One of the most significant advantages of getting your teeth whitened at the dentist is the treatment oversight before and during treatment to guarantee good results that you cannot get with at-home methods.
If you've never tried whitening yourself, but have spent years being inundated with whitening advertising, you're probably skeptical of the claims made. Can teeth whitening really make that big of a difference? The short answer is: yes.
So, is it worth it? Whether you choose to have your teeth whitened in-office, or opt for the take-home trays, professional teeth whitening is the best choice for permanently whiter teeth. The quick and lasting results combined with an increased comfortability make the higher cost completely worth it.
As a general rule, one can say can they lighten your teeth by 1 or 2 shades, after several days of use. For instance, paint-on whitening gels can lighten your teeth by 1 or 2 shades. Likewise, whitening washes usually take 3 months to lead to 1 or 2 shade improvements in tooth color.
Most patients will see results immediately following the in-office procedure. The full effects of tooth whitening can usually be seen after the first 24 hours. If you use at-home whitening kits, it can take longer to see results.
Also, if you have poor oral health or an underlying medical condition that affects the teeth, the teeth whitening procedure may make the teeth yellow. This is because the dentin has a yellowish hue under the enamel. So, when the enamel thins, your teeth become translucent and may look yellow.
How often teeth whitening treatments are recommended by dentists. Professional teeth whitening performed in the dentist's office is recommended once every year to every 18 months, depending on how long the results last. At-home kits can be used as often as once every four to six months.
Some people respond very well and teeth can get up to 3-4 shades lighter after just 5-7days of bleaching or up to 5 shades whiter with one ZOOM in office treatment. Others may not notice as much change. Your teeth will continue to lighten for a couple of days even after you stop a whitening session.
If your teeth and gums aren't in the best shape or if you've had a lot of previous dental work, both issues can affect your results with traditional teeth whitening treatments. You won't be able to whiten either porcelain crowns or most commonly used dental bonding materials.
That being said, legally approved tooth whitening products, applied by a trained professional is not dangerous for your teeth. You should still refrain from using such products more often than 3-4 a week, so as to prevent gradual enamel erosion.
Average Cost of Teeth Whitening
Once the tray is formed, your dentist will provide instructions for wearing the trays at home. These custom kits typically cost around $250 to $500, with an additional $30 factored in for annual maintenance.
Bleaching products can have multiple side effects such as damaging the dental enamel, causing irritation to the gums, tooth sensitivity and more. Some of these effects are lasting; for example the damage to the dental enamel is permanent and irreversible.
In some cases, whitening solutions can change the colour of your teeth up to nine or more shades. But in most cases the end results are from three to seven shades brighter. Keep in mind that teeth whitening doesn't last forever, so you will have to top up eventually after years more staining from your lifestyle.
The Whiteness Will Fade with Time
Unfortunately, professional teeth whitening will not permanently get rid of teeth stains. Your teeth will start to go back to normal again, and follow up appointments for teeth whitening may be necessary. Most people get their teeth whitened about every other month.
The most reliable and effective teeth whitening treatment is professional chairside teeth whitening. Also known as in-office tooth whitening, the treatment takes place at the dentist's office and only takes 90 minutes of your time.
Teeth that have yellowed with age
As we age, the enamel becomes thinner due to wear and tear, revealing the underlying layer of tooth structure called dentin. Dentin is naturally yellowish and cannot be lightened with teeth whitening products.
The white of your teeth actually comes from the outer layer, the enamel. Healthy enamel is like strong bone and protects the inner layers of your teeth. Protecting your enamel is a good way to maintain white teeth. Some people still have naturally whiter teeth than others.
To do this, a cosmetic dentist might target the size, shape, alignment, or whiteness of the patient's teeth. For celebrity-level whiteness, cosmetic dentists will usually use one of three different procedures: professional whitening treatments, veneers, or crowns.
If teeth whitening does not work for you, it might be because of the product you are using, the type of tooth stains or spots, or strength of the bleaching gel. Product type – Whitening toothpaste does not remove deeply embedded stains.
Even with daily brushing, certain foods and drinks can cause stained teeth. For example, frequently drinking coffee, tea and wine can all lead to yellow teeth. In addition, even regular brushing cannot always combat yellow teeth caused by smoking cigarettes.
Because there is such a wide range of whitening options, the average teeth bleaching results can last anywhere from six months to three years. In most cases, however, people tend to have results that last about one year.
All teeth whitening procedures work by releasing oxygen, which starts to shift the stains. The laser works bygenerating heat. This speeds up the whitening process considerably. Once the hour is up, the machine emitting the laser beams is removed, and all the protective kit fitted into your mouth is carefully extracted.
Professional teeth whitening treatments are typically performed no more than once per year. These treatments involve using powerful bleaching agents. Overdoing these treatments can lead to permanent damage being done to the enamel.
Dentistry for seniors suggests tooth whitening can be done at any age of adulthood. Tooth whitening products remove built-up stains and brighten the enamel. They are affordable and easy-to-use solutions to the problem of aging yellow teeth.