Teeth Whitening: A Local Guide to Costs and Benefits

Professional teeth whitening is a popular service that can leave you with a dazzlingly white smile in one visit. As whitening products improve, it’s easy, effective, and affordable to get the movie-star smile you’ve always wanted. In just a single visit, you can turn back the clock and reverse years of staining. If you’re interested in how teeth whitening in Bellbrook OH works, it’s important to know not just how it works but what you can expect from the procedure.  

What Is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a generic term that can be used for any process that involves whitening your teeth, at least according to the American Dental Association. So, if you use a toothpaste that promises to whiten your teeth or see a cosmetic dentist for multiple customized treatments, both could be described as teeth whitening.  

The cause of yellow teeth isn't always coffee or cigarettes, so it's important to have a handle on how stains develop and which ones can be helped by teeth whitening services. Here are the basics:

  • Age stains: Teeth whitening is usually the most effective on age spots. As you get older, your teeth naturally darken over time. If you see yellow or orange spots, these can be caused by anything from coffee to berries to red wine to cigarettes. As long as your white tooth enamel, also known as the hardest substance in your body, is in good shape, you’re likely to see good results with teeth whitening.  
  • Brown or gray stains: If your teeth are gray or brown, it may be due to overexposure to fluoride in treated water during childhood. While fluoride is an important tool to combat cavities, it can also interrupt the mineralization process during development. This makes the enamel more porous, which makes the tooth more susceptible to staining. It may also be due to certain types of medication. Teeth whitening may not be as effective for these types of stains, though some patients will see results.  

Teeth whitening treatment is typically not advised if you have sensitive teeth or if you have gum disease, tooth decay, or oral cancer. It’s also not effective for artificial dental work, including crowns, caps, veneers, and fillings. A skilled dentist can tell you more about your options if you’re ineligible for teeth whitening, such as treating any underlying issues before scheduling an appointment. In some cases, internal staining can be cleared up without any whitening products!  

Which Teeth Whitening Products Actually Work?

The best teeth whitening products ultimately depend on the type of whitening you need. For instance, a professional at-home teeth whitening kit may be a better choice if you only need to lighten your teeth a shade or two. This can be an economical and largely hassle-free way to whiten your teeth with a convenient, custom-made tray.  

For more serious whitening needs, you may need to visit the office to safely access the most powerful agents. Whether you need to come once or several times, the right cosmetic dentist in Bellbrook, OH can provide you with a customized treatment plan that works with your schedule.  

One reason why it's so important to consult a dentist is that there are simply too many products on the market. You don't want to waste your time and money on procedures that go nowhere.

Why Choose a Dentist for Teeth Whitening?

If you’re trying to find the most economical choice for teeth whitening, you might be tempted to try an over-the-counter remedy. There are plenty of options out there, but the sheer demand for teeth-whitening products has led to some questionable products on the market. That's why it’s important to know the risks of choosing the wrong products. In the best-case scenario, faulty products will do nothing at all. However, there are some agents that are known to actually harm your teeth — and any adjacent dental work that you may have had done. This is just one reason why teeth whitening at the dentist remains popular, despite the far cheaper solutions on the market.  

It ultimately depends on the patient, but as a general rule, it’s better to consult your dentist before teeth whitening in Bellbrook, OH. If you’re looking for over-the-counter whitening products, it may take weeks to see a noticeable difference. It may take months before you get anywhere near the color you were hoping for. With professional teeth whitening, the process is far faster. In fact, you should have a noticeably whiter smile the second you leave the office.  

At a dentist’s office, the staff might recommend either mechanical or chemical teeth whitening. Mechanical teeth whitening products can remove stains by scrubbing them away from the surface, essentially stripping off every layer of build-up. Chemical teeth whitening products can remove stains by introducing oxygen to make it faster for the bleaching agents to remove stains. Whether it’s teeth whitening strips or tooth whitening gel, the reality is that dentists have access to professional products that are not just faster and safer, they’re more likely to lead to the outcomes the patient is looking for.  

Finally, dentists have a way of using products in a way that won’t aggravate sensitive teeth. While you likely shouldn’t have the procedure if you have extremely sensitive teeth, most people can handle the process without fear of irritation or discomfort. If you have questions about whether your teeth are too sensitive for teeth whitening, it’s important to consult a dentist before buying over-the-counter treatments or trying at-home remedies.  

What is the Best Teeth Whitening Method?

The best teeth whitening method depends on everything from your oral health to the type of staining you have. If your staining is caused by tooth decay, you may need a more involved procedure than teeth whitening. Typically, it’s more important to find the best dentist than it is to choose the best dental procedure.  

Because whitening products only work on your natural teeth, it’s important to work with a dentist who can treat a diverse group of patients. For example, if you have dental implants or fillings, you can easily end up with uneven results, where one section of your mouth is white, and the other is a noticeably different color. Whether you need to adjust your dental work or work within a certain color palette, the right dentist will be able to find a solution that works for you.  

How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last?

Teeth whitening can’t last forever, but you may find that the results of a professional service last for far longer than you expected. With the right maintenance, you may find that your teeth whitening lasts for several years or more!  

The best way to care for your teeth after whitening is to keep up with all the standard dental advice. Brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist at least twice a year are imperative if you want to keep your teeth looking great. Plus, in addition to helping you avoid teeth stains, these steps can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for the rest of your life!  

How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?

The average cost of teeth whitening is around $650, though keep in mind that this is an average. While it may seem like too much for a more glamorous smile, there are usually more teeth whitening benefits than meet the eye. In addition to achieving better results than any over-the-counter treatment can provide (and not wasting money on ineffective products), the real benefit is that you're far more likely to take pride in your smile. The happier you are with the reflection, the more motivated you'll be to keep it healthy!

What To Avoid with Teeth Whitening

Taking an interest in your smile is important, but you have to be careful where you source your information from. We'll look at what to avoid:

  • Harsh chemicals: Whether it's bleach or peroxide, these chemicals can damage your teeth. So can vinegar, charcoal, and citrus remedies with overuse or improper techniques. Even too much baking soda can be harmful!
  • Overuse: All those kits, gels, and strips have important directions on them. If you use them incorrectly or leave them on for too long, you can damage your teeth.
  • Pain: Teeth whitening is not supposed to be painful. When done correctly, it should largely feel like nothing at all. While slight irritation or discomfort may not be a cause for concern, you shouldn't ignore any pain during a teeth whitening procedure.

Answers to Your Questions

Now is a great time to get your teeth whitening questions answered. Whether you're wondering what is the best toothpaste for whitening teeth or just trying to work out the cost, the team at Seva Dental in Bellbrook is ready to help give you a dazzlingly brilliant smile with teeth whitening.

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