Up until a few years ago, the process of teeth whitening was so complex that it involved numerous trips to a dentist, wasting hundreds if not thousands of dollars, and wasting hours of your precious time.
Technological advances in the last ten years have made that all a thing of the past.
Now it's possible for safe, effective "dentist quality" teeth whitening at home for a mere fraction of what it used to cost.
Nearly all teeth whitening products, whether sold over the counter or through a professional, contain the active ingredients carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide in various concentrations.
These similar ingredients seep into the microscopic pores on the tooth surface and whiten or bleach away stains through the process of oxidization.
The most common types of in-home teeth whitening applications are specially treated strips that adhere to your teeth, brush-on whiteners and trays with bleaching gels.
The teeth whitening process by using whitening strips is a simple one.
These types of whitening products come with clear, thin strips for the upper and lower teeth which are pressed up against the surface of the tooth.
When finished, the strips are simply removed and thrown away.
Brush-on gels are also another simple method of teeth whitening to try at home.
The peroxide based gel is applied to the surface of the tooth with a small brush generally twice a day for two weeks.
Results can be seen within days and can last up to four months.
Tray-based teeth whitening kits are also easy to use at home, at your convenience.
These affordable kits come with a mouth tray that you fill with the whitening solution or gel and then wear for the required time.
Before beginning your teeth whitening venture, there are a few things you can do to ensure the product works as well as it should no matter which method you choose.
Thoroughly brushing first will make sure the teeth whitener adheres to the enamel of your teeth as opposed to dental plaque.
Flossing is also a good idea to remove the plaque between your teeth.
Teeth that aren't flossed and brushed may end up looking noticeably different after a teeth whitening session, and definitely not for the better.
Plaque build-up between the teeth will prevent the whitening agent from working properly and may produce dark looking areas in between which could almost appear as gaps.
A little time spent in preparation will make for longer lasting results.
Having realistic expectations will also make your teeth whitening experience a successful one.
Teeth that practically glow in the dark because they're so bright are anything but natural looking.
Teeth whitening at home by a regular, gradual process is the least noticeable and the most believable way to lighten your teeth.
A common rule of thumb is to strive for a shade slightly lighter than the whites of your eyes.
Teeth whitening can not only help us feel better about ourselves and more self-confident, but whiter teeth help us to look younger as well.
An in-home whitening kit can be your answer to a brighter smile and will also help keep your wallet happy as well!