Is professional Teeth Whitening for me?
It wasn’t long ago that professional teeth whitening or teeth bleaching seemed unattainable to regular people. We often speak to patients who are so embarrassed by their smile stained with layers of soda, coffee, and tobacco. Whether you Understanding Dental Insurance For Providers choose for the more effective professional whitening or the whitening products at the pharmacy the real truth is that it works! Almost everyone can see substantial improvement from 4 to 8 shades whiter with this cosmetic treatment.
Options
In-Office Teeth Whitening: the major benefit of in-office whitening is that in a short period of time you can see massive results. A typical visit lasts just 2 hours. Gums are painted with a rubber dam for protection against bleach and then the teeth are bleached in 20 minute intervals. All patients and their teeth are different. Some will require an additional visit or will be instructed to continue bleaching at home with a take-home whitening system from the dentist. A typical teeth whitening treatment costs $650, on average.
Professional Take-Home Teeth Whitening Systems: Dentists can make custom bleaching trays for patients that resemble an athletic mouth guard. They are just as effective as in-office teeth bleaching but take longer to see results because they contain a lower concentration of peroxide. They can be purchased from your dentist for $100-$400.
Over-the-counter whitening: The strips, one-size-fits-all trays, and bleaching pens that you purchase at the store are the most affordable and arguably the most convenient forms of whitening. They contain a lower concentration of peroxide than found in the take-home trays from the dentist. These methods usually only whiten the front teeth whereas the other options whiten all the teeth. Over-the-counter teeth whitening products cost between $20-$100.
Risks
Gum irritation, Technicolor teeth, and sensitivity are all a possible side effects of in-office teeth whitening. For in-office bleaching more than half of patients feel some sort of gum irritation. It can last up to a few days or until the bleach stops working. Technicolor teeth results from fillings, bridges, and veneers that do Safe Way To White Teeth not change color during the bleaching process. They stay the same color while the surrounding natural teeth whiten. It is also likely that patients will experience sensitivity. This occurs most often during in-office bleaching because the potency of the bleach is much higher. Sensitivity usually last for a day but can last up
to a month.
You should call your dentist for a consultation to see if you are a bleaching candidate as all patients and their teeth vary. The dentist will conduct a comprehensive examination and discuss hygiene with you to determine which method is for you.