Say ‘cheese’!
When making a first impression, some worry about having crooked or discolored teeth. This might send a signal to the other person that you don’t care about yourself.
No one has ever said that they wouldn’t like to have a crisp, beautiful smile with bright, sparkling teeth, right? It’s a pretty common ‘feature’ that many people try to get.
Some put in long-term efforts in getting that smile while some resort to quick and simple treatments, like teeth whitening strips or bleach trays.
But are these really the best way to whiten your teeth?
What’s Behind Your Smile?
People with discolored teeth tend to be more self-conscious with how they feel are around others.
Knowing that their teeth are nowhere near perfect, many fail to look into the whitening options available for quick and easy results.
One’s own health has always been of great importance for so many. For some, it’s required for them to look good and take care of their appearance.
Teeth can become discolored over time. Stains develop on both the surface of teeth as well as deeper in the teeth’s structure.
While it’s impossible for your teeth to stay sparkly white and shine into older age. Some of the reasons teeth turn yellow, beige or brown include:
- Drinking coffee, tea, or soda
- Smoking cigarettes
- Aging
- A poor diet
- Suffering from dry mouth
- Antibiotic use
- Genetic factors
Bleach or Teeth Whitening Strips?
Despite plenty of options out there and systems you have to choose from, there are two basic ways to whiten your teeth; bleaching or teeth whitening strips.
Bleach products contain an active ingredient called hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. This is put in products that can whiten teeth beyond their natural color.
Bleach can be used through trays, topical gels, or strips, and in toothpaste.
But the term ‘whitening’ is used to describe the process of restoring teeth to their natural color by removing stains and debris from the tooth’s surface.
Teeth whitening strips are an effective and safe method for whitening your teeth; yet, there is are two main drawbacks.
- You must apply the strips every day and sometimes this can become rather a lengthy and annoying process.
- Alongside that, the strips don’t always stay in the position you put them in and will need to be adjusted.
If your teeth are not perfectly aligned then the teeth that are closest towards your lips will get more of the bleaching agent than those towards the back.
Advantages of Bleach Trays over Whitestrips
It’s believed by many that bleaching treatment offers several benefits that you cannot get from whitestrips. Whether this method is done in-home or in-office, the results will be similar.
In-office whitening visits aren’t for everyone and that’s why take home bleach trays are a viable option for many. Given by your dentist, at-home bleach trays are a cost-effective but efficient way to whiten your teeth.
The procedure is a little different from what you’d expect from visiting your dentist. Your dentist will give you plastic trays to fit your teeth.
Depending on your teeth’s needs and what your dentist recommends, you might only need to wear the tray once per day for a week or two and you’ll see a dramatic difference.
More benefits of using bleach instead of teeth whitening strips include:
Thorough Whitening
Teeth whitening strips bought at the store come as a one-size-AND-strength-fits-all product.
Unfortunately, every smile has different needs.
Whitening strips can give good results on one person’s teeth, yet will only provide another with a partial whitening.
Bleach trays surround the teeth allowing the agent to fully penetrate through hard to reach stains.
Added Concentration
The whitestrips sold in stores contain a small amount of whitening agent which will only provide results for patients who have light stains on their teeth.
These generic strips may not do much on tough stains. Stronger concentration might be needed on stubborn stains, especially if you want to get your teeth whiter quickly.
At-home dental bleaching trays contain higher concentrations of the bleaching solution and will brighten your teeth better than strips will.
Faster Results
Whitestrips may help you get a brighter smile, but you will have to use them for a long time.
Sometimes it can take weeks, or even months before you see noticeable color changes. It’s quite possible that with whitestrips you will ever see the results you are hoping for.
The treatment time for an in-office whitening usually lasts about 30 minutes and can produce results outstanding results in that short time.
At-home treatments will be shorter in duration because of the custom-tailored treatment plan the dentist puts you on.
Designed Especially for You
Many have complained of pain and sensitivity of the teeth when using over-the-counter whitestrips. This is from the whitening agent penetrating past the enamel of the teeth. If the strip makes contact with the gums or lips can also lead to sensitivity.
Most at-home whitening treatments, especially teeth whitening strips, are sold as one-size-fits-all. Unless it’s given by a professional.
The biggest complaint has to do with the trays or strips not fitting properly. This problem is the biggest reason many experience mixed results and sensitivity.
By having a dentist recommend and prescribe a particular tray that is suitable for your mouth, you’ll have the mouth success.
Custom trays provide uniform application of the whitening treatment. This coverage will protect your lips and gums and will decrease the chance of tooth sensitivity.
Final Thoughts
The method that is best for you would depend on the seriousness of the discoloration and your budget.
The best way to get that brighter smile you’ve always wanted is to receive bleaching treatment through a dentist, whether in-office or at home.
By having a dentist customize and prescribe the exact whitening treatment plan for you will increase your chance for success.
And with going this route you will be decreasing the time and money spent on getting a whiter smile.
Again, some methods do have side effects such as gum infections and teeth sensitivity. It’s best for you to talk to your dentist before using any at-home teeth whitening methods.
You can learn more about how to have a healthier, brighter smile by clicking here.