When staining is present on the surface, an ADA dentist
can professionally clean the teeth, often producing a fresher, whiter
appearance.”
“On the other hand, when staining is actually in the tooth, below the
surface, there are a number of ways to whiten the teeth. Sometimes
simply replacing old, worn out fillings that are failing at the edges
can produce better looking front teeth. Alternatively, when the enamel
is heavily stained, crowns or facings may be the best option.”
Australian Dental Association
http://www.adavb.com.au/dir145/adamain.nsf/0/67b9266001ad17b0ea2568860000f182?OpenDocument
Question : Are bleaching toothpastes very effective?
“No. The active ingredients of bleaching toothpastes are present in
much lower concentrations than those in home bleaching kits, and they
tend to be immediately washed off the tooth surface by saliva.”
Australian Dental Association
http://www.adavb.com.au/dir145/adamain.nsf/6b08cf1b9c119479ea256759007efc96/9f9f7abe2af99afeea25688600062da1?OpenDocument
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The Washingtonian published an article about tooth whitening where
they tested various options. Here’s how they compare:
TRAYS:
“Not as effective as bleaching trays made by a dentist, but these are
cheap and easy to use.”
IN-OFFICE BLEACHING:
“Quick, Painless, But Pricey
It's pricey, at $550 or more, but after one visit to a dentist you
could have dazzling teeth.”
GEL:
“Messy, with little result. And who wants to keep toothpaste in the
mouth for 20 minutes?”
STRIPS:
“A little tricky to apply, especially if you have a big smile, but
they do work.”
The Washingtonian: February 2002 issue
http://www.washingtonian.com/etc/shopping/whiterteeth.html
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Good Housekeeping, which tested five alternative ways to whiten your
teeth.
Best Whiteners:
Overall best: Crest Night Effects (overnight gel) and the in-office
bleaching at Britesmile and Zoom centers. All three lightened teeth up
to five shades.
Second-Place Whiteners:
Crest Whitestrips (strips) and Colgate Simply White (gel), which
lightened teeth up to three shades.
Source: ABC News
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/GMA/Dental/GMA030429Teeth_whitening_goodhousekeeping.html
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“Dr. Jeff Golub Evans, a cosmetic dentist in New York and past
president of the American Academy Of Cosmetic Dentistry.
If your teeth have a yellowish or brownish hue compared to a piece of
white computer paper, then you are probably a candidate for whitening.
But if your teeth are grayish compared to the paper, then you probably
are not a good candidate, he explains.”
Source: CBS News
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/11/08/earlyshow/saturday/main528714.shtml
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You may read about some personal experiences with both the BriteSmile
method and the longer, bleaching trays method at the Parents Network:
http://parents.berkeley.edu/recommend/medical/Dentists/teethwhitening.html
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As you can see there are several options for whitening your teeth.
Your dental professional is the right person to advise you as to which
method will be right for you.
Questions to Ask Your Dental Professional about tooth whitening.
- What are the best tooth whitening options for my particular teeth?
- How white can I expect my teeth to get after the tooth whitening
treatment?
- Is there anything about my teeth (fillings, crowns, veneers) I
should take into consideration before I decide to have my teeth
whitened?
- How long will it take to get my teeth as white as possible?
- How long will the tooth whitening last?
- Are there any potential problems with tooth whitening on my teeth?
Source: Toothwhitener.com
http://www.toothwhitener.com/
If you have minor discoloration and you don’t want to spend that much,
whitening gels and whitening strips are fine. If you can pay a little
more, you will get good results from over-the-counter trays. For the
fastest results and best whitening you will need to visit your
dentist.
My personal choice would be an over-the-counter product like whitening
strips or trays. If money was no object I would go for in-office
bleaching.
I hope this helps. If anything is unclear please request clarification
and I'll be glad to offer further assistance before you rate my answer
and close the question.
Best regards,
Bobbie7-ga |
