Methods for Teeth Whitening

Yellow teeth can be a drag on your confidence. Because your teeth are yellow, you may be more reluctant to smile—which can in turn affect your overall mood. In order to return your confidence and boost your mood, consider teeth whitening.

What Is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is the process of whitening your teeth using either over-the-counter or professional whitening treatments. While over-the-counter options can easily be purchased in stores, professional teeth whitening treatments can only be performed with the help of a cosmetic dentist.

Over-the-Counter Whitening Options

There are a variety of over-the-counter whitening options to choose from, and which option is best for you depends on your specific needs. If you only need a small adjustment in the shade of your teeth, whitening gum, toothpaste or mouthwash may be enough. If, on the other hand, you need a more intensive level of whitening, you may need to consider whitening strips. This option is more expensive, and can be dangerous if done without first consulting a dentist.

Although you don’t need the permission of a dentist to purchase whitening strips, it is still highly suggested to speak with your dentist about whether whitening strips are right for you.

Professional Teeth Whitening

There are two main methods of professional teeth whitening to choose from—at-home and in-office whitening. Both of these options will provide amazing, high-quality results. Still, they both have their advantages and disadvantages.

At-home treatments are excellent for patients that are on a budget, but would still like more advanced whitening treatments. At-home whitening involves the use of a whitening gel that is administered with the help of a plastic tray that has been custom made to fit your teeth. At-home whitening often takes two to three weeks, but can take less time if your teeth are less sensitive and can undergo longer periods of treatment. The cost of at-home treatment is generally around $250.

The other professional teeth whitening option is in-office treatment. This is done with a special laser and whitening solution. In-office whitening can whiten the teeth up to ten shades brighter in a single visit, and each visit is generally less than an hour long. Some patients will need multiple treatments to attain the level of whiteness that they are looking for, which is an important consideration for patients on a budget. In-office laser whitening generally costs around $350 per visit.

Am I a Candidate for Professional Whitening?

Professional teeth whitening begins with a trip to a cosmetic dentist to see if you are a candidate for the procedure. They will check your overall oral health, and the strength of the enamel of your teeth. If your enamel isn’t strong enough, they may suggest a less intensive option—such as whitening toothpaste. If you are a candidate, you can speak with your cosmetic dentist about whether in-office laser treatment or at-home, custom tray treatment is the best option for your budget and your particular needs.

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