Tooth Whitening
Drinking coffee, tea or soda will stain your teeth over time, giving them a brownish or yellowish appearance. In fact, just getting older can have an effect on their color. Having a bright smile can make you look and feel years younger. That’s why so many people are having their teeth whitened. Talk to a cosmetic dentist in your area to get more information on tooth whitening.
Of all the cosmetic procedures, tooth whitening is rapidly gaining popularity because you get immediate results, there’s no downtime and it’s more cost-efficient than other cosmetic procedures.
Tooth Whitening Procedure
There are many different methods for whitening teeth. Make sure to ask your dentist about all of them and their benefits to find out which will work best for you. Also, find out about the average cost of tooth whitening as well as different financing options available.
Zoom! is a laser tooth whitening procedure that produces immediate results. During this procedure your dentist will use a gel to protect your lips, gums and oral tissues. A special solution made with hydrogen peroxide is painted on your teeth. This procedure involves three 15-minute sessions under a blue light. After each session the gel should be reapplied. The whole procedure takes about an hour, and most people end up with teeth about eight shades lighter.
Another laser tooth-whitening method similar to Zoom! is BriteSmile, which yields great results. The procedure differs from Zoom! in that it involves three 20-minute sessions, and your teeth can get up to 14 shades lighter. The biggest criticism for laser whitening is that some people experience sensitivity afterward. The average cost of in-office laser tooth whitening is around $1,000.
Dentist-supervised home bleaching kits are available from your dentist and include custom-made trays for your mouth and prescription-strength gel, which should be applied daily. This process takes several days, between 60 to 90 minutes a day.
Rembrandt also offers a line of over-the-counter tooth-whitening products such as a Two-Hour Whitening Kit, which instructs you to apply a comfort tray with a whitening gel. Each application requires 20 minutes, followed by a 10-minute resting period, alternating for two hours. Rembrandt also offers a product called the Form Fit, which involves using whitening strips for 30 minutes a day over a five-day period.
Tooth-whitening mouthwashes and whitening toothpastes are also available. That is why you should speak with your dentist to determine which method will work best for you.
Advantages of Tooth Whitening
- Improve your overall appearance and confidence
- Significantly cheaper than other cosmetic procedures
- Long-lasting results
Disadvantages of Tooth Whitening
- Some people may experience tooth sensitivity
- Sensitivity to the gums is also a possibility
- Possible allergic reaction to the solution
Tooth Whitening Articles (view all)
Tooth Discoloration: Best Teeth Whitening Procedures and Treatments
Discolored teeth can take away from your appearance and make it difficult to feel confident when smiling. Fortunately, there are several treatments available to brighten and whiten your teeth and restore them to a healthier shade. Teeth naturally turn yellow, brown or green as you age, and can also become discolored after eating certain types of foods or when you smoke.
Keeping a Healthy Smile After Teeth Whitening. Dos and Don'ts
Are you ready for your smile makeover? Whether you’re undergoing the BriteSmile procedure or a standard tooth whitening treatment at the dentist’s office, knowing how to keep those pearly whites shining bright is a top priority after your session. Keeping your teeth in great shape prevents gum disease and other problems, and a series of teeth whitening treatments can help enhance a healthy smile even further.
DOCTOR SPOTLIGHT: Christian Yaste, DDS, Cosmetic Dentist
Dr. Christian Yaste, D.D.S. is a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. After graduating he moved to Charlotte, North Carolina and completed a two-year postgraduate residency in Oral Medicine. Dr. Yaste is qualified in all areas of general dentistry and has had advanced training in cosmetic restorative procedures as well as oral medicine and pathology. He holds a faculty position at the Carolinas Medical Center Department of Dentistry, where he is a clinical instructor.
- tooth whitening
If you’ve been to the dentist lately and picked up a tooth whitening kit, make sure you’re aware of the downsides of bleaching your teeth.A recent study shows that many people actually lose some of their tooth enamel after using home teeth-whitening kits for a significant period of time.The chemicals in the tooth whitening products can actually break down the enamel and cause more damage to the teeth.
- tooth whitening
Teeth whitening procedures have become one of the leading trends in cosmetic dentistry, allowing many of us to enjoy gleaming white teeth after just one session.
Quick Search By Location
Choose a letter below for a list of states and their corresponding cities to view a list of doctors in that area.
Share This Page
Featured Doctor
Atlantic Dentists
Ormond Beach, FL 32174877-730-9649
Procedure Snapshot
- Avg. Cost: $500
- Candidate: Stained, yellowed or discolored teeth
- Length: In office: 1 hour, At home: several hours
- Treatment: In office: One, At home: at least three days
- Results: Long-lasting
- Back to Work: Sensitivity for 1-2 days
Contact a Doctor
Use the form below to request more information from a doctor in your area.
