It’s sad but true — regardless of how well one takes care of his or her teeth, their appearance can never rival the white smiles portrayed in magazines. Fortunately for most people, a brighter, whiter smile is easily obtainable through numerous methods.
There are several different methods to achieve whiter teeth. Each option will be discussed in this article giving you an overview of the advantages and disadvantages.
Advanced bleaching treatments at dental offices last longer, and as such, can be very cost effective. The treatments range from $300 to $500, which is unfortunately very pricey. For people who can afford to visit the dentist, office treatments are more effective than over-the-counter methods.
Special mouthwashes and toothpastes aren’t as good as dental office treatments, but they do work. Be advised, though, that these treatments do not provide results immediately; whitening is a gradual process with toothpastes and mouthwashes. These products work better on lighter stains. These affordable products work very well for prevention of stains, and maintenance of a brighter smile already obtained.
Whitening strips are available at almost every drug and grocery outlet. These strips, costing as much as forty dollars per pack, vary in price in accordance with their quality. The cheaper strips work well when used often, whereas the expensive strips come close to providing the same efficacy as dental office treatments. The product must be applied carefully in order to avoid the strips leaving visible lines on the teeth. Tooth sensitivity can be heightened due to these whitening strips.
Brush-on whitening treatments are a great choice for people who are on a tight budget. A two week kit can cost as little as $3, making them a very cheap alternative. However, they can cause quite a mess and applying the gel evenly can be quite a challenge. Horrible morning breath can be caused by the ingredients in these products.
By avoiding certain food and drink products that are known to cause stains on teeth, you can keep the amount of whitening you need to a minimum. To the extent possible, the staining agents in tobacco, tea, and coffee should be avoided.
Numerous techniques are available for helping a person to regain his or her bright smile. No matter the choice of method you decide on, bear in mind that periodic dental visits plus improved dietary habits will help you keep a brighter, whiter smile for a lifetime.
Posted September 29, 2008 
Comments(0) 
