Teeth Whitening Products, Methods, And Treatments
A problem that most of us will face as we get older is that our teeth will become stained and discolored. This is a problem we no longer have to live with, however, since there are now a whole range of teeth whitening products, methods and treatments available suitable for every budget.
For ease of use and convenience, the best teeth whitening products may be as near as a trip to you local supermarket or pharmacy. These low cost ways to whiten teeth that are not too severely discolored include toothpastes, gels, and strips. They are somewhat limited in their effectiveness, though, where there is severe staining and yellowing.
How badly your teeth are stained is the single most important factor in predicting the effectiveness of any teeth whitening procedure. Although everyone wants to save money, when it comes to teeth whitening the costlier treatments do tend to produce better results, especially in more difficult cases.
While costing less than professional whitening treatments, home whitening products are known to yield limited results at best. While they will provide some surface whitening to your teeth, they are unable to penetrate beneath the enamel and whiten the dentin underneath, where oftentimes there is significant discoloration.
Treatment by your dentist using whitening or bleaching trays, while more expensive, will whiten beneath the surface of your teeth and therefore give more satisfactory results. The procedure employs a custom fitted tray that contains a peroxide based whitening agent and that is placed over your teeth. The whitening compound decomposes to release oxygen that works to whiten your teeth fairly effectively.
This method works best on teeth that have yellowed over time. If your teeth are brown or gray instead, you will probably want to consider another treatment option.
How much teeth whitening costs will depend on the type of product or treatment you choose. It can range from several dollars for inexpensive home products, all the way up to $500 or $1000 for laser whitening. The primary factor when deciding upon a whitening option isn’t necessarily the cost, but what will work best in your situation.
Since your dentist will be using the strongest whitening agents available, as well as making use of the best technology, professional treatment carried out in his or her office will usually yield the most dramatic results. The cost can be a major hindrance, however, and cosmetic procedures are not usually covered by dental insurance.
When considering teeth whitening, the best course of action is to talk to your dentist and let him or her guide you in the decision making process. Find out all of your options and the likely effectiveness of each. Talk to patients who have had the procedures or who have used the products you are considering. This way you will have all of the information you need to make the best decision.