With so much out there in the press about the latest celebrity to have veneers fitted in order to give them the perfect smile, there is more and more pressure on everyone to have the perfect pearly whites.
Porcelain veneers are not an easy option as they are costly and also involve a lot of dentistry that doesn’t always go to plan. Of course, if you’re happy with how your teeth look but just want a whiter smile then your dentist might be the way to go but that is often expensive and may not be necessary.
Many people opt for an easier and more cost-effective, at-home solution by using whitening toothpastes, strips such as the Crest whitening strips and bleaches with or without UV light. The question is: what’s in these products, are they safe and how do you know what the best one for you is?
The good news is that teeth whitening is a straightforward and effective treatment whether done at the dentist, salon or at home. The effects are temporary, however, and you will need to continue with the process or have touch up treatments to keep that bright gleam.
Pros of teeth bleaching
There are two processes – teeth whitening and teeth bleaching. Bleaching involves the use of hydrogen peroxide to whiten the teeth beyond their natural colour whereas whitening effectively removes stains to bring teeth back to their natural state.
Using bleach to whiten your teeth might sound drastic but the concentrations are relatively low, making it safe to do so. For in-salon or dentist treatments, it’s usually a concentration of 9 to 40 per cent. Products designed for use at home use a lower concentration and so take much longer to act.
Bleaching is a highly effective and fast way to really make a difference to your overall appearance. The process is non-invasive and fairly long-lasting and thus provides a great option for anyone looking for a little bit of a boost.
Cons of teeth bleaching
Like any process, there are always risks and disadvantages. Fortunately, these are pretty minimal in the case of teeth bleaching. There is some risk of pain or sensitivity after the procedure although this is most commonly found where the whitening has been carried out in a salon or dentists as the chemical concentration is considerably stronger than with at-home kits.
Gum irritation is another possible side effect where the gums have come into contact with the bleach or instruments. The sensitivity or irritation normally lasts no longer than a day or two. Finally, there is the potential for uneven whitening especially where crowns, bonding or veneers are in place as they will react differently.
Overall, teeth bleaching is a safe and popular way to brighten your smile. The most cost-effective way to test out what’s right for you is to try an at-home product such as Crest whitening strips. Why not explore our range of whitening strips here on the site?