Home Teeth Whitening: Restoring Those Pearly Whites
Improving your smile is simple with home teeth whitening kits that are convenient as well as easy to use. The at home method is by far the most popular approach to gaining that killer white smile, however there are many other methods as well. The popularity has grown due to the recent advancements in the home teeth whitening products that give the same results at home as the costly professional cleaning products. In fact, the same results can be achieved - it just simply takes a few more applications, but costs far less. Now even those with budget restrictions can too reverse years of yellow and stained teeth in the comfort of their PJ’s.
Home Teeth Whitening Kits
Professional home teeth whitening kits work through a bleaching product that is placed in a customized mouth tray provided. Now some bleaching trays are generic, but others can be custom fitted by taking a mold of your teeth. This allows the product to penetrate those hard to reach places that might otherwise prove difficult to whiten. The bleach is generally used once per day, between one and two hours for approximately two weeks. After this time the results of the home teeth whitening is noticeable and reduces the stains as well as discolorations. It is not uncommon for the teeth to lighten between three and five shades and last for several months. Much of the return of the stains depends on your daily habits though. Staying away from dark colored drinks such as sodas and red wines can prolong the results for much longer.
How Do They Work?
Home teeth whitening works through the results of what is known as carbamide peroxide. This peroxide is generally in strengths of 10 to 15% and works very well when used as directed. This strength allows for maximum results because of the sheer nature of the solution. Stains and discolorations are oxidized from the tooth’s enamel, meaning that they are drawn up from the small holes in the tooth, also known as pores. Not only is the surface of the tooth bleached with the home teeth whitening product, but also the underlying layer of the tooth, which is the source of many hard to reach stains. The 10 to 15% solution included in the home teeth whitening kits are safe, effective and often times yield results after the first usage. Stains begin disappearing and lightening with every use of the bleach.
Are They Safe?
Using home teeth whitening kits have been proven safe and according to the American Dental Association few side effects are noted. Many of the side effects reported can be minimized by using the product correctly. Some of the most common side effects are gum and tooth sensitivity, but quickly resolves once the treatment is concluded. In many cases sensitivity can be kept to a minimum by only using the product for the prescribed time as well as being careful not to get it on your gums, lips or in excess on the teeth.
There are different results that come from home teeth whitening, much of the results depends on the extent of the stains and causes of discoloration. Difficult stains such as brown stains or those caused by medication may need more sessions or other bleaching methods. However, most stains and yellow teeth respond very well to the home teeth whitening and can restore a beautiful whiteness to any set of teeth.
