Products Used For Tooth Whitening Treatment

Some dentists recommend certain tooth whitening products as follows

Custom Mouth Tray

A fitted mouth tray is made by your dentist after taking molds of your teeth. This tray may then be used at home, together with a tooth whitening gel. Gel will be applied to the tray after which the tray is inserted in the mouth, holding the gel on the teeth. These custom mouth trays can now also be ordered on the internet, however as with other home bleaching treatments this is not advisable as only your dentist can advise the best tooth whitening treatment for you.

There are clear advantages to using dentist-recommended tooth whitening procedures. With a professional on hand, teeth can be properly assessed to have the correct chemical concentration, correct method and length of treatment and to be sure the patient is even suitable to have their teeth whitened. There are disadvantages, however, mainly the cost is very high and it may take several weeks before the treatment can even begin.

Costs? Over the Counter versus Dentist-Recommended

The difference in cost between the home use tooth whitening kits and the dentist recommended methods and products are quite substantial. Visits to the dentist for tooth whitening can end up being extremely pricey with most treatments costing from $300 up to and over $1000. In comparison, several home tooth bleaching kits can be purchased for less that $10 at the low end of the spectrum and up to $35 at the higher end. The expertise offered by a dentist and the health of your teeth is priceless, but if you act responsibly it is generally safe to use home tooth whitening treatments for a short period of time.

Will the Effects Last Long?

Tooth whitening is never a permanent procedure. How long the effect will last for depends largely on the patients' personal habits. If you smoke or drink staining drinks such as coffee and tea, the effects will last for a shorter period of time. It is also important to continue to keep teeth clean and white with regular brushing and dental hygiene. Taking all this in to consideration, the effects of tooth bleaching should last for one to two years.

Health Risks in Home Tooth Whitening?

So, can striving for that brilliant, white smile in your own home have a detrimental effect on your health? The answer is yes, there is a slim possibility of home tooth bleaching affecting your teeth. Some users may experience an increased sensitivity on their teeth. Hot and cold substances on the teeth may cause discomfort or sharp pain. Other patients, due to an overuse of the product may experience irritation on the gums. This however, is not long-lasting and can be treated easily with gum gels available over the counter.

How to Minimize These Risks

To minimize the risk of these effects, there are things you can do. Firstly, it may be prudent to seek professional advice to assess whether or not your teeth are suitable for the use of home tooth whitening kits. It is also very important to follow the instructions on the product label very carefully. Overuse of the product is not healthy for your mouth and under use can result in very little effect. In the end, if in doubt, it is wise to consult a dentist about professional tooth whitening or arrange a consultation regarding the specific home-use product that you have decided to use.