3 Things To Know About Whitening Your Teeth

If you are unhappy with your smile, one of the easiest and quickest ways to make a change is through teeth whitening. Stains and discoloration can detract from your smile. Whitening involves using a peroxide solution in order to remove stains and improve the overall appearance of your smile. While teeth whitening can produce some dramatic results, there are a few things to keep in mind before going through with this dental procedure. Here are three things to consider when it comes to whitening your teeth.

Your Options

The first thing that you should be aware of when it comes to teeth whitening is that there are various options to choose from. Over-the-counter whitening is available but is not typically as effective as whitening treatments offered by the dentist. In-office teeth whitening performed by your dentist will typically offer the fastest and most dramatic results. Typically stronger peroxide solutions are used during in-office treatment. Your dentist may also offer take-home whitening kits that you can use over the course of a few days or weeks to get a whiter smile.

Results Can Vary

While teeth whitening can greatly improve the appearance of your teeth, results will vary depending on multiple factors. First, the type of staining you have will have an impact on the number of shades your teeth can be whitened. Often, whitening treatments are less effective or completely ineffective on teeth that are discolored due to medication. Deep staining may also be difficult to treat in certain cases. When it comes to teeth whitening, most people will see a difference of two to seven shades. However, in some cases teeth can be whitened nine or more shades.

The Cost

Of course, when it comes to any dental procedure, the cost is something that you will want to consider. Teeth whitening costs vary widely depending on the whitening treatment used. Over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments typically cost between $20 and $150. Take-home whitening kits offered by a dentist will typically cost between $100 and $500. In-office teeth whitening can range in price anywhere from $300 to upwards of $1,000. The option that will work best for you will depend on your whitening needs and your budget.

When it comes to whitening your teeth, there are a few things that you should be aware of. First, there are various whitening treatments to choose from, ranging from over-the-counter treatments to in-office whitening performed by a dentist. Most people will see a change between two and seven shades. Costs can vary depending on the type of whitening treatment used.