If you have wanted to whiten your teeth but can't justify the cost for laser procedures for whitening, you will be glad to know that there are other alternatives. You could visit your dentist for bleaching trays and gels, but it wouldn't cost much less than the laser treatments. One of the most affordable ways to get effective whitening is by using home teeth whitening kits.
There are many different things that can cause teeth to be yellow or stained. The beverages we drink, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and even soft drinks can cause teeth to be discolored over time. Tobacco products such as cigarettes can also cause stains on teeth. Even the foods we eat can cause discoloration over time. Many people use whitening toothpastes or mouthwashes to try to stave off this discoloration. However, most of these products are designed to maintain the current tooth color and don't do much to actually lighten the teeth.
However, whitening kits are designed to actually lighten teeth. Just in the bleaching gels at a dentist's office, home teeth whitening kits usually contain either Carbamide peroxide or Hydrogen peroxide. These chemicals use oxidation to pull the stains away from the tooth enamel, which can leave teeth looking nice and white. There are different types of kits that may use whitening gels or may use paint-on whiteners or even stick-on whitening tape strips. You will have to decide which type of whitener will work best for you.
It is important to note that different home teeth whitening kits will contain different strengths of the active ingredient. Depending on whether your teeth are prone to sensitivity or not, you will want to be careful to select the correct strength. Most websites will give examples of which products are best for sensitive teeth. Many products also include anti-sensitivity ingredients or the site may offer additional products that can help to reduce sensitivity.
Whether you were to go to a dentist or you plan to use home teeth whitening kits, it may take several treatments to get the shade you desire. It is also important to note that you will need to repeat the process every six months to a year depending on how easily your teeth attract stains. Remember, the foods you eat and beverages you drink play a big part in the color of your teeth, so watching your intake of foods that stain as well as regularly brushing and caring for your teeth are important factors in how often you will need to have a whitening procedure.
Editor's Note: Peter Morgan is a health writer on subjects regarding teeth whitening kits, teeth whitening gel as well as the latest technology and information on teeth whitening methods.