One of the first things people notice about you is your smile. So if you’re feeling a little self-conscious that your pearly whites aren’t as dazzling as they could be, then you might want to look into teeth whitening.
There are a ton of options out there and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer variety – you can have it done at home, at a clinic, or the dentist! So, before you start looking at “teeth whitening places near me” here’s some basic info to lead you down the right path.
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What Is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening (or teeth bleaching) involves applying hydrogen peroxide to the surface of your teeth. While it’s an accepted medical procedure in many parts of the world, the regulations on it can be a little confusing depending on where you live.
The variance in the regulation will depend on the percentage of hydrogen peroxide used the teeth whitening procedure. This number can swing wildly depending on the method. For example, some products will contain less than 1% of concentrated hydrogen peroxide, while professional and medical treatments can go as high as 35%.
How To Whiten Teeth?
There are three ways that you can get your teeth whitened:
At Home
Plenty of drugstores and pharmacies sell paint-on kits that can help you whiten your teeth, usually in the form of gels, strips, or even charcoal toothpaste. These things are pretty handy; you can apply these yourself or with the help of a friend, but they will often be a lot less effective than the cosmetic or medical treatments.
Cosmetic Clinic
General cosmetologists may also offer “in-chair” treatments, where they apply a medical solution of hydrogen peroxide to your teeth and activate it using a laser pen. Treating teeth this way provides better results than home treatment, but will almost certainly require a higher percentage of hydrogen peroxide.
Dentist
Finally, your dentist can also offer teeth whitening services. Using a mixture of both light activation, gel solutions, and whitening trays; this is the most precise method of whitening your teeth. For a more direct approach, they’ll often use a laser on your teeth, which can provide you with some really impressive results.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Improper use of teeth whitening products (especially home treatments) can often lead to damage or corrosion of your teeth!
The primary hazard that you need to watch out for is the concentration of hydrogen peroxide and how it’s applied to your teeth. Your teeth are pretty tough and will handle the chemical just fine, but your gums will not! That’s why it’s always important to ask the opinion of a dentist before running off to buy teeth whitening products to use at home.
What Is The Difference Between Professional Treatments And DIY Teeth Whitening Kits?
DIY teeth whitening kits often contain lower amounts of hydrogen peroxide, and will usually take weeks or months before they make a visible difference. And as for the natural teeth whitening tips you see online, it’s best to avoid them entirely. Some products out there (like baking soda) can actually do a lot of damage to your teeth and gums.
Professional treatments are performed by medically licensed cosmetologists and dentists, so you’re guaranteed the best outcome. You’ll see results quicker too, only taking about two sessions to get those shiny white teeth.
How Much Does It Usually Cost?
Home treatments for teeth whitening usually cost less than professional appointments. But home treatments can take weeks to show results, while professional treatments often make a difference after just one session.
Teeth whitening strips can go for as little as 10 to 50 AUD a strip, while professional treatments usually start at 800 AUD per appointment. It’ll be up to your budget and your patience which one you choose.
If You Just Smile
Everyone’s got the right to a dazzling first impression, and teeth whitening procedures can really help you regain confidence in your smile. Just make sure to do your research on your chosen product or treatment so you don’t run into any trouble. There’s plenty of things in life to smile about, so might as well look your best while doing it!
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