Teeth whitening, which is also referred to as dental bleaching has become extremely popular in recent years.  Teeth whitening is common throughout general dentistry, and even more common in the field of cosmetic dentistry.

As we get older, teeth often become darker.  This darkening of the teeth is a result of changes to the mineral structure of the tooth, and the enamel becomes less porous.   Teeth can become darker and stained by foodstuffs, tobacco and bacterial pigments.

A whiter and brighter smile seems to becoming more important for both men and women, in today’s society.  Celebrities are spending a small fortune on cosmetic dentistry to improve their smile, so it is no wonder teeth whitening has become popular with the mainstream population.

Although popular, less than 20% of the population has tried a teeth whitening system, and confusion is a major issue.  There are hundreds of products available, all promising that movie star smile, and as a result, many people struggle to select the product that is best for them.

There are generally three options available for teeth whitening.  The first method is in office bleaching which is performed by a professional dentist.  The second option is take home teeth whitening which is where your dentist provides the product and instructions and you do it at home when it suits.  This is obviously more convenient and less expensive than in office teeth whitening.  The third option is over the counter treatment, where you purchase one of the myriad of products from the chemist, drugstore, supermarket or online.

There is one other method that is emerging, and that is having your teeth whitened in a salon or spa.

There are a number of different methods that can be used for teeth whitening, including laser bleaching, bleaching gel, bleaching pen, and bleaching strips.  There are also many natural teeth whitening techniques that are reported to provide good results.

At home teeth whitening usually involves using a bleaching gel using thin trays, but strips have also become popular.

Risks of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening treatments are considered to be safe, providing the directions are followed, however there is a chance of some side effects as a result of teeth bleaching.  Some of these include:

• Pain – if you have sensitive teeth
• Risk of increase hot and cold sensitivity
• Chemical burns to the gums and mouth
• Technicolor teeth – where natural teeth lighten, but crowns or veneers remain the same color.

For that reason, it is wise to consult your dentist prior to using any teeth whitening system.

Teeth whitening results will vary considerably from one person to the next.  Some people will see outstanding results using a particular product, while others using the same product will be disappointed.  It is common for some to feel intense pain and yet others using the identical product feel no pain at all.

Unfortunately many products on the market contain nothing more than hype and empty promises.  Therefore it’s important that you should gather as much information before deciding to use a particular product or system.

Here at Teeth-Whitening-Online.com we aim to provide accurate and helpful advice and information to assist with your decision on the most suitable teeth whitening product.