Whitening your teeth is one of the easiest and least costly ways to quickly enhance your smile, costing much less than other treatments and possibly saving money in future dental work.
Store-bought whitening products such as toothpaste and strips contain mild hydrogen peroxide that lightens surface stains, with prices typically falling between $5-50 per package of several stripes.
Over-the-counter products
Over-the-counter whitening products may provide an economical way to get whiter teeth, but they may cause side effects in some people. Whitening may make your teeth sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. It may irritate gums – If this happens to you, it is essential to contact your dentist immediately and follow product directions strictly – do not continue whitening beyond what has been recommended by your dentist!
There are various whitening agents that you can purchase at grocery and drug stores, including whitening strips, brush-on whiteners, and trays. Many of these whitening products contain fewer bleaching agents than dentists would administer, making them easy to use at home while having longer-term effects.
A whitening strip is placed over the front of your teeth and worn for a specified amount of time each day, typically 10-22% carbamide peroxide diluted hydrogen peroxide to lighten tooth color, which can be purchased either at drug stores or online for around $5 a strip.
Many toothpastes on the market contain small amounts of baking soda to remove surface stains. However, these do not contain bleach and only remove surface-level discolorations. A professional whitening treatment may lighten your teeth one or two shades depending on what kind of stain was removed and how long you allow the whitening agent to remain on your teeth.
Some whitening treatments claiming to utilize LED lights to speed up and intensify results were ineffective; most dentists believed that using them could damage enamel and gum tissue and, therefore, did not recommend this type of whitening. Whitening pens may also work but generally far less effectively as peroxide gel is in contact with your teeth for less time than trays.
In-office treatments
Many dentists offer in-office bleaching treatments to make teeth several shades whiter in just one appointment. Unlike over-the-counter products, professional treatments contain higher concentrations of peroxide that are less likely to cause damage or discomfort, as they take into account every individual mouth’s specific needs when approaching procedures to minimize risks associated with using over-the-counter whitening products, which may lead to irritation or damage that requires further treatments.
In-office teeth whitening treatments typically last 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the extent of staining and your dentist’s assessment of its potential success. Your teeth will first be gently polished using pumice to remove plaque and surface stains before receiving the whitening solution; to minimize chemical burn risk during this process, a protective barrier may also be placed over gums to reduce exposure. Next, whitening gel is applied in 15-30 minute intervals using high-intensity light therapy to accelerate this process.
After receiving treatment, your dentist will recommend a follow-up plan that typically involves wearing custom-fitted trays to maintain the whitening solution for an allotted amount each day. It is also advised to avoid foods and drinks that stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, yellow mustard, beets, black grapes, candies, etc.
Though in-office whitening offers dramatic results, it should only be treated as a temporary fix and only lasts 2-3 years. Even though stains will be reduced considerably over this time, they will eventually return; to ensure the most successful outcomes, treatment should always be followed up by professional cleaning to remove any remaining stains and ensure long-term success.
Teeth whitening may not be a permanent fix, but it improves your smile and confidence. Furthermore, teeth whitening may help avoid other health complications caused by poor oral hygiene and stress, such as gum disease or mouth ulcers.
Deep bleaching
If you want to lighten your teeth further, in-office bleaching treatments are an option. These one-appointment procedures involve placing a rubber shield over your gums as protection from the bleaching solution and may include high-powered whitening lamps to expedite whitening processes – in-office whitening can brighten three to eight shades!
Before beginning any in-office whitening procedure, a consultation with a dentist is usually essential. This allows them to identify problems like deep decay, cracks, or gum disease that might impede its efficacy; additionally, the dentist will make sure your tooth enamel remains in good condition and not negatively impacted by bleaching agents.
At an in-office whitening appointment, your teeth will be cleaned with pumice before being rinsed to eliminate bacteria that might impede the bleaching process. Next, your dentist will apply the whitening agent, often in the form of peroxide gel, which can be directly applied using a small brush and left in place for around 14 days, depending on manufacturer recommendations.
Most teeth whitening products work by increasing the cleanliness of your teeth, bleaching away both intrinsic and extrinsic stains, and lightening their overall color. Bleaching agents such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide work by dissolving in your mouth to release hydroxyl molecules, which break down into bleaching solutions that bleach away staining chromogens from your enamel surface.
Some whitening agents require more prolonged exposure, yet it is still important not to leave it on too long as this could dehydrate and increase sensitivity in your teeth. Furthermore, limiting foods and beverages that stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, curry, and tobacco, would be prudent, as these could also stain them.
After your in-office whitening treatment has been completed, the dentist will give you a kit that includes custom-fabricated trays and enough carbamide peroxide gel for at-home use (best used when sleeping so saliva flow can be minimized), along with desensitizer to reduce any possible sensitivity during the process. The average cost for such a process is $500 and typically lasts several months before dissipating due to food and beverage products that stain your teeth further.
Dental veneers
Dental veneers may offer one solution to help brighten your smile and restore discolored teeth, though they’re not suitable for everyone. Your dentist will evaluate if veneers are the appropriate option and suggest alternatives as necessary; in the event of gum disease or decay issues, treatment may first be recommended rather than veneers being pursued.
The cost of veneers will depend on your specific needs and materials used, with composite veneers usually costing less than porcelain ones. Your dentist will take X-rays, photographs, and impressions of your mouth and teeth during an initial consultation before initiating this process; usually, this requires two visits with follow-up appointments afterward.
At your initial visit, your dentist will prepare your teeth for veneers by fixing any cavities, reshaping their surface, and “roughing” off enamel to allow cement to adhere better. They may also check your bite, which could require adjustments to the shape of your teeth. For sensitive patients, numbing gel may be used during this process for maximum comfort.
Once your veneers are ready, your dentist will glue them in place and evaluate their fit and color before making necessary adjustments. Some teeth might experience slight roughness or temperature sensitivity post-application of veneers; this is typically temporary and should subside with regular brushing.
Your dentist may suggest returning for a follow-up visit to remove any excess cement, ensure the veneers are securely attached, and assess any issues with your bite or teeth, such as damaged gums.
Once in place, dental veneers will look their best for years if cared for correctly. Brush and floss regularly; attend regular dental cleanings; avoid hard foods; and if you grind or clench your teeth excessively, your dentist can provide a mouth guard/splint to protect you and your veneers.
