Teeth whitening: types, features, pros and cons

Few people have a naturally snow-white smile. And so want to sparkle with it as Hollywood stars. That's why there are special procedures for whitening teeth. Some of them are instantaneous, while others require several procedures or even a month to see the results. Each type of teeth whitening has its own peculiarities. Modern dental instruments and equipment allow for amazing results.

Air Flow

The procedure is not related to whitening because it is performed mechanically. Plaque is removed and yellowing is reduced, and tartar is removed. However, the shade is not significantly changed. Air Flow is performed before bleaching. Then the product is better able to penetrate into the enamel.

Chemical whitening

Gels based on hydrogen peroxide or carbamide are used. The products affect about 20% of enamel and do not penetrate too deeply. Teeth are whitened by 5-7 tones.

Pros:

• The effect is immediate.
• The impact is uniform.
• The cost is moderate.

Of the minuses:

• There may be strong tooth sensitivity during and after the procedure.
• To achieve the best results in terms of the degree of whitening you need to have several sessions.

Teeth Whitening with an Ultraviolet Lamp

A special product is applied to the front surface of the upper and lower teeth and treated with a UV lamp. The exposure lasts for 15-30 minutes. Teeth are whitened to 8-10 tones. The effect is instantaneous. The disadvantage is that your teeth may hurt during the procedure and for some time afterwards.

Laser whitening

A whitening compound activates a laser beam. The peculiarity of the procedure is that each tooth is treated separately. Pros:

• The shade becomes lighter by a maximum of 12 tones.
• During the procedure, the client does not feel any discomfort.
• The acid balance is not disturbed in the oral cavity.
• Enamel is strengthened.

Of the minuses:

• The duration of the procedure is about one hour.
• Whitening may be uneven.
• High cost of the service.

Home Bleaching

There are several types of teeth whitening at home:

• A special gel with urea or hydrogen peroxide comes with a mouthpiece. The product is applied to the teeth and put on a mouth guard. Whitening for 5-8 tones. The course lasts a month.
• Strips on which a gel with hydrogen peroxide is applied. They are glued to the teeth for 30 minutes. Whitening of teeth by 3 to 5 shades, may be uneven. It depends on how tightly and evenly the strip is glued. At one time, a great effect will not be. It is necessary to glue strips several times.
• Gels and varnishes, which are applied to the teeth with a brush and do not rinse off. The procedure is repeated for 2 weeks. Whitening is light, only 1 to 3 tones.
• Toothpastes make teeth lighter by 1 tone with prolonged use.

A disadvantage of home tooth whitening is that the effect is not immediate. You need to repeat the procedure several times or regularly for a month. It is inconvenient and you have to wait for the result. Irritation of the gums and increased tooth sensitivity can occur.

What is the best way to whiten teeth? This is an individual question because everyone proceeds from financial possibilities and which method is acceptable for their teeth. Home procedures are the gentlest, but require significantly more time. Chemical and photo whitening can cause unpleasant enamel sensitivity and remineralization will have to be done. Laser whitening is better.