Who doesn’t love a bright, shiny smile? Although we’d all love a perfect set of blindingly white teeth, we use our teeth for much more than dazzling those nearby. Even with the healthiest diets, they take a lot of wear and tear from eating and drinking. You’re not alone if you feel like your teeth have lost their shine.
Wearing away of the enamel, or protective coating on the teeth, can be prevented, but it still happens naturally over time. This leads to a duller, slightly less white look. Luckily, teeth whitening is nothing new. Let’s discuss what it is and how much professional teeth whitening might cost.
What Is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening is a dental procedure that whitens teeth beyond their natural color. This treatment effectively brightens teeth and enhances smiles.
When teeth are whitened, a gel containing hydrogen peroxide is applied to them. The gel penetrates the enamel to break down stains and lighten the teeth, resulting in a whiter and brighter smile.
Benefits and considerations for professional teeth whitening
The main benefits of professional teeth whitening include instantly noticeable results, customized treatment plans, and the use of professional-grade whitening agents that ensure effective and safe whitening.
While professional teeth whitening is generally safe, some individuals may experience temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation following the treatment. Your dentist can explain any risks or possible side effects to you and ensure you make an informed decision.
How Much Can You Expect to Pay for Professional Whitening?
It’s important to remember that the cost of professional teeth whitening can vary based on the type of in-office whitening treatment you receive, location, and from practice to practice. That being said, the average cost of in-office teeth whitening ranges from $500 to $1000, and you can expect to pay somewhere in that range. It’s important to sit down with your dentist to get a quote based on your needs.
Professional Teeth Whitening vs. At-Home
If you’re looking into teeth whitening, there’s no doubt you’ve heard of whitening strips. From easy to put on to cheaper than in-office treatment, it may seem like a no-brainer at first to opt for at-home whitening strips. However, professional whitening and at-home whitening treatments each have their own advantages and considerations.
In-office teeth whitening allows your dentist to achieve immediate and dramatic whitening results, while at-home options allow individuals to perform whitening treatments at their convenience using whitening trays or strips, usually with results that may not be as immediate or dramatic.
Additionally, your dentist will have advanced technology at their disposal to maximize your treatment. Dentists can use laser teeth whitening to enhance the effects of whitening gel, providing efficient and long-lasting whitening results compared to traditional whitening methods.
Results of Professional Whitening
After professional whitening, you can expect significant improvement in the whiteness of your teeth. Many people enjoy teeth that are several shades lighter than their natural color after undergoing the treatment.
The duration of whitening results can vary depending on individual habits, diet, and oral care, but with proper maintenance, the effects of professional teeth whitening can last up to a few years.
Maintaining professional teeth whitening results involves practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding stain-causing foods and beverages, and visiting the dentist regularly for touch-up treatments or additional preventive care.
Candidacy for Professional Teeth Whitening
While professional teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental treatment, it may not be suitable for everyone due to certain considerations like sensitive teeth, gum disease, or extensive dental restorations.
Consult a dentist specializing in cosmetic dentistry if you’re considering professional teeth whitening. They can determine whether or not you’ll be a good candidate and what the best treatment plan is based on your needs and unique anatomy.
Alternatives to professional teeth whitening may include dental veneers, bonding, or other cosmetic dental procedures that can achieve aesthetic enhancements if teeth whitening isn’t a good option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will teeth whitening be effective on my teeth?
That’s something we’ll consider before treatment. To give you an idea, whitening usually works best on teeth with yellowish stains rather than gray stains.
Will teeth whitening damage my oral health?
Not if you get it done with dentists! A great benefit of professional whitening is that trained professionals look out for the health of your teeth, reducing the risk of damage to your enamel or overall oral health.
Should I do anything before or after?
Avoid eating “staining” foods or drinks 2 days before your procedure. This includes coffee, brightly colored berries, sodas, and red wine.
Put The Sparkle Back In Your Smile
Professional teeth whitening is a safe way to brighten your smile and entire face, letting your beauty radiate from the inside out. If you’re interested in learning more about the whitening process, contact Atlanta Smiles today to learn more.