Teeth Whitening Benefits and Cost: Do you want to have a brighter and more confident smile? If so, you might be interested in teeth whitening, a cosmetic dental procedure that can improve the appearance of your natural teeth. Teeth whitening can help you get rid of stains and discoloration caused by various factors, such as food, drinks, smoking, aging, and medications.
You should choose the whitening method that suits your needs, budget, and dental condition. You should also take good care of your teeth and follow the instructions and precautions of the whitening product or service you use. In this blog post, we will explain the benefits, procedure, time, cost, and results of teeth whitening, as well as how to keep your teeth whitened for a long time.
Benefits of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening can offer you several benefits like:
Enhancing your self-esteem and attractiveness by giving you a more radiant smile.
Making you look younger and healthier by removing the signs of aging on your teeth.
Boosting your mood and happiness by making you smile more often.
Improving your oral hygiene and health by motivating you to take better care of your teeth.
The procedure of Teeth Whitening
There are different ways to whiten your teeth, depending on your preference, budget, and dental condition. You can choose from:
Over The Counter Whitening Products.
These include whitening toothpaste, mouthwash, strips, gels, trays, and pens that you can buy from pharmacies or online stores. These products usually contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as the active ingredients that bleach your teeth. They are easy to use at home, but they may not be very effective or safe for everyone. You should always follow the instructions and warnings on the labels carefully.
Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments.
These are professional whitening sessions that are performed by your dentist or a trained technician. They use stronger bleaching agents and sometimes ultraviolet (UV) light or lasers to enhance the whitening effect. They can whiten your teeth faster and more effectively than OTC products, but they are also more expensive and may cause more sensitivity or irritation.
Natural Home Remedies.
These are alternative methods that use natural ingredients or household items to whiten your teeth. Some examples are baking soda, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, charcoal, coconut oil, and turmeric. These methods are cheap and easy to try, but they may not be very reliable or safe for your teeth. They may damage your enamel or cause other dental problems if used incorrectly or excessively.
Time of Teeth Whitening
The time it takes to whiten your teeth depends on the method you choose and the degree of staining you have. Generally speaking:
OTC whitening products may take several weeks or months to show noticeable results. You may need to use them regularly or repeatedly to maintain the effect.
Professional whitening treatments may take one or more sessions to achieve the desired shade. Each session may last from 30 minutes to an hour. You may need to repeat the treatment every few months or years to keep your teeth white.
Natural home remedies may vary in their effectiveness and duration. Some may work faster than others, but some may not work at all. Try different ways to see what works best for you.
Cost of Teeth Whitening
The cost of teeth whitening also depends on the method you choose and the location where you get it done. Generally speaking:
OTC whitening products may range from $10 to $100 per product. You may need to buy multiple products or replace them frequently to achieve and maintain the effect.
Professional teeth whitening treatments may cost from $300 to $1000 per session. You may need to pay extra for consultation, examination, cleaning, or follow-up visits.
Natural or home remedies may be very cheap or free if you already have the ingredients or items at home. However, you may also need to spend money on other dental care products or services if these methods cause any damage or complications.
Results of Teeth Whitening Treatment
The results of teeth whitening vary from person to person depending on several factors, such as:
- Original color and condition of your teeth.
- The type and amount of staining on your teeth.
- Specific method and frequency of whitening you use.
- The quality and safety of the whitening product or service you use.
- Your lifestyle and habits that affect your teeth.
In general, you can expect to whiten your teeth by two to eight shades after using any whitening method2. However, this is not a guarantee or a permanent outcome. Your teeth may become stained again over time due to aging, diet, smoking, medications, or other factors.
How to Keep Your Teeth Whitened for a Long Time
To keep your teeth whitened for a long time after using any whitening method, you should follow these tips:
– Clean your teeth two times a day with fluoride toothpaste and use dental floss every day.
– Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after eating or drinking anything that can stain your teeth like coffee, tea, wine, berries, or sauces.
– Avoid or limit smoking, chewing tobacco, or using other products that can harm your teeth and gums.
– Go to your dentist for checkups and cleanings often.
– Use whitening products or treatments as directed by your dentist or the manufacturer.
– Consult your dentist before trying any new whitening method or product.
Conclusion
Teeth whitening is a popular and effective way to improve the appearance of your natural teeth. It can offer you many benefits, such as enhancing your self-esteem, attractiveness, mood, and oral health. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as cost, time, sensitivity, irritation, and variability. You should choose the whitening method that suits your needs, budget, and dental condition. You should also take good care of your teeth and follow the instructions and precautions of the whitening product or service you use. By doing so, you can enjoy a brighter and more confident smile for a long time.
