The Dental Makeover

The market is flooded with products that whiten teeth, so it is easy to understand why the consumer may be puzzled and confused as to which product is the best one to use to whiten teeth.  In all earnestness, it would take a book of novel length to list and review all of the products and services on the market to whiten teeth.  There are some methods and products that have proven to be effective and actually whiten teeth, and others that may leave the consumer feeling cheated or create an even worse scenario by presenting health risks.  There are toothpastes, gels, and trays that can be purchased over the counter to whiten teeth.  There are also treatments that can be provided for a fee from the dentist or a franchise set up in a mall.  When searching for the proper product or service to whiten teeth, there may be some important factors that will narrow the search.  The two most important factors are health and money.  Below are some examples of various products and services that are offered to whiten teeth.

Toothpastes that whiten teeth are one of the most inexpensive means to whiten teeth.  Most toothpaste products that whiten teeth contain an ingredient that functions through abrasion. Typically, the added ingredient is aluminum oxide, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, hydrated silicas or calcium carbonate.  The mild abrasive works in combination with the brush to scour debris off the surface of the teeth.  Some toothpaste products do contain a very low level of peroxide formulations, but the minimal amount of time and the minute level are often ineffective in truly whitening teeth.

Trays used to whiten teeth have been considered an effective means to whiten teeth. Typically, a mold is created by a dentist or an orthodontist of the individual’s teeth.  From that mold, a flexible tray is created that can be inserted into the mouth.  The tray is filled with a compound or a gel that contains a higher level of peroxide.  The important aspect of this is that it is supervised and the treatment is specific for the desired change.  A dentist can check for sensitivity or any problems prior to the teeth whitening treatment.  Though this is a very effective system, it can be expensive.  The price ranges anywhere from $300 to $600, and sometimes even more.

Bleaching teeth whitening systems used by dentists in the office or offered through a franchise at the malls are effective with their means to whiten teeth.  Both procedures are composed of applying a gel or a compound that contains a high level of hydrogen peroxide directly to the teeth.  The aid of a laser light-emitting diode or any other source of bright light activates the hydrogen peroxide gel and speeds up the tooth whitening process.  A dentist regulates the process and can examine the individual, whereas the sales assistants cannot touch the individual or examine the mouth.  There have been cases of burns in the mouth, as well as to the face with dentists and with franchises.  The amount of hydrogen allowed to be used by an individual who is not a dentist is 22%.  The cost at various franchises to whiten teeth ranges from $99 to $250.  Dentists usually charge around $500 to $600, and up.

This is only a scratch on the surface of products and services to whiten teeth, but it offers an insight to the most commonly used methods to whiten teeth.  Each individual’s mouth and teeth are different and it may be a good idea to check with a dentist to find the right procedure to whiten teeth.