There are a number of reasons that could necessitate you to get your teeth whitened, such as highlighting the natural color of your teeth without removing any of your tooth surfaces. You can also opt for the teeth whitening procedure if the surface of your teeth is stained by food and beverages such as tea, coffee, blackcurrant, and red wine. Moreover, some people can have staining under the tooth surface due to the use of certain antibiotics or by tiny cracks in the tooth. In this post, we will discuss more about the teeth whitening procedure and why you should have it done by a Leander, TX orthodontist.
How does the teeth whitening procedure work?
There are two primary ways on how the teeth whitening procedure is done, i.e., using non-bleaching and bleaching whitening products. Bleaching products usually contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide that help remove deep stains and surfaces on teeth, causing them to have a lighter shade. Since teeth are naturally porous, your dentin and enamel can easily absorb teeth whitening gels containing hydrogen peroxide that whitens your teeth by oxidation.
Numerous research has proven that using bleaching and non-bleaching teeth whitening products is generally safe and effective for removing debris or food stains from your teeth. Unlike other teeth whitening treatments, teeth whitening gels cause significant changes in your tooth enamel and prevent any risk of tooth sensitivity.
Am I a suitable candidate for teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is generally safe for most people, but the best candidates are only those who have mild to moderate teeth discoloration. Moreover, there are some types of dental conditions or discolorations that may not be corrected by teeth whitening procedures, such as:
- Yellow or brown teeth. Teeth with white spots, gray tones, or discoloration may not work well with teeth whitening bleaching agents.
- Certain dental conditions. Such as teeth sensitivity, worn-out enamel, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), and bruxism (gnashing or grinding of teeth) may worsen if bleached with teeth whitening products.
- Tooth injuries or medications. Tooth whitening is not effective if the tooth discoloration is caused by tooth injuries or medications.
- Synthetic materials. Restorations such as porcelain veneers, dental caps, fillings, and crowns do not work well with teeth whitening products.
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?
The cost of teeth whitening procedures usually varies from procedure to procedure and product to product. In-office professional teeth whitening procedures are the priciest option, with an average charge of $500-$1000 per visit. However, teeth whitening procedures that are performed by an experienced dentist are often accompanied by various long-lasting benefits and satisfactory dental results.
If you are looking for more affordable teeth whitening options, you can consider buying over-the-counter teeth whitening products. You can also opt for dentist-prescribed take-home dental kits that cost between $100 and $400. However, these kits only provide temporary teeth whitening results and can potentially deliver the same satisfactory results as those you would get from in-office procedures.
Conclusion
Teeth whitening procedures are arguably the most straightforward and affordable means of restoring the natural shade of your teeth. That is why you should visit Pendleton Orthodontics in Leander, Texas, to receive professional teeth whitening procedures. You can schedule an appointment online or call our offices.