Teeth Whitening – Seven Things to Know

There’s nothing better than a smile—especially if the teeth are pearly white.

“Of all the cosmetic treatments offered by dentists, teeth whitening is the most popular. That may be because teeth whitening is less expensive than most other cosmetic dental procedures, yet it can make a dramatic difference in a person’s appearance and self-confidence,” says Everyday Health.

If your teeth could use whitening, there are a few things you’ll want to know before trying it out.

1. It’s a short process.

Thankfully, there’s no need to be concerned about a lengthy whitening process. While some regimens take longer than others, relatively quick solutions are readily available. “You will see results usually in less than an hour,” says Cleaner Smile, maker of at-home whitening products. “Get four to eight shades whiter with consecutive use.”

2. Not all whiteners are created equal.

If you’re tempted to buy a whitening kit at your local pharmacy or big-box store, beware: teeth-whitening products come in various strengths. While many 20- to 30-minute trays or strips whiten using hydrogen peroxide products, the concentration of those products can vary between 3 to 40 percent. Make sure you know what you’re buying before you whiten on your own.

3. It’s not forever.

Unlike a diamond, your pearly whites aren’t forever, unless you’re consistent with your whitening regimen. Results from at-home teeth whitening can last about six months to one year. Depending on your lifestyle, your results could vary. For example, if you smoke or drink coffee, tea, red wine or soda, you may need to whiten your teeth more often.

4. The laser isn’t always better.

Just because you spend hundreds of dollars at your dentist’s office, doesn’t mean your results will last longer than quality at-home whitening products. While ultraviolet and laser teeth-whitening treatments whiten teeth very quickly, the effects don’t last. In fact, you’ll need to make appointments every few months to keep your smile white. “Although the immediate results are undeniable, it has been found that laser whitening doesn’t last as long as bleaching, with people often requiring two or three follow up sessions. Despite its name, laser whitening doesn’t actually use a laser to get the job done,” explains The Dental Guide.

5. It doesn’t require a dental visit.

There’s no need to wait for your next semi-annual dental visit to experience a whiter smile! Several at-home whitening products offer you professional-quality results without visiting your dental office. Not only is this convenient, but it also means you won’t be paying for another dental appointment.

6. It’s only natural.

While teeth whitening is effective on natural enamel, it will not work on artificial teeth, like caps or veneers. Your existing teeth can be matched to any veneers or caps. However, you should remember that artificial teeth will not be affected if you choose to whiten your natural teeth later.

7. Teeth Whitening is cheaper than you’d expect.

The charge for a simple whitening procedure at your dental office may give you sticker shock. In fact, to get your pearly whites a shade whiter, you’ll end up spending up to $650 in the office, according to Consumer Guide to Dentistry. You deserve a brighter smile and with home whitening kits, you can have it for a fraction of that cost!