A white smile

Thanks to modern dentistry we can now all have a Holywood style smile: one that is white, bright and kissable! Tooth whitening gels, strips and toothpastes are available over-the-counter, but more effective and longlasting results can be achieved by a trip to the dentist. There are two main methods the dental professionals can offer you to achieve whiter teeth. One is an instant, more costly in-chair procedure; the other produces very effective results with an at-home bleaching kit (and you are left with a reusable whitening kit).

The main difference between over-the-counter and professonally described whitening treatments is the concentration of the whitening product, carbamide peroxide. The stronger the product, the quicker your teeth will whiten. These stronger prescribed versions require custom made whitening trays (that look like gum guards) which ensure the whitening gel does not escape onto the gums causing superficial burns. Most dental practices can offer this treatment or will be able to refer you to a practice that does.

The at-home bleaching kit requires two visits to the specialist. The first to take the imprint of your lower and upper teeth from which the tray is cast, and the second to collect it and be directed how to use the gel at home. The gel is applied to the teeth via the trays which you leave-in for several hours or overnight. This home whitening typically takes two weeks.

The only advantage in-chair bleaching offers is speed, because the same results can be achieved with a home whitening kit and is usually longer-lasting. And the latter is more affordable and offers you the option of purchasing more bleaching gel in the future to maintain that film-star smile!