A whitening process for teeth describes the process of restoring the natural color of teeth by removing stains from the tooth surface. Whiteners are cleaning agents that can be found in some toothpaste and mouth rinses. Bleaching teeth refers to whitening teeth beyond their natural color.
The whitening process restores your teeth to their natural color. Stains and dinginess are removed and though your teeth will look much better than before the process, their natural color will remain the same. The bleaching process will whiten your teeth beyond the natural color.
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.
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.
The potential side effects of teeth whitening include teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and ineffective results. However, most patients do not experience any notable side effects from professional teeth whitening, as the dentist can monitor the process and perform treatment in a way that minimizes risk.
The excessive use of bleach to whiten your teeth can cause tooth enamel erosion. Tooth enamel is the extremely hard substance that protects your tooth. With its destruction, your oral health will be greatly affected, leading to more tooth decay, pain, and risks for tooth fracturing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
At-Home Custom Tray Whitening
For the safest and most effective at-home teeth whitening method, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) recommends you use custom-fitted trays supplied by your dentist. Ill-fitting teeth whitening trays can cause the gel to ooze out and irritate your gums.
They need upkeep just like the rest of the body! So how often should you whiten your teeth? Generally speaking, it's a good practice to return to your dentist for teeth whitening services roughly once per quarter, or once every three months. This is even if you haven't noticed a dramatic dulling of your smile yet.
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.
Whitening Yellow Teeth
Discolourations are generally responsive to bleaching procedures, and dentists can advise on how to whiten yellow teeth, depending on your case. Your dentist can provide bleaching kits to take home and use over a period of time, as well as in-office bleaching procedures.
The whitening ingredient in professional tooth whitening is not chlorine bleach, but peroxide. I know it sounds logical to think that bleach will whiten your teeth, but it's not likely to work well. Professional whitening places peroxide on your teeth for extended periods of at least 20 minutes.
The most common and effective ways to get a whiter smile, just like the celebrities, are not through at-home whitening treatments. In fact, they can often be a waste of money. Most celebrities opt for regular teeth whitening treatments or veneers. Below you will find more information about which one is right for you.
One of the common misconceptions about professional teeth whitening is that it works on all teeth, regardless of the type or cause of the discoloration. Although teeth whitening is safe and effective for certain types of stains, it will not work in every situation.
Most patients only require one teeth whitening treatment session, although it may involve several applications of the bleaching agent. For at-home whitening kits, the process may involve wearing the whitening trays for up to two weeks.
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. Due to the lower concentration of whitening agents, it can take upwards of two to three weeks to achieve the results you are looking for.
Crest Whitestrips is the #1 dentist-recommended teeth whitening brand in the U.S. And every Crest Whitestrips teeth whitening system is guaranteed to provide you with beautiful, visibly whiter teeth. If you are not satisfied with your results, Crest Whitestrips will refund your purchase.
Longer-Lasting, Brighter Smile
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 would like to whiten the front teeth only, this is certainly a question for the dentist! Most likely, he or she may have a special procedure, where a whitening treatment could be customizable to the front teeth only.
Patients with the following conditions or circumstances may not be the best candidates: Pregnant and lactating women. People who have restorations such as fillings, implants, crowns and dental bridges. Children under 16 years of age.