Risks with Whitening Your Teeth

If you feel insecure when you smile because you have yellow or discolored teeth, teeth whitening may be an excellent solution for you. Teeth whitening restores the brightness and whiteness of your teeth—allowing you to smile bright and with confidence.

Professional vs. Over-the-Counter Whitening

When it comes to teeth whitening, there are two main options: professional or over-the-counter. For patients with minimal whitening needs, over-the-counter may be the right choice in order to save money. While over-the-counter options cost less than professional teeth whitening, they also generally do not produce the same level of results. Because of this, if a patient needs a more advanced level of whitening, the best option will likely be professional whitening.

Professional Whitening Options

There are two options that a patient is generally able to choose between for their professional teeth whitening: at-home whitening trays and in-office laser whitening. Both have their advantages, and both can produce amazing results.

In-office laser whitening utilizes amazing technology in combination with professional-grade whitening solution to significantly whiten a patient’s teeth in as little as one visit. While laser whitening is quick and easy, it is also more expensive than at-home whitening. Often times, in- office laser whitening costs as much as $350 per treatment.

The other professional teeth whitening option is at-home whitening with the use of a whitening tray. A patient that undergoes at-home professional whitening has a custom tray created specifically for their teeth. The patient then puts whitening gel in the tray, and administers the treatment to themselves from the comfort of their own home. This process takes longer (often two or more weeks), but will generally have the same results as in-office whitening.

The Risks of Whitening

While professional teeth whitening is a fantastic solution for many patients, not all patients will benefit from teeth whitening. The enamel of some patients are unable to handle the whitening procedure, which removes the option of professional whitening. Also, for a small percentage of patients, the teeth whitening procedure does not work.

Teeth whitening is also something that needs to be performed regularly in order to maintain the same level of brightness. While patients can increase the longevity of their treatment by taking proper care of their teeth, the color will eventually begin to fade.

Finding the Right Dentist

In order to undergo professional teeth whitening, you’ll first need to find a dentist that is able to perform the procedure. While some general dentists offer teeth whitening, not all do. Because of this, you may need to look for a cosmetic dentist. You may want to consider asking your general dentist for a referral.

Professional teeth whitening can restore confidence, boost self-esteem and return the brightness to your teeth. Set an appointment with a cosmetic dentist to see if you are a good candidate for professional teeth whitening. If you are, you can discuss whether an at-home custom whitening tray or in-office laser whitening treatment is best for your specific needs, and your particular budget.

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