Everyone desires a dazzling white smile whether through DIY treatments or professional teeth whitening. Teeth whitening products are everywhere today from toothpaste to bleaching kits all promising whiter teeth for a small amount in comparison to professional teeth whitening. There are three ways to whiten your teeth.

1. Salon whitening 

This type offers in-house treatments claiming to improve the colour of teeth by up to nine shades. Salon workers, however, have little or no basic dental training. They whiten teeth by using bleaching equipment and activating the light. They charge around $200. These salons are not equipped to check for problems such as cracked enamels, cavities and any dental problems that may need special care. A negative outcome of salon teeth whitening can be sensitive teeth and painful gums.

2. Professional whitening

Teeth whitening by a professional dentist is the safest way to whiten your teeth. Dentists are qualified to give you a proper assessment and can prescribe the right treatment according to your dental history. They offer custom bleaching trays allowing for control of the bleaching agent and cause less irritation. This form of whitening is expensive costing around $1000. Dentists use hydrogen peroxide solution for the procedure. 

LED or halogen lamps activate the effect of hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a strong solution and hence its effect is prolonged enabling your teeth to maintain the white colour for longer. However, because of its strength, it makes teeth more sensitive. In addition, you may need a couple of treatments in order to achieve the desired results. Dentists can also offer home bleaching kits that are a bit pricey.

3. DIY bleaching

If you are going to use DIY teeth whitening methods, it is advisable you talk to your dentist. Your dentist can recommend particular bleaching products that can work on the stains on your teeth. It, however, takes considerably longer. You should be careful not to overuse the bleaching agents due to damage to the enamel. Be careful not to buy poor quality products because of their low prices, as there are plenty of fake bleaching products. DIY whitening kits can be purchased online. These kits contain trays, bleaching agents, paste to reduce sensitivity and a light to activate the bleaching agent. In addition, avoid touching the gums with the bleaching agent or swallowing it. You have the option of custom-made trays that are slightly expensive but last for years.