Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. Besides removing surface stains, teeth whitening gives you a coveted, attractive, bright smile.
However, finding the right solution may be tricky due to the influx of various teeth whitening trends.
Teeth Whitening Pastes
Teeth whitening pastes brighten your teeth by removing surface stains, giving you a reflective appearance.
For about $30, you can get a quality tooth whitening toothpaste that can deliver fantastic results within one or two weeks of consistent use.
Over-the-counter Kits
Over-the-counter kits are popular for their affordability and ease of use. In addition, they contain special gels that can effectively remove surface stains from your teeth.
When buying a teeth whitening kit, verify if it has an American Dental Association (ADA) Acceptance seal. The seal means the product meets the highest standards of manufacturing and is safe for use.
Moreover, you are advised to undertake the procedure under the close supervision of a qualified dentist. The bleaching agent may cause a health risk if it accidentally leaks onto the gums. It is also crucial to wear a properly fitting mouthguard.
Natural Remedies
Teeth whitening is not all about applying artificial products to the teeth but also about adopting natural remedies at home. Some natural ways to brighten your teeth include avoiding sugary or acidic foods, reducing smoking, and limiting tobacco use.
You can also use abrasives such as baking soda and charcoal to help clean your teeth. Other natural options include brushing your teeth at least twice every day and visiting a dentist twice every year for a dental check-up.
Teeth Whitening at a Dentist’s Office
Besides home-based solutions, you may visit a dental office for a specialized teeth whitening procedure.
Your dentist may recommend using take-home kits or offering in-office treatment options, which require regular visits over time.
Unlike home-based options, gum damage or over bleaching is lower when the procedure is done at a dental clinic.
Here’s what you may expect from a dentist:
Zoom Procedure
The zoom whitening takes approximately 45 minutes and costs about $500. The dentist will use a hydrogen peroxide paste and a special dental light to illuminate the mouth’s interior during the procedure.
The procedure is quite popular since it offers immediate results.
Take-home Kits and Trays
A dentist may prescribe take-home kits so you can undertake the procedure at home. These kits come in customized or ready formats, with highly concentrated bleaching agents that can produce the desired results within two weeks.
On average, take-home kits cost between $150 and $200.
Veneers
Some hard stains may not respond to regular bleaching solutions. Therefore, your dentist may recommend veneers to achieve a brighter smile. However, veneers are expensive and may cost up to $1,000 per tooth.
Teeth Whitening Boosts
The teeth whitening boost is similar to zoom, except that the dentist doesn’t use special dental lighting.
A hydrogen peroxide gel removes all deep stains on the tooth surface to restore a bright smile.
The boost procedure may take up to 2 hours, and it often delivers immediate results. You only need to spend around $500.
Laser Teeth Whitening
The procedure uses laser beams to activate bleaching agents to remove stains from teeth. The dentist may use protective covers over gums and lips for protection against laser beams.
Bottom line:
Teeth whitening helps to remove surface stains and promotes dental health. Although some whitening procedures may be costly, they offer better and almost immediate results.
Talk to your dentist about the best teeth whitening option that suits your needs.