To many people, white teeth indicate oral health and visual appeal. Having a set of pearly whites tells others that you value dental cleanliness and avoid vices that stain teeth, like alcohol and tobacco. However, your teeth could still harbour stains even if you brush thrice daily and avoid certain foods. Fortunately, there are many ways to get them white and clean again. You just have to choose the method that works for you.
Keep reading to figure out which teeth whitening options are ideal for your situation. This article discusses some steps to help you.
Assess your dental health
First, analyse your current dental health. Do you have sensitive teeth? Are you wearing veneers or crowns? Some conditions and dental work may not fare well with certain teeth whitening options.
Visit your dentist for a more in-depth assessment. They'll check for underlying issues you might have missed. For instance, stains from medications or decay may not improve after whitening sessions. Some treatments—like those with carbamide peroxide—might cause discomfort if you have tooth sensitivity.
Consulting your dentist will also lead you to answers that clear your doubts. Feel free to ask them questions about potential whitening treatments. For example, ask them, 'What are the best teeth whitening strips in the UK?' or 'How long will it take for the stains to disappear?' Getting your answers directly from dental professionals is often better than retrieving them from an unknown, untrusted source.
Determine your teeth whitening goals
Whitening your teeth may be a surface-level goal. What do you wish to achieve with whiter teeth? Maybe you're only after mild brightening to attract potential dates. Or you might be aiming for dramatic results for an event. Knowing your ultimate goal could narrow your list of teeth whitening options.
As you think about your goals, include how fast you want to see improvements. In-office treatments are usually quick and ideal for instant results. If you're not in a rush, you might find at-home strips or toothpaste better for gradual whitening.
Some methods also have varying longevity, which is another thing to keep in mind. Toothpaste and mouthwash with active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide may keep your teeth light for three to four months. Strips last slightly longer—around six months. The results of professional treatments like at-home gel whitening trays may last a year or more.
Consider your budget and convenience
The cost of whitening treatments depends on the kind you wish to have. Expect to shell out more for professional teeth whitening options. Dental insurance may not cover the procedure as it's a cosmetic treatment.
On the other hand, at-home kits are typically cheaper, with a mid-range cost. These customised kits, provided by dentists, often utilise peroxide-based whitening gels or trays. Results, however, are moderate.
If your budget doesn't allow for professional treatments or kits, you can trade your regular toothpaste for a whitening one. It's one of the most affordable options but offers subtle effects. Toothpaste and other over-the-counter products can usually only clean away surface stains.
When considering your budget, don't forget the time you're willing to invest in whitening. Some methods require daily use, like toothpaste and mouthwash. Meanwhile, in-office whitening methods may only need one-time sessions.
Evaluate your daily habits
Tooth stains don't just occur out of nowhere. What you consume are the likely culprits. You must evaluate your lifestyle before choosing among the available teeth whitening options.
Frequently smoking or drinking coffee, tea, or wine could affect the longevity of whitening methods. Some foods, like berries, candies, and tomato-based sauces, also stain teeth. If you want to extend the longevity of whiter teeth, you must avoid these foods and vices.
Are you willing to perform ongoing maintenance or use touch-up treatments? Your commitment to whitening solutions is also something to note. Certain methods require strict adherence. An example would be custom trays, which you need to wear nightly. Skipping days or forgoing scheduled maintenance could tamper with the improvements you've already made.
Compare safety and side effects
While most teeth whitening options are generally safe, some patients may experience side effects. Several products and methods use specific ingredients that, while effective against deep stains, could be too harsh for teeth and gums.
Some people might gain sensitive teeth after a treatment. Others, especially those using at-home kits, may have gum irritation. Bleaching agents are the common culprits in these issues. Overusing whitening products could also strip away your tooth enamel.
To prevent these concerns, use natural options like baking soda and activated charcoal (with caution). If you have sensitive teeth, consider products with potassium nitrate to lightly numb nerves.
Conclusion
If you wish to have white smiles 24/7, you can choose from several teeth whitening options available. Methods range from professional, in-office treatments to at-home kits. Your goals, lifestyle habits, budget, and safety will determine the ideal choice.
So, consult a trusted dentist for personalised advice. They'll assess your oral health and recommend a safe and effective teeth whitening method. As a final tip, take things slow. Start with the least invasive options and adjust as needed. In time, you'll get a set of pearly whites you can be proud of.
