If you’re planning to whiten your teeth, you may be wondering what all the hype is about. If you want to know whether or not teeth whitening is safe and effective, read this article. In addition, you’ll learn about some of the cost and side effects of tooth whitening. By the end of this article, you’ll be armed with the facts you need to make an informed decision about whitening.
Getting the facts about teeth whitening
While brushing and flossing your teeth is still essential to keep your teeth white, you may want to consider getting a professional whitening treatment. In the United States, nearly 90% of patients ask their orthodontists for tooth whitening. Getting the facts about teeth whitening is crucial before making the final decision. Read on to learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of this cosmetic procedure. After all, it isn’t rocket science!
First, a dentist’s supervision is essential to achieving the whitest smile possible. There are risks and side effects, but a dentist who demonstrated tooth whitening lafayette la will monitor the procedure to ensure it’s safe and effective. Moreover, teeth whitening can make some restorations in your mouth incompatible with the process. In this situation, you can get a different treatment that will not result in a mismatch. Your dentist will know which teeth will respond to teeth whitening and which ones will not.
Side effects
While tooth whitening is generally safe, some side effects have been reported. The most common is tooth sensitivity. In addition, the bleaching agent passes through the dentin and into the pulp, irritating the gums. Although most side effects are temporary and disappear within 24 hours, they may remain for days or longer. While tooth whitening is relatively safe, the intensity of its impact is directly related to the concentration of the peroxide bleaching agent. Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are commonly used in whitening procedures.
The strength of tooth whitening products differs. Some products contain more hydrogen peroxide than others. Light-activated tooth whitening systems use LEDs, hybrid lights, or lasers to activate the whitening agent. Although higher concentrations produce quicker results, the final shade will be dependent on the individual patient. Patients may experience different side effects if the concentration is too high or too low. Patients should seek medical counseling if these side effects persist.
Safeness
There have been several studies regarding the safety of tooth-whitening products, but none have concluded that they are entirely safe. Some studies, however, suggest that some over-the-counter whitening products may cause harm to tooth enamel. Furthermore, tooth whitening can affect existing dental work’s strength, color, and texture. Therefore, it is essential to speak to a dentist before beginning a tooth-whitening procedure. Getting professional advice will ensure a bright smile without risking your dental work.
While the level of whiteness achieved depends on your teeth and the degree of staining that has occurred, most whitening systems are safe. Before you begin the process, avoid consuming certain foods that cause staining on your teeth. These include foods and beverages high in tannins and acids. Try to avoid drinking red wine, carbonated drinks, and sports drinks. Foods with strong colors should also be avoided. Brush or rinse your mouth immediately after eating or drinking stain-causing foods.
Cost
There are several ways to whiten your teeth. Professional whitening uses more vital bleaching agents than store-bought teeth-whitening gels and produces dramatic results in a single visit. Home-use systems take weeks to see noticeable results, so in-office whitening offers fast results. But, the price of professional whitening isn’t cheap. You should expect that in-office whitening costs around $650 per session.
Professional whitening costs about $500-$600 per session. Professional treatment, however, is a better choice for a more permanent result. While these treatments may cost less than over-the-counter teeth whitening solutions, they do not guarantee as much whiteness or brightness. In-office treatments are also more costly than over-the-counter kits. In addition, although they are cheaper, over-the-counter whitening kits are not as effective and will wear off over time.
Legality
The GDC is a regulator of dental practices and has launched 126 prosecutions involving illegal teeth whitening since 2015. However, these prosecutions are based on customer reports and lack the power to prosecute training providers. The BBC’s Inside Out program recently uncovered some companies offering these procedures without a doctor’s prescription. The London School of Nails and Beauty, for example, advertised that graduates could earn PS80 per treatment and claimed they could set up their own business. Unfortunately, the certificate did not provide sufficient training for emergency cases.
Although it’s not illegal, there are risks associated with teeth whitening, including hard and soft tissue trauma and erosion. In addition, incorrect use of bleaching products, such as mal-fitted trays, can lead to serious side effects. While a qualified dental professional can treat these issues, public awareness of tooth whitening practices is required to prevent such damage. In addition, it’s essential to know that dental professionals are the only ones qualified to perform tooth whitening procedures.
Getting a professional whitening treatment
A professional tooth whitening treatment will brighten your smile several shades within a single visit. A smile reflects your personality and makes a positive first impression. It also profoundly impacts your self-esteem, so getting your teeth whitened by a professional is highly recommended. The process uses a peroxide compound and light to whiten teeth. Although the science behind the treatment has become more refined, it still retains a certain level of mystery.
A professional tooth whitening treatment can cost anywhere from $450 to $1,000. These procedures involve bleaching chemicals, but lasers can also whiten teeth without illumination. While the cost of in-office whitening treatment can vary widely, the process can achieve the desired shade for nearly any patient. Before beginning, your dentist will conduct a thorough cleaning to determine the specific type of stains you have on your teeth. This cleaning will remove stains most likely caused by tobacco, food, and drinks.