We all want that amazing movie star smile but such white teeth do not come by easily. Choosing the best method to whiten your teeth is dependent on a myriad of factors. It is up to the individual to determine how they want to cleanse their teeth dependent on the following factors:
Longevity
Different methods of teeth whitening have different time spans. In most cases, the more expensive and complicated the procedure the more lasting the whitening effect is. The most arduous process is that done by a dentist. Doctors will use the strongest teeth whiteners with the highest concentration of peroxide. The effects last longest i.e. anywhere between six months and one year. Most do it yourself (DIY) products such as the teeth whitening trays that contain gel will last for about here to six months after which the process will be repeated. Using teeth whitening toothpaste is an ongoing process which you can do every few weeks or keep using the toothpaste for continually white teeth.
The Process
The time it takes to whiten your teeth is also a vital consideration. For most DIY home kits for teeth whitening, you will have to leave in the tray for 30 minutes. The cleansing will take two to three weeks and the effects will be seen then. At the dentist, the process will take 45 minutes to an hour and the effects should be seen an hour after the procedure. The reason the process is so quick is that dentists use specialized light technology that significantly accelerates the process. The appropriate equipment is needed but the process is fast and the results worthwhile. Teeth whitening strips and toothpaste take a lot longer i.e. weeks of daily use for the effects to be clearly seen. The advantage is that they become a habit and you can maintain white teeth for a very long time.
Cost
The effect teeth whitening has on your wallet comes second only to the effect it has on your teeth. Of course, toothpaste use is the cheapest of them all since it can be acquired off the rack at any supermarket. Whitening strips are only slightly more expensive and can be acquired at the supermarket or pharmacy. They cost between $30 and $60. A do it yourself teeth whitening kit with trays and gel is more expensive than the two mentioned above costing around $100. The dentist is more expensive due to the equipment and level of expertise involved. The process will generally cost between $500 and $600. Given that some teeth whitening processes require multiple applications, the prices are highly subjective. However, it will come down to the individual’s purchasing ability.
Lifestyle
Your way of life determines the level of white your teeth will be. Smokers will invariably stain their teeth as a result of the nicotine contained in cigarettes and may require more teeth whitening than a non-smoker. Someone who drinks dark alcoholic beverages such as red wine or dark malt liquor will also require more teeth whitening than someone who does not partake in such but it will be less than that of a cigarette smoker. The types of food also matter greatly. Those who eat sugary foods or take drinks such as tea or coffee that need sugar will need more stringent whitening measures than those who do not.