I want to whiten my teeth as they’re looking yellowish and dull in tone. I don’t want to use Crest strips as they don’ seem to work that well for me. I’m considering getting professional whitening with a dentist. Does it really work well and how much does it cost? Also, how often does it need to be done?
– Mark in Oklahoma
Dear Mark,
If you’re looking to effectively whiten your teeth, seeing a dentist is a wise move. They will give you dramatically whiter teeth without the hassle. Also, it’s important to know that any whitening product bought over the counter or treatment from your dentist, can be harmful to your enamel if it’s over-used. Products that you buy over the counter may lighten teeth a couple of shades, however it’s very temporary and the product must be used over and over to maintain tooth brightness. The reason is because these bleaching products are not as strong as what the dentist uses.
If you opt for professional teeth bleaching at the dental office, teeth tend to remain white and bright for several years. They usually never go back to the original shade but colorful diets, dark liquids and tobacco habits do discolor teeth quicker. We recommend patients touch up every few years if they notice darkening of the teeth. Touching up the teeth is a procedure that’s fairly inexpensive.
Most dentists have two types of whitening procedures available. One is an in-office procedure where a bleaching agent is applied to your teeth and a light is placed over your teeth to activate the bleaching product. This takes approximately two hours and brightens up the color of your teeth several shades. This may cost several hundred dollars.
Another option is to have bleach trays constructed and you can bleach your teeth in the comfort of your own home. This procedure is less expensive than the in-office treatment and works just as well.
We recommend you consult with your dentist to see if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening and which product is most suitable for your teeth.
This blog brought to you by Dr. Noah of Region Dental.