How to Make Your Teeth White? Everything You Need To Know

If you’ve been searching for tips on how to make your teeth white, you’ve likely found a heap of information on various methods, hacks, and tricks. Knowing what really works and what doesn’t can be tricky, to say the least. Let’s dive and explore the world of teeth whitening, leaving no stones unturned. We’ll reveal what methods work, what (probably) doesn’t, and what method is the most effective. So, let’s jump in and get started.

Types of Teeth Whitening

Despite the overwhelming supply of whitening products and methods available, they can be divided into three main categories:

• DIY teeth whitening – e.g., home remedies, etc
• Over-the-counter products – whitening strips, trays, toothpaste, etc
• Those supplied or carried out by a dentist – chairside teeth whitening and custom take-home kits

While some work better than others, they all have pros and cons.

Firstly, remedies to try at home

Baking soda, strawberries, and even apple cider vinegar are all suggested as home remedies to get whiter teeth. The obvious advantage is that the price is low, and most of us regularly have these ingredients lurking in our kitchen cupboards or refrigerator. But how effective are they in reality?

If you have surface staining, an abrasive like baking soda may remove it. Apple cider vinegar, too, has natural whitening properties. The issue is that these products will need to be used sparingly or diluted in the case of ACV to protect your tooth enamel. Therefore results can take a considerable time and be very hit and miss.

What about over-the-counter-products?

When you are wondering how to make your teeth white, there’s certainly no shortage of whitening products in supermarket aisles or available from your local pharmacy, promising to give you whiter teeth. From whitening kits and strips to pens and toothpaste, there are plenty to choose from. According to the packaging, all you have to do is follow the instructions and, hey presto, you will have a brighter smile and whiter teeth after a while.

In reality, this isn’t always the case. Let us explain why:

You may not be starting from a level playing field

When a product claims to whiten teeth within a couple of weeks, it’s assumed they are a particular shade of white. And as you know, everyone’s teeth are different shades of whiteness. So, if, for example, two people were asked to use the same product and the results were compared over an equal period of time, there would likely be a stark contrast in colour. In other words, what works for one person may not work for another.

Low concentrations of peroxide

Here’s the thing about getting whiter teeth. The key ingredient in any Teeth Whitening product is the bleaching agent. Typically, this is hydrogen peroxide, but it may also be carbamide peroxide. Australian law dictates that over-the-counter products cannot contain bleaching agents higher than 6%. This is particularly meagre and explains why the whitening results are disappointing in many cases.

Not everyone has a perfectly straight smile

In particular, when it comes to Teeth Whitening strips, it’s usually assumed that teeth are straight and perfectly symmetrical. In reality, this is often not the case. As a result, when whitening strips are used on crooked or uneven teeth, you could end up with patchy whitening. The same applies to over-the-counter whitening trays that are only available in a one-size-fits-all model.

Whitening treatments offered by dentists

As we’ve already mentioned, Teeth Whitening treatments contain hydrogen peroxide, which bleaches the teeth. Those offered by dentists are guaranteed to remove stains and discolouration, achieving whiter teeth. This is because dentists are licensed to use products containing a greater concentration of hydrogen peroxide than those you can buy over-the-counter. Hence, the results are faster and more effective.

Many dentists offer in-office teeth whitening that takes around an hour for instant results and custom at-home Teeth Whitening kits. These enable patients to whiten their teeth at home at a convenient time for them.

At Beyond Dental Care, we offer advanced Pola White take-home whitening kits that contain custom-made whitening trays that fit snugly over the teeth, like sports mouthguards. The trays need to be filled with the whitening gel and placed over the teeth each night. While you sleep, the gentle bleaching action gradually lifts out stains so that within 10-14 days, you will have whiter teeth and a beautiful smile.

The beauty of our at-home whitening kits is that it puts patients in control of their level of whiteness as they can stop the treatment as soon as they are happy with the results. The trays are theirs to keep, and any remaining gel can be used later. We also provide further supplies of gel for topping up whiteness.

How to make your teeth white – The takeaway

A white smile is an asset and can boost your confidence. However, it’s always best to consult your local dentist for safe, effective, and long-lasting results.

We will ensure teeth whitening is a suitable treatment for you and that your mouth is healthy before proceeding. Don’t take risks with your smile. Contact the experienced team at Beyond Dental Care. Get in touch today.

References

NBC News – Top-rated at-home teeth whitening kits and products

Australian Dental Association – Teeth whitening: Surging popularity brings issues to resolve