Teeth lose their whiteness over time as their mineral structure changes and the enamel becomes more porous. Teeth can also change color due to smoking, coffee, red wine, or even fluoride in tap water. If you are not comfortable with your teeth, you can use a variety of whitening products ranging from toothpaste to aligners, strips and pens. If none of these methods work, you can have your dentist whiten them.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Whitening toothpaste
Step 1. Use whitening toothpaste if you are on a low budget
A tube of whitening toothpaste shouldn't cost more than € 5 at the supermarket.
Step 2. Look for a toothpaste that has a hallmark
Toothpastes with this brand name use abrasive particles to clean teeth and chemicals that bind to stains to remove them. Studies have shown that these toothpastes do not attack the enamel like others.
Step 3. Look for an ingredient called covarine blue in your toothpaste
This substance binds to your teeth and creates an optical illusion that makes them appear less yellow.
Step 4. Brush your teeth twice a day
You should see first results after 2 to 4 weeks. To increase effectiveness, also use a whitening mouthwash.
Method 2 of 6: Whitening masks
Step 1. Choose a kit that fits your budget
- You can buy kits at the supermarket for € 20 or € 40. Each kit contains a template that adapts to all types of teeth and a specific gel.
- Kits made by your dentist can cost around € 300 because they will be tailor-made for your dental arch.
Step 2. Brush your teeth and floss
Check that the bezels are clean.
Step 3. Squeeze a drop of the gel found in the package into the aligners
Excess gel could end up in your mouth and irritate your stomach if you ingest it.
Step 4. Put on the masks
If the gel gets on the gums, remove it with a tissue.
Step 5. Wear the masks for the time indicated on the package
Step 6. Remove the aligners and brush your teeth
If you have sensitivity issues, use a toothpaste designed specifically for sensitive teeth.
Step 7. Clean the masks with a cotton swab and under cold running water
Put them in their packages so they can air dry. Reseal the gel and store it in a cool, dry place.
Step 8. Wait for the results
You will see your teeth whiter in a week or two.
Method 3 of 6: Whitening strips
Step 1. Brush your teeth and floss
This will ensure that the gel also whitens the spaces between the teeth.
Step 2. Remove the strips from the package
They will cost around € 25 at the supermarket.
- The strips are made of polyethylene and peroxide gel which is smeared on the plastic.
- You will see 2 strips: one for the upper arch and one for the lower arch.
Step 3. Check the ingredients well
Avoid whitening strips that contain chlorine dioxide. This chemical, which is the same one used to sterilize swimming pools, can seriously damage tooth enamel.
Step 4. Apply the strips to the teeth
Follow the instructions on the package, but most strips should be kept for 30 minutes twice a day. Some melt on contact with saliva. Others will need to be removed and discarded.
Step 5. Rinse your mouth to remove any gel residue
Step 6. Wait for the results
You should see the difference after about 14 days.
Method 4 of 6: Whitening Pens
Step 1. Brush your teeth and floss carefully
The whitening pen can be found in supermarkets or online, and costs around € 49.
Step 2. Remove the cap from the pen and turn it counterclockwise to release some gel
Step 3. Stand in front of the mirror and smile
Use the tip of the pen to run the gel over your teeth.
Step 4. Keep your mouth open for about 30 seconds to allow the gel to set
Avoid drinking or eating for 30-45 minutes.
Step 5. Repeat this process up to 3 times a day
You should see a noticeable difference after about 2-4 weeks. While feathers don't actually whiten between your teeth, they kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
Method 5 of 6: Teeth Whitening at the Dentist
Step 1. Get your teeth whitened professionally
The dentist will put a mask or protective gel on the gums to prevent them from becoming irritated. He will then smear gel peroxide on standard aligners and apply them to your dental arches.
Step 2. Whiten your teeth with the laser
The dentist will apply a gum protection to the gums, a whitening gel on the teeth and place you under a laser or a very strong light. The light will activate the chemicals in the gel and whiten them faster.
Step 3. What to do at home
Dentists usually recommend applying a whitening product once at home, so be sure to follow its directions for optimal results. Professional whitening treatments are expensive but last up to 3 years.
Method 6 of 6: Maintain White Teeth after Treatment
Step 1. Change your diet and lifestyle
Avoid tobacco, cut back or eliminate coffee, black tea, grape juice, red wine, or drink them through a straw. Curry can also stain your teeth, so be careful.
Step 2. Brush your teeth after each meal
Plus, wash them if you've been drinking anything that might darken them. Take care of your white teeth using whitening toothpaste and mouthwash.
Step 3. Have a professional teeth cleaning every six months
A professional cleaning will help keep your teeth white and prevent several common dental problems.
Advice
- Your local supermarket or website may often offer you teeth whitening products at great prices. Keep an eye on them.
- A “do it yourself” whitening will not change the color of the crowns and the outer coating.
Warnings
- If your gums are swollen and sore after a whitening treatment, stop it right away. If they continue to get irritated even by limiting the frequency and duration of home treatments, stop using them and see your dentist immediately. You can massage your gums with paraffin to prevent irritation from peroxide gel.
- Avoid brushing your teeth with baking soda to whiten them. Baking soda removes enamel, exposing the tooth directly to bacteria and other external agents.
- Many people who decide to try a whitening treatment can get sensitivity reactions towards the products. Brush your teeth with toothpaste for sensitive teeth or use whitening treatments less frequently or for less time.
- Use teeth whitening products only after consulting your dentist. Unfortunately, those who become addicted to these products could get translucent and bluish tooth contours and the change is irreversible.
