Are your teeth stained or discolored? Have you thought about lightening them, but has confusion over which products work best and how much treatment will cost held you back? Here’s a closer look at how to get safe, effective teeth whitening, and how much you can expect to spend for dazzling results!
Different Types of Teeth Whitening
All teeth whitening generally works in the same manner: bleaching gels (typically containing peroxide) are applied directly to the teeth, where they penetrate the pores in your enamel, breaking up stains and discoloration. There are a variety of products available that all follow this same formula; however, they can vary greatly in cost and effectiveness. Some popular methods include:
- White strips: Available at most pharmacies, discount stores, and grocery stores, white strips sit on the teeth and deliver whitening agents for a specified amount of time before they can be removed and disposed of. Each kit contains enough strips for about two weeks of treatment and is generally the most affordable method of whitening; however, it is also generally the least effective and could potentially take the longest to see results. Many kits range from $20 to $40.
- Gels or pens: Whitening gels and pens have become more popular in recent years and may be sold with personal sized lights to hold over your teeth during treatment. Kits of this type typically start at around $100 and up. While they may often work better than white strips, they still could take some time to yield results, and because they use a higher concentration of whitening chemicals, could make your teeth sensitive for a lot longer.
- Professional whitening: Available as both an in-office treatment or a take home kit from your dentist, professional whitening can remove up to eight shades of discoloration from your smile in as little as about an hour. Professional whitening can range in price from $500 to $1,000; however, remember that when it comes to your oral health, it is important to invest in quality care over discount treatments that don’t deliver results and prolong sensitivity.
Teeth Whitening and Sensitivity
One caveat many patients face with teeth whitening products is tooth sensitivity. This can occur because when the whitening agents enter your enamel, they can strip away the minerals within the teeth that keep them strong. This in turn leaves the delicate nerves within the teeth vulnerable, so when you consume foods or beverages that are hot, cold, spicy, acidic, or sweet, you can experience uncomfortable sensitivity. The good news is that this is usually temporary and will go away within a few days after your treatment; however, if you choose whitening with “bargain” products like white strips or OTC gels, you may need to use them for many weeks or months before you notice results. This means you’ll likely experience sensitivity for an extended period as well.
With professional whitening from your dentist, you can skip to the front of the line and get noticeable, lasting results in around one hour. That means less fumbling with gels and strips, and less sensitivity, too. With a take-home kit customized by your dentist, you can expect similar results in about two weeks, significantly reducing your exposure to whitening chemicals so your teeth can look and feel great faster than they could with an OTC product!
Remember, while professional whitening from your dentist may be a bit more expensive up front, your treatment is an investment in your smile, confidence, and the health of your teeth that’s well worth the money!
About Our Practice
At Newton Center Dental Care, our team of dentists want to help you get your whitest, brightest smile ever! We are proud to offer both chairside and take-home professional whitening treatments that can help remove up to eight shades of stains and discoloration, all without the extended sensitivity you’d experience with those over-the-counter products. To schedule a consultation for professional whitening, visit our website or call us today at 617-332-6232.
