Things To Know About Teeth Whitening
Teeth-whitening has come a long way since it hit the market and skyrocketed in popularity. These days, if you’re looking for a brighter smile, you’ve got ample options from which to choose.
Essentially, these options are broken down into two categories: at-home whitening kits or professional, in-office teeth whitening services. In most cases, both kinds of teeth-whitening options — the at-home or in-office — utilize peroxide-based bleaches to brighten your smile.
But whether you use an at-home treatment or a professional service, you should check with your dentist before whitening your teeth, as if can be painful for people with sensitive teeth, and you could end up bleaching your gums!
What are the pros and cons of in-office teeth whitening treatments?
If you’re looking for immediate results, then teeth whitening done at a dentist’s office will help you achieve that. Here are the other benefits of in-office teeth whitening:
- Stronger solution for better results: The bleach you’ll see at a dentist’s office is much stronger than what you’ll see in Crest white strips or other at-home.
- Heat and light treatments: Office visits might also include heat and light, or both, to quicken the process and make the results even brighter.
The drawbacks of in-office whitening programs include:
- Cost: It varies from office to office and also depends on which type of service you receive, but you can plan on spending anywhere from $500-$1,000 if you opt for a whitening at a dentist’s office.
- Often, in-office whitening requires several visits, although some technology allows for a single, two-hour appointment.
What are the pros and cons of at-home whitening kits?
From strips to trays to gels, there is no shortage of at-home whitening treatments if that’s the route you’d rather take.
If you’re thinking of using a DIY treatment, here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Cost: At-home teeth whitening generally will be much cheaper than going to a dentist. White strips and gels range from $25-$100, while in-office visits range from $500-$1,000.
- Less dramatic results: You’ll save money by whitening your teeth at home, but don’t expect the same level of white that you’d get if you got your teeth whitened professionally.
- Time: If you choose whitening strips or whitening trays, you’ll have to take the time to wear them daily, usually from two to four weeks. Directions are different for each treatment, but typically you’ll wear them at least 30 minutes to an hour a day, anywhere from 10 days to a month. If you visit a dentist, you won’t have to commit to wearing white strips or whitening trays daily.
Maintaining your bright smile
Whether you visit a dentist or buy a whitening treatment from your local drug store, you can count on the results usually lasting for at least a few months. There are steps you can take to get the most out of your whitening treatment, including:
- Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day.
- Avoid black teas, coffee, wine, carbonated beverages and berries.
Have you been considering a teeth-whitening treatment? Contact Dr. Chauvin’s office today for more information.
