Teeth whitening by a cosmetic dentist offers superior results to drugstore kits.
1) What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is an increasingly popular procedure that may use chemicals, mild acids, or lasers to reduce or eliminate discoloration on the tooth surface.
2) Who is a candidate for teeth whitening?
Most people are good candidates for teeth whitening procedures, but patients with braces, gum disease, decayed or sensitive teeth, exposed tooth roots, colitis or ulcers, as well as patients who recently had gum surgery, should discuss possible complications with their dentist.
3) What is teeth whitening useful for?
Teeth whitening is a relatively quick and simple procedure that offers virtually instant gratification by improving the appearance of teeth and, in turn, making patients more confident and even more youthful looking.
4) How is the teeth whitening procedure performed?
Your dentist will usually discuss two types of teeth whitening procedures: take-home custom-fit tray bleaching, and laser whitening. In tray bleaching, the dentist begins by taking an impression of your mouth and making a custom-fit tray. Gel is placed in the tray which is worn for 1-2 hours each day. Full results are usually visible within 2 weeks.
Laser teeth whitening is done in-office and may take 1 to 2 hours. During this procedure, a bleaching gel is applied to the teeth and a special laser light is applied to activate the gel’s whitening effects. The procedure is performed in one visit and results are immediate.
5) What is the recovery like?
The chemicals used in teeth whitening procedures may result in some temporary minor sensitivity in gums and teeth.
6) Results
Teeth whitening procedures performed by a cosmetic dentist result in much quicker and often longer-lasting and more noticeable results than those achieved with over-the-counter products, such as whitening toothpastes and kits.
7) Are teeth whitening procedures approved for use in the USA?
Teeth whitening is approved for use in the U.S.
8) Is teeth whitening covered by insurance companies?
No, dental insurance generally does not cover the cost of teeth whitening procedures.
9) Cost
Tray whitening usually costs about $400, while laser teeth whitening procedures may cost from $600 to more than $1,000.
