Dental discoloration could be due to numerous factors. It could be because of stains from drinking too much coffee or due to enamel erosion. Whatever be the cause of discoloration of teeth, there are plenty of teeth whitening products and procedures available in the market today. These aim at restoring the tooth’s natural shine. The effects are long-term or short-term depending on the method you choose.
Process of dental whitening
To understand the different kinds of dental whitening products, you should know about the process involved. If the teeth appear dull and discolored due to stains, then a product containing mild bleaching agents would be used to remove the stain on the teeth. But if the dull appearance is due to corrosion in the enamel, a product with bleach would worsen the condition. In such cases, combination methods including products for strengthening and protecting the gums are used.
Popular dental whitening products
- Whitening strips
This is an easy procedure that can be done at home. There is a flexible strip coated with a bleaching material that can remove discoloration. A few repetitions might be required and most of these are single-use strips. - Dental whitening tray
Similar to strips, trays can also be used at home. Some of these are ready-to-use trays and some come with a separate bleaching solution that can be applied to the tray before placing it on the teeth. - Teeth whitening toothpaste
This is one of the easiest and also the most economical ways of teeth whitening. There are special toothpaste options with gentle bleaching ingredients added in order to slowly but steadily remove tough stains on the teeth. - Dental whitening in a clinic
This is the most reliable method when it comes to dental whitening. Depending on the underlying cause of discoloration and the existing level of damage in the enamel, the dentist picks the most suitable teeth whitening procedure for you. Sometimes, follow-up treatments might be recommended or the dentist might recommend the use of other dental whitening procedures at home in order to prolong the results.
Best teeth whitening brands
- Colgate
When it comes to simple dental whitening toothpastes, popular brands like Colgate have plenty of easy-to-use, tried and tested products that you can depend on. - Crest
Crest is a popular name in the category of other at-home teeth whitening products like whitening strips, emulsions, toothpaste, and more. This brand even brings light kits that are known to enhance the results. - vVARDIS
This brand has recently been very popular for offering holistic dental care products that also whiten the teeth. There are whitening toothpaste options, gels, and complete kits to remove discoloration and strengthen the teeth and gums.
Cost of dental whitening procedures
The cost of teeth whitening depends on the chosen procedure and products. The most affordable option is a teeth whitening toothpaste. You will find several of them for less than $10. Strips can cost anywhere around $20 or more per pack. Light-based dental whitening kits can range from $50 or higher. Procedures in a dental clinic can cost a few hundred dollars but they are definitely the safest option too if you are unsure of the cause of discoloration.
Tips to choose the right teeth whitening procedure
Consult your dentist to understand the cause of discoloration. This will help you understand the safest kind of teeth whitening products to use. It is vital to maintain good oral hygiene so that you prevent future discoloration of the teeth. Dental whitening procedures can be tough on the enamel. So, do not ignore the application instructions or the dosages of the products. Look out for gum sensitivities and other side effects and change the procedure if required.
Dental whitening takes time if there are stains that have accumulated over time. A more consistent approach would be the most dependable way to get whiter and brighter teeth without damaging the gums.