White teeth have always been a subject of admiration. Nowadays white teeth have become more desirable due to the spread of the American culture, and the appearing of the term "Hollywood smile."
As we know there are different factors that can effect the color of our teeth, for example, tobacco, coffee, tea, red wine, foodstuffs, bacterial pigmenting, etc. At the same time the condition and health of the teeth becomes worse as we get older. Teeth may become dark (yellow and "dirty") and less attractive. Thanks to the latest tooth whitening treatments available in the majority of countries all natural teeth can be made whiter and healthier.
Thus, tooth whitening treatments appear to be both simple and highly-efficient in lightening the color of your teeth without removing any of the natural teeth material. But you should be aware that tooth whitening treatments can only work on natural teeth but not on porcelain crowns, bridges, veneers or dentures.
According to scientific research and everyday dental practice, there are two main methods used within the tooth whitening treatments. The first one involves applying a concentration of oxidizing agent (carbamide peroxide) for a limited period of time. This method is also called "office whitening." The results of such a procedure are usually quick, but do carry a risk of chemical burns to the soft issues.
One of the alternative tooth whitening treatments uses special tooth pastes and tooth whitening strips to lower the concentration of oxidizing agent to the teeth for a couple of hours. This method is considered to be "at-home", has lower risks for the soft issues, and a slower whitening effect.
It is impossible to speak about effective tooth whitening treatments and not mention professional methods which remove staining and discoloration safely and effectively. Such treatments give you results which would normally be impossible or difficult to be achieved by brushing only. The course of the professional treatment usually takes about 7 days and may be conducted either in surgery or at home. If you would like to choose the second one, it's better to consult first with your dentist and learn about all possible consequences of the procedure. Home tooth whitening is known to be the most popular dentist-supervised option.
Still professional medical men recommend that you get an appropriate treatment in respected clinics. Tooth whitening treatments in such clinics are safe, effective and comfortable; the results will be controllable for the reason you are able to decide what level of color change you'd like to have. In most cases the cost of tooth whitening treatments varies from 300 to 600 US dollars - including all the dentist's examinations of your teeth, appointments, recommendations regarding further possible tooth whitening procedures, results and consequences.
Thus, no matter how well you take care of your teeth, it's inevitable that their discoloration will occur over time. There are different kinds of tooth whitening treatments - any of which will help you to create a more vibrant smile.