A simple Google search for teeth whitening will yield a barrage of results luring you with different opinions over which form of teeth whitening will give the best results. As a cosmetic dentist, we get asked about the many forms of teeth whitening on a daily basis and want to share some of our wisdom with you in this article. 
The Many Forms of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening not only helps you to appear healthier and in better control of your health but it actually will improve your overall health. Assuming you visit a dentist, the whitening itself will act as a deep clean on your teeth. On top of this, studies have shown that after you have had your teeth whitened you are actually more likely to improve your oral hygiene as you are more incentivised to maintain your new bright smile! There are a few different methods of teeth whitening in the industry today. Some will make your teeth whiter than others, some will last longer than others and some are nothing more than short term gimmicks. We are going to run through them all.
In chair laser whitening
In chair or laser teeth whitening is the fastest way for you get that perfect, white smile. The process is simple and will take around two hours. You will go through 4 x 15 minute sessions in which whitening solution is activated on your teeth using special laser technology. This can improve the shade of whiteness teeth up to 8 shades! To achieve this type of change wold require multiple days of alternative treatments. If time is of the essence then in-chair laser whitening is easily the best option for you.
Take home whitening trays
Take-home teeth whitening is incredibly popular amongst newbies and teeth whitening veterans alike. This is largely to the convenience, low cost and then quite possibly highest standard of results from any form of teeth whitening. Although the treatment is a home treatment, you won't be able to avoid seeing the dentist altogether. You will need to come in for an initial consultation in which our dental professional can assess the current condition of your teeth. This is very important as we need to be sure that your are dentally fit and that it is completely safe for you to go through with the treatment. If the dentist finds, for example, that you have some tooth decay or are in need of a filling then this needs to be addressed first. If this is neglected then the whitening solution may be able to work its way to the inner areas of the tooth that should be sealed off.
Teeth Whitening Strips
These inexpensive whitening strips have only recently entered the market. They come under a variety of different brand names and marketing angles but all follow the same principle. The process of whitening your teeth with home whitening strips is the following. You first need to clean your teeth to make sure that there are no pieces of food left on there. If you neglect this then you may not be able to whiten those areas hidden under lunchtimes leftovers. You now need to place the strips over your teeth. This can be tricky and uncomfortable. The strips often slip down and are hard to keep in place. You will then leave the strips as best you can for 30 minutes before removing them. After you've done this you will need to brush your teeth and remove any excess whitening solution that is in your mouth. Failure to do this can lead to you ingesting some of the solution which could be dangerous. You will need to repeat these steps for up to 14 days in order to complete the full course of whitening treatment. And the end result? You will notice some improvement but much less than if you had a professional treatment at your local dentist.
Whitening Toothpaste
One of the latest crazes is whitening toothpaste. All that whitening toothpastes can really do is remove surface stains. There will be no deeper whitening of the tooth and so you will likely not notice any difference at all. Whitening toothpastes are more of a gimmick. Sure they may theoretically whiten your teeth a little but they are absolutely no comparison to a professional treatment.
Where to get your whitening?
For effective whitening treatment you should always visit a dental professional. There have been many instances of bad practice at beauty salons and the like. It is recommended to visit your dentist as they can fully assess your suitability before hand. They also have a safe and reliable source of whitening solution in which the full ingredients are known and safe. Not only this but the trays that will be made for you are professionally made giving you more comfort, less chance of irritation and ultimately you will receive a much higher quality of whitening treatment.
Bamboo are offering free consultations now!
Don't worry if you still have questions about teeth whitening. Our dentist in Cardiff are now offering free consultations so that you can pop in to meet our award winning dentists. They will be able to give you a full assessment to make sure you are a suitable candidate for teeth whitening treatment. They will also be able to run through the procedure and answer any questions that you may have! In order to book your free consultation simply complete our dedicated contact form below and one of our friendly staff will be in touch :)