Whether you want to have a smile makeover for your
prom night, or are just self-conscious since smoking
cigarettes or drinking coffee have given you stained
and yellow teeth, whitening remedies will surely brighten
that smile and, hence, you can gain additional boost
to your confidence. Learn some basic information about
the nature of teeth whitening, categories of whitening
methods and techniques, as well as teeth whitening
costs of each method by reading the following selections.
What does tooth whitening mean?
Tooth whitening lies under the field of cosmetic
dentistry. The process itself eliminates stains and
other discolorations on the teeth due to tea, coffee,
smoking, and other lifestyle-related activities. Additionally,
whitening can also lighten other usual teeth pigmentations.
The extent of improvement of teeth appearance and
success of the treatment depend on the nature and
the severity of the stains and/or teeth discoloration.
Typically stains due to tea, coffee, or smoking will
brighten between four and five shades. Moreover, discolorations
that are due to antibiotics and hereditary factors,
that is natural pigmentation can lighten between two
and three shades after whitening treatments.
Teeth whitening remedies can be categorized into
two:
1. Professional whitening systems
This is usually performed by dentists using whitening
gels and lasers to activate the solution. This is
normally done inside a dental clinic.
2. Home-based teeth whitening remedy
This could either be done in-between appointments
of professional treatments using whitening kits and
tray-based whitening technique or are just home-made
remedies from kitchen and medicine items. These applications
are usually done at home and according to the frequency
suggested by dentists and/or by a product’s instructions.
Regardless, teeth will noticeably be brighter after
these teeth whitening methods. However, while there
are a variety of over-the-counter whitening products
and do-it-yourself or home-made whitening solutions,
consulting a dentist and even a physician is the only
way to validate the thousand and one claims of these
remedies.
Aside from the available time and temperament of
the patient, cost of teeth whitening treatments is
also considered. Apparently, the cost of teeth whitening
depends upon the type of teeth whitening method to
be employed.
Costs of in-office dental whitening method usually
lie between $ 500 and $ 2000. On the other hand, home-based
bleaching trays that are customized by dentists may
cost between $ 100 and $ 300. Using home-made solutions
are often inexpensive. Paint whiteners such as Crest
Night Effect and Colgate Simply White Night may cost
for as low as $ 50 depending on the country to where
these products are marketed.
Now ponder on these questions carefully, first, “To
whiten or not to whiten?” then, “What are the common
advantages and disadvantages of employing a whitening
method?”
Nevertheless, any method applied on the surface of
the teeth will surely result into brighter teeth,
and hopefully a brighter smile. The length of time
before the wanted results are achieved varies. Professional
techniques are relatively immediate as compared to
home-made remedies and over-the-counter whitening
paints and kits.
However, peroxide-based gels used in the abovementioned
methods of teeth whitening causes the teeth to become
temporarily sensitive to cold and hot food, drinks,
and even through exposure to air. Trays for whitening
that are customized by dentists cause oversensitivity
of the gums. Additionally, some of the whitening kits
that are bought even without prescription may tear
down and make the enamel of teeth thinner and thinner.
This will expose the dentin, which may, in turn, be
severely colored. These things, obviously, will add
up to the cost of having that smile makeover.
Now come to think of it. Read again before you say,
“Ahhhhh!”
