Teeth Bleaching - Dental office and at-home treatments
It seems that there are a multitude of teeth bleaching and whitening options available to us these days. We all want to have a pearly white smile, just like we had when we were kids. Over the counter products, as well as whitening toothpastes can be found in most stores. However, you may find that treatments through a dentist’s office are more effective.
In-office teeth bleaching provides the quickest and most effective way of whitening. These products can be used in combination with heat, a special light, and/or a laser. The light and heat accelerate the whitening process. Results are seen in only one, thirty to sixty minute treatment; however, to achieve dramatic results, several appointments are usually needed. However, with laser-enhanced whitening, dramatic results can be seen after the first treatment. In-office procedures range in cost from $200 to $500 for upper only, or $500 to $1,000 for the whole mouth.
You can also use treatments at home under your dentist’s supervision. Your dentist will take an impression of your mouth and make a mouthpiece tray sized especially for you. Over-the-counter at-home treatments also use a tray, but it is one size and may not fit your mouth properly. Before you start the process, your dentist will give you an oral examination and consider your complete medical history, which can be helpful in determining how the discoloration happened and if teeth bleaching is a recommended treatment for the discoloration. Your dentist can then better match the type of stain with the best treatment to lighten the stains. With dentist-supervised teeth bleaching procedures, your dentist will need to see you in his office a couple of times throughout the process to make sure you are following directions. He will also make sure the customized tray you are using for the process is fitting properly. Another thing he will look for is any sign of irritation to the gums, which is a side effect of teeth bleaching. Doing dentist-supervised teeth bleaching is beneficial because with over-the-counter products that are similar, you are on your own to determine if everything is working as it should.
Another advantage to receiving teeth bleaching treatments at your dentist’s office or at home supervised by your dentist is that the gel used to whiten your smile has received the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This means that the product has met the ADA’s requirements for safety and effectiveness. Over-the-counter teeth bleaching products have not received ADA approval because they feel that a consultation with a dentist is important to ensure safe usage of the product.
A good place to start when considering teeth bleaching is with your dentist. He can recommend if this procedure is right for you.