Aside from the skin and chest, the teeth are perhaps one of the most digitally enhanced body parts in men and women. Using photo editing tools, like Photoshop, teeth can be easily straightened, their gaps fixed and, best of all, whitened. Those who are looking for an effortless and inexpensive way of showing off their perfect, Hollywood smiles to the world usually turn to Photoshop to get the job done.

But why settle for a digital version of your dazzling, pearly whites when you can always have the real thing?

Teeth Whitening Solutions

The desire to get whiter teeth is common to everyone. If it weren’t, people wouldn’t be spending their time and money in making their teeth whiter in pictures. However, it’s important to understand that in order to get optimum results, sitting in front of the computer is not the best way to go. A variety of tooth whitening products and services exist today that will give one a better and brighter smile; so, why not take advantage of them?

The following are some of the options you should consider:

• Over-the-counter Whitening Products

Over-the-counter tooth whitening products, such as whitening toothpastes, rinses and gums or strips, are the most common options available today. Many of these products contain abrasive agents that help remove stains and whiten teeth; however, they may not be as effective for badly stained teeth. The great thing about these products is that they’re more accessible and affordable. Some brands even cost less than $10. And with proper and regular use, achieving excellent results is possible.

• Natural Methods

For those who want to keep it natural, Mother Nature has plenty of solutions in store for you. Strawberries, for example, contain malic acid, an organic compound that provides natural teeth bleaching results. You can apply the pulp of crushed strawberries on your teeth and then leave it for at least five minutes.

Another natural teeth whitening solution can also be found in the kitchen: baking soda. Baking soda contains properties that can scrub surface stains from the teeth, making then appear whiter. To use baking soda as a teeth whitener, create a mixture of equal parts baking soda and water. Dip a soft toothbrush to the mixture and brush it to your teeth gently and in a circular motion. You need to be aware, however, of the possible side effects of these two home remedies. Using malic acid and baking soda or sodium bicarbonate for long periods is not recommended as this may lead to enamel damage. This is why dentists suggest using these methods sparingly.

• Chairside Teeth Whitening

Chairside or in-office teeth whitening is a type of teeth whitening procedure administered by a dentist in a clinic and not offered over-the-counter. Despite being quite expensive, chairside teeth whitening is becoming more popular today because of its ability to give excellent results, making teeth three to four shades lighter, even in an hour’s appointment. Most professional teeth whitening techniques involve coating the teeth with a bleaching gel or agent, and using UV light, LED or laser to activate the chemicals. The chemicals then travel into the teeth’s hard layers, removing deep and surface stains.

Chairside teeth whitening is considered the safest method of bringing back the white in your pearly whites because the procedure is supervised by a dentist. A good cosmetic dentist will also be able to determine whether a patient is a good candidate for teeth whitening or not, and then prescribe tooth whitening treatments suited to your needs.

It takes more than just Photoshop to achieve a whiter, brighter smile. And however you choose to achieve it whether from over-the-counter-solutions, home remedies or chairside treatments always consult your dentist first before trying any method. Remember, a proper dental advice can mean the difference between getting those pretty, pearly whites and having nasty, yellow gnashers.

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• License: Creative Commons image source

By Debra Wright

Debra Wright keeps tabs on all things new in the world of health and beauty. Aside from using this information in her current line of work, she seeks to help and inspire others by writing about her newest discoveries. Keep tabs on Debra @debrawrites…