After deciding to improve one's smile, the first step a majority of people take is whitening their teeth. Dazzling teeth not only enhance your overall appearance, but their pristine appearance can also help with camouflaging minor flaws such as cracks or chips in one's teeth. But once you make this decision, you will be bombarded by the myriad of procedures that are available to you.
From home whitening kits to in-office treatments or even specialty mouthwashes, you may find making a decision daunting, more so if you are unfamiliar with the pros and cons of the different options. Before you base your decision on budget alone, read on for two popular tooth whitening solutions so that you can decide what will work best for your specific smile goals.
At-home whitening strips and kits
Over-the-counter whitening strips and kits are some of the more accessible options that you can consider. Since they are fairly affordable, they are the go-to solution for people that want to get rid of minor discolouration in the form of slight yellowing from coffee, nicotine, red wine and so on. Nonetheless, whitening strips and whitening kits only contain a small amount of bleach. Therefore, they will not be effective if you are dealing with extensive staining.
Another drawback to consider is the fact that these solutions do not cover your teeth fully. Hence, you could end up with sections that are still discoloured such as hard-to-reach teeth, crevices in between crowded teeth and more — not to mention that some brands contain a high amount of alcohol, which can end up damaging your enamel and your gums, which translates into additional dental costs. Lastly, these treatments can take anywhere from several weeks to a month before you see noticeable results.
In-office teeth whitening
The second solution that you should deliberate on whether you have mild, severe or moderate discolouration is in-chair whitening at your preferred dentist's office. Professional tooth whitening utilises UV light to activate the whitening gel that is applied directly to your teeth. Therefore, you are guaranteed instant results. And since this treatment is carried out in one office visit, it is the most time-efficient option you can choose! This is especially convenient for busy people, as you can set your in-office whitening appointment over your lunch break or on your way home!
Granted, in-chair whitening does not come cheap. However, when you consider the fact that it is carried out under the watchful eye of an experienced dentist and ensures long-lasting results, you get to save a considerable amount of money in the long run by eliminating the risk of needing dental work due to botched whitening or recurring costs of purchasing endless home whitening kits!
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