Teeth Whitening
Whether you feel self-conscious because you have yellowed teeth or you just want to look your best, teeth whitening is a quick and effective way to brighten your smile and gain increased confidence in your appearance. Tooth whitening, a cosmetic dentistry treatment, eliminates discoloration and stains on the teeth, and brightens the natural pigmentation of the teeth. If you are interested in revitalizing your smile, there are both professional and at-home treatments available. Regardless of which treatment option you choose, you can expect your teeth to be noticeably brighter after treatment.
While there are a number of over-the-counter methods available, you should consider consulting with an experienced dental professional if you are considering whitening your teeth; he or she can recommend the most effective treatment for you and educate you on the risks, benefits, and cost of treatment. Learn more about teeth whitening techniques and methods as well as the cost of treatment by reading the sections below.
Procedure
Two effective techniques are available today: in-office laser and at-home teeth whitening with custom-fit trays. Both techniques are best performed under your dentist's supervision to ensure the safest and most dependable results.
In-Office Laser Treatment
In-office methods are performed with bleaching gel and laser light. This is a good method for sensitive teeth, as the process may be closely monitored by the cosmetic dentist. The teeth are carefully isolated from the lips and gums, and then a bleaching gel is applied to them. A laser is used in conjunction with the gel to accelerate and amplify the tooth whitening process.
At-Home Treatment
There are several choices for those who are interested in at-home teeth whitening methods. Your cosmetic dentist can take imprints of your teeth and then make custom-fitted trays for you to take home to complete the process. There are also teeth bleaching kits and other over-the-counter products available to brighten your smile.
Candidates
Do you have stained or yellowed teeth? Have your teeth lost their natural luster and become dull? If so, you may be a candidate for teeth whitening. Though pregnant women and minors are not good candidates for the procedure, nearly anyone can benefit from treatment, making it an extremely popular procedure with individuals looking to improve their appearance. If you would like to whiten your teeth and improve your smile, we encourage you to speak with a local cosmetic dentist to see if the treatment is right for you.
Benefits
Quite simply, teeth whitening is one of the safest, quickest, most cost-effective ways to dramatically improve your smile. The benefits of treatment extend beyond a white smile; bright, white teeth can have a real impact on your self-esteem and self-confidence, and play a role in your social life. Smiling should not be something that causes embarrassment or hesitation – this treatment allows you to smile with confidence.
Risks
Though a safe treatment, there are some side effects and risks associated with teeth whitening. The gel that is used in various products can cause the teeth to be temporarily sensitive to hot and cold foods, drinks, and even to air. Trays used to bleach teeth can also cause sensitivity, primarily to the gums. Because of this, treatments on sensitive teeth may best be performed in a dental office. Also, some over-the-counter products may wear down the enamel of the teeth if used overzealously. For this reason, and because in-office treatments are more effective, it is best to seek treatment under the supervision of a cosmetic dentist.
Results
The degree of improvement will vary from patient to patient. Results depend on several factors, including how severely the teeth are stained or discolored as well as the nature of the stains. If teeth are brown or yellow as a result of coffee, tea, or smoking, for example, stains will generally lighten four to five shades (though in some cases, it may be possible to lighten teeth by up to eight shades). Teeth that are gray due to natural pigmentation, the effects of aging, or antibiotics use will typically lighten two to three shades.
Cost
The cost of teeth whitening varies according to the method employed - professional in-office treatment or at-home. In-office treatments may cost between $100 and $800, while at-home bleaching trays that are custom fit by a dentist may cost between $300 and $2,000. The cost of the procedure also varies depending on the cosmetic dentist and the area or city of his or her practice. Cosmetic dentistry financing is often available.
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Teeth Whitening Video
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