Teeth Whitening - Procedures, How It's Done
and Cost

How Much Whiteness Can You Expect?

I am trying to answer some of the questions that patients frequently ask. Of all the questions, the most common one is how much whiteness can we expect?

Well, this usually depends on the type of stains you've developed and the treatment that you've chosen. Some whitening treatments claim to offer up to 10 shades lighter teeth color, which is true. It is possible to produce such whiteness but only when you've chosen an efficient product. However, you should also know that by whitening your teeth up to 3-4 shades, you can see dramatic whiteness and that will reflect on your smile.

As there isn't any standardization of tooth color, dentists follow the Vita shade guide that differentiates teeth color on the scale of A, B, C and D, wherein A is reddish brown color, B is reddish yellow color, C is gray and D is reddish gray. This is the standard method being followed today.

What Makes You Seek Teeth Whitening Treatments?

It is undoubtedly the stains and discoloration of teeth that takes a person to the dental office for treatment. Discoloration of teeth can be caused due to various contributing factors, such as age, stains caused by food, chemical damage, trauma and other such reasons. Certain beverages, particularly caffeine and tea also leave marks on your teeth. Cigarettes are equally harmful for your teeth color.

Besides staining there are many other factors that contribute to the gradual loss of teeth color, such as genetic factors and gum diseases. Genetic factors can be very difficult to deal with since there is nothing much to be done about it, but gum diseases can be prevented. There are certain antibiotics as well that contribute to staining and discoloration of teeth, especially tetracycline drugs. If you have been under tetracycline for medical reasons, make sure you inform your dentist.

How Is Teeth Whitening Done?

Teeth whitening, as you know, are meant for correcting discolorations and stains of your teeth by thoroughly removing the yellow and brown stains. Teeth whitening actually encompass quite a few techniques that help in improving the overall brightness of a person's teeth. Among the different tooth whitening treatments, the most popular ones are mild acid whitening, chemical teeth whitening, and abrasive whitening and laser teeth whitening.

Teeth whitening or teeth bleaching (as it is commonly known) is basically a chemical based process that helps in lightening the color of your teeth. This procedure is carried out at the dental office under the supervision of a team of experts. It can also be performed at home using home whitening systems. However, the treatment done at the dental office is far more superior to the at home teeth whitening system.

The treatment done at the dental office takes approximately 60-90 minutes. It is done with using either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gel for whitening. These are basically mild bleaching agents that help in removing the stains dramatically.

The gel is applied to the teeth prior to which the gums are neatly covered in order to prevent the gel from reaching the gums. The gel has bleaching properties that can cause gum irritation and therefore it is extremely important to separate the gums from the spot of treatment. After this step, the gel is left on the teeth for some time. Some advanced procedures use a high frequency light to activate oxidation, while others don't. Depending on your treatment plan the treatment will proceed.

The home teeth whitening system is relatively easy, but you will have to do everything on your own. Your cosmetic dentist will provide you with the materials required for the treatment including the teeth whitening trays. The trays are prepared after taking the measurements of your mouth so that you get custom designed equipments for improved treatment. The custom designed tray is a very critical component for this treatment. The tray actually ensures that you get a thorough treatment solution.

You need to place the teeth whitening gel into the tray and wear the tray for about an hour everyday for improved effects. Depending on your whitening needs, you might have to wear the tray for as long as 14 days for best results.

Are Teeth Whitening Permanent?

To be very honest with you, NO. Teeth whitening or bleaching isn't a permanent treatment. Results often vary from one person to another and it lasts for a year or so. For the patients who do not maintain the instructions given by the dentist for maintaining whiteness, the results might not last for 3 months. However, if you can follow the restrictions, you can expect long lasting results.

Is Teeth Whitening Expensive?

Again this depends on the type of teeth whitening treatment you've chosen for yourself. The standard cost of a teeth whitening procedure when done at the dental office is $500. Costs are likely to vary depending on the place of your residence. If you are opting for laser teeth whitening, which is the most advanced treatment today, the cost can go up to $1000.

For home teeth whitening however, the process begins at $50 to $100. Store bought teeth whiteners are less expensive; you can have whitening strips for $25 as well.

A Few Common Whitening Treatments Are :

Dramatic Smiles Teeth Whitening : Dramatic Smiles is one of the popular methods of teeth whitening available on the market today.

Zoom In-office teeth whitening : A very effective teeth whitening treatment that involves the use of hydrogen peroxide gel and proprietary Zoom light.

BriteSmile : Another teeth whitening treatment performed at the dental office with the use of whitening gel and a power light.

Laser Teeth Whitening : In this procedure, teeth whitening gel is applied on the teeth together with a laser beam that activates the crystals and creates whiteness.

Whitening Strips : To be purchased over-the-counter, these strips are very effective in brightening your teeth in a couple of minutes. But the result lasts for up to 5 hours only.

There are many other available options for teeth whitening for you to choose from. Visit your cosmetic dentist today for more detailed information.

Description : Teeth whitening are the most common cosmetic dentistry procedure. Teeth whitening can be done at home or at the dentist clinic. It is an inexpensive treatment and affordable for all today.