Thinking About Teeth Whitening? What To Know
Posted on: 20 August 2019
When it comes to your teeth, staining and discoloration can greatly detract from your smile. Over time, staining is common and can be exacerbated by certain types of food and drink and even medications. The good news is that teeth whitening is a great way to lift stains and to brighten your teeth by multiple shades. It's a quick way to make a major difference in your smile. If you are thinking about teeth whitening, here are three things that you should know.
Your Options
The first thing to consider when it comes to teeth whitening is your options. You have the option between in-office teeth whitening done by your dentist and at-home whitening treatments. The main difference is that in-office teeth whitening has higher levels of peroxide and can produce more intense results faster. At-home teeth whitening kits have whitening solutions with 3 to 20 percent peroxide while in-office treatments have 15 to 43 percent peroxide. The stronger the peroxide solution, the more shades your teeth will be whitened. For the most dramatic results, in-office whitening is recommended.
The Cost
The cost of teeth whitening can vary dramatically depending on whether you choose an at-home treatment or an in-office treatment. At-home whitening treatments range from as little as $20 to upwards of $150. In-office treatments can be pricey. These treatments range in price from $300 to $1,000 but average out to between $500 and $700. Take-home kits typically require multiple applications since the peroxide solution is weaker. The solution may need to stay on for as long as one hour each time. In-office treatments last between 30 and 60 minutes and the results are typically instantaneous. Multiple in-office treatments may be needed for stubborn or deep stains.
When to Get It
Another thing to consider when it comes to teeth whitening is when to get it. This is often dependent on your lifestyle. If you are a smoker, drink coffee, or frequently eat food that leads to staining, more frequent whitening may be needed. Touch-ups are recommended every 6 months to one to two years. This is how long you can expect most treatments to last. Many also choose to get teeth whitening after having their braces removed or after other types of dental work.
When it comes to teeth whitening, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, there are a variety of options to consider ranging from at-home treatments to in-office whitening. Costs can vary ranging from around $20 to a few hundred dollars. In order to maintain your results, you will typically need a touch up after anywhere from a few months to a couple of years depending on your lifestyle.
Share