What You Should Know About Teeth Whitening

For many, white teeth are a priority. A bright smile can improve your self-esteem and allow you to smile with confidence. While some have teeth that are naturally white, others find that their teeth become easily stained. Certain foods, drinks, and tobacco products can leave stubborn stains on the teeth that can't be removed with daily brushing and flossing. The good news is that teeth whitening can remove many of these stains. Teeth whitening uses peroxide to remove stains on the teeth. If you are considering teeth whitening, here are three things that you should know.

Cost

One of the first things that many want to know when it comes to teeth whitening is how much it costs. The cost of a teeth whitening treatment can vary depending on the strength of the peroxide, how much staining you have, and what type of treatment you use. At-home teeth whitening kits cost anywhere from as low as $20 to as much as $150. In-office teeth whitening done by a dentist tends to use higher levels of peroxide and is more effective. However, in-office treatments are more expensive, costing on average between $300 and $1,000.

How Long It Lasts

If you are considering teeth whitening treatments, it's important to know that they do not last forever. Eventually you will see some staining returning over time. How long your teeth whitening treatment lasts varies from person to person. However, some see results for up to three years after their whitening treatment. In order to see long-lasting results it's important to brush and floss regularly. Avoiding staining foods, drinks, and tobacco products is also essential for keeping your teeth bright for as long as possible.

Results Can Vary

While teeth whitening treatments can whiten your teeth by nine or more shades, results can vary from person to person. Some may notice a difference of only two or three shades after teeth whitening. Some types of staining also do not respond well to teeth whitening. If you have staining due to exposure to tetracycline, trauma to the teeth, or exposure to fluoride, teeth whitening may not be effective. If this is the case, there are other options such as dental veneers and dental bonding. Your dentist will be able to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for teeth whitening. 

Teeth whitening can drastically change your smile and brighten your teeth by multiple shades. If you are considering teeth whitening, it's important to consider both the cost and how long you can expect the treatment to last. Results can also vary with some types of staining not responding to teeth whitening treatments at all. For more information, visit sites like http://www.pikedentistry.com.


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