Your smile is often one of the first things people notice about you.  There are several products on the market that promise to whiten and brighten your smile. The prices vary with each technique, so there is sure to be a method that matches your price range.

30 Days of Beauty, Day 12: Teeth Whitening

Below are various tooth whitening options.

Whitening Strips and Pens

Whitening strips is a teeth whitening technique that has recently grown in popularity. Whitening strips are readily available and affordable. The process is usually relatively quick as well, spanning from five days to a month. White strips are convenient and allow you to talk normally, are somewhat invisible, and a couple brands  allow you to drink water while the strips are in place. Others dissolve while your are wearing them.  White strips are available over-the-counter.

Whitening strips are popular  in general and Cindy Ingalls from Prime Beauty  particularly recommends them, but she also likes Whitening Pens  stating: “Over time, teeth may yellow from coffee, tea or red wine stains. Use drugstore whitening strips or better yet, a convenient teeth whitening pen.”

Another fan of Whitening Pens is  Becky Sturm from StormSister Spatique who says:

“ Whiter Image is by far the best over-the-counter product
I have ever used. I can't use "strips" because my teeth are so sensitive
and I cannot leave the bleach on that long. This pen is perfect for your
hand bag or travel and it takes only a MINUTE. It is 3x stronger than
strips so it works super quickly so no sensitivity or drooling!”

Professional Whitening

This is the most pricey technique; however, it is arguably the most effective. One professional procedure is all it takes to whiten and brighten a smile. The fact that the results take little more than an hour is often worth the price to customers. For teeth that are extremely stained, this may also be the best option available.

Professional Trays and Gels

Another professional technique that guarantees results is whitening trays that are specially made to fit your teeth by your dentist. These trays are generally filled with a stronger formula of peroxide than found in whitening strips, for more extreme bleaching power. The trays are generally worn at nighttime, so it is common for whitening gel to come into contact with your gums, causing irritation. The duration of this technique is a few days to a couple weeks.

Teeth Whitening Toothpastes

While whitening toothpaste is the cheapest option on this list, the results are not guaranteed or even likely. Whitening toothpaste is designed to gently brush stains off the surface of the teeth; however, they do not contain a bleaching agent, so a brightened smile is not going to happen. Your teeth may be returned to a natural tooth color over a long span of continuous use, but whitening is not going to occur.

For easy DIY whitening, without buying a product, Stephanie Louise Telford from Stephanie Louise- All Things Beautiful suggest this: “Whiten your teeth at home using one teaspoon baking soda & a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. Use as regular toothpaste.”

Side Effects of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening methods have been shown to produce some adverse side effects occasionally. Everyone is advised to consult with a dentist before beginning any whitening treatment, but this advice holds especially true for those who have sensitive teeth or gums.

The peroxide mixture found in many of these products can be irritating to the gums, as well as cause tooth sensitivity. Most cases of sensitivity reduce over time; however, prolonged contact with tooth whitening products can permanently damage the enamel on the surfaces of the teeth. This is why it is best to consult with a dentist before, during, and after any tooth whitening regime. A dentist can recommend the best technique for each individual based on the degree of staining and the condition of a set of teeth.

Makeup Trick

Stephanie from  Stephanie Louise- All Things Beautiful suggests that you “wear blue based reds & pinks to make teeth appear whiter in photos. Dark clothing does this as well!”

Tomorrow, Day 13, Taking Care Of Hands and Feet

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