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.
The most effective way to whiten your teeth is professional teeth whitening treatment applied by your dentist in the office. The results of this type of treatment can last between 1 and 3 years. In-office teeth whitening involves the following process: The gum tissue is protected from the effects of the bleaching gel.
In-office teeth whitening treatment offers a way for you to brighten your smile safely. Dentists recommend getting whitening treatment once a year or so for most patients to keep their smiles looking aesthetically pleasing. Whitening teeth too often could cause certain oral health concerns, such as worn-down enamel.
The answer is a resounding yes. The most effective way to whiten teeth is with a professional in-office treatment.
But people who consistently overuse whitening products can develop long-term tooth sensitivity or even significant tooth erosion, says Nadia Rodriguez, a cosmetic dentist in New York City. Hydrogen peroxide in whitening treatments can chemically burn the gums, particularly if products aren't applied correctly.
Teeth are thought to become more sensitive after whitening because the whitener weakens the teeth slightly, exposing “dentinal microtubules” that connect the outside of the tooth to the nerves inside.
What are the risks of teeth whitening? No matter what treatment you use, there's a chance your gums will be sensitive to the chemicals used in teeth whitening, particularly if you already have sensitive teeth. There's also a chance of burns to gums and some of the whitening kits used at home can harm tooth enamel.
For long-lasting results, experts recommend a whitening treatment in your dentist's office, followed by monthly over-the-counter treatments for maintenance. But this may not be right for everyone. SOURCES: American Dental Association: "Tooth Whitening,"“ "Natural Teeth Whitening,” "Oil pulling."
While they are extremely popular, many people still question whether or not they actually are effective at whitening teeth. The short answer is yes, they do in fact whiten your teeth over time, but whitening strips are not the best way to whiten your teeth!
Yellow teeth can regain whiteness through various methods, including good oral hygiene, professional dental cleanings, and teeth-whitening treatments. Stains from coffee, tea, or tobacco can be removed with adequate oral care, while professional procedures like bleaching or laser treatments offer quicker results.
Whether you're using commercial whitening strips or an at-home kit from your dentist, most dental professionals recommend touching up every 3-4 months or after every time you have your teeth cleaned. Typically, you only have to wear the kit 3-4 times to “boost” your smile back to its whiter color.
Avoid Drinking Beverages with Strong Pigments. The first 3 to 5 days after teeth whitening treatment are crucial, and your teeth will discolor quicker than usual. To prolong your teeth whitening treatment, it is best to avoid drinking anything during this time that can cause staining on your newly whitened teeth.
Out-of-Pocket Payment: In most cases, teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by dental insurance, whether in-network or out-of-network. As a result, you should anticipate paying for the procedure out of pocket.
Professional whitening agents penetrate enamel better than over-the-counter products. As a result, they effectively remove stubborn stains. Extra costs are justified. This is due to using special trays and safety measures.
Brown or gray teeth, or teeth striped or mottled from tetracycline or too much fluoride, may not whiten evenly when bleached. People with periodontal disease or particularly sensitive teeth may want to avoid chemical whitening techniques that can irritate tender gums.
The pores in your teeth are slightly more open and can more easily allow stains in. Smile Brilliant and dentist professionals recommend whitening before bed as it reduces the opportunity for staining and gives your teeth the night to begin rehydrating and remineralizing.
Over-the-Counter Whitening. These take-home teeth whitening kits and products are the most inexpensive, convenient ways to restore the luster of your pearly whites. You can purchase these cost-effective bleaching and cleaning products at your local supermarket, drug store, or online.
A: Prices vary widely for tooth whitening. Over-the-counter kits can cost as little as $20, with extensive in-office procedures approaching up to $1,000. If you want professional whitening, expect the price to be around $300 to $800.
The results of professional in-office whitening are significantly better than the degree of whitening you can achieve at home with over-the-counter products. The whitening agent I use is more concentrated than commercial whitening agents. As a result, it lightens your teeth by about eight shades in one hour.
If you are younger than 16, you are not a candidate for teeth whitening. This is because the pulp chamber in young teeth is larger than that of an adult, and whitening treatments could cause irritation. If you are pregnant or lactating, teeth whitening is not recommended.
Seniors can whiten their teeth gradually with a professional take-home kit. The kits include custom-fitted trays that you wear with a bleaching gel for several weeks, either twice a day for thirty minutes or overnight.