The food and drink consumed by most people can have an impact on the condition of their teeth and this can be especially true of the color. While daily brushing will help to keep teeth clean, they can still end up looking a little dull and discolored over time. Dentist teeth whitening is a procedure that can help to reverse this and using this can return teeth to a more attractive white color which looks good when you smile.
While dentistry is typically aimed at keeping teeth in a healthy and pain free condition, there is also a range of cosmetic dentistry available these days which focuses on the appearance of teeth. Dentist teeth whitening is one of the most common procedures provided by cosmetic dentists and is used by many people to improve the look of their teeth. While food and drink can have a big impact on the color of teeth, there are other factors involved and this can include age, tooth grinding, smoking and damage to the teeth. For these reasons teeth can discolor over time and whitening can be used to improve the appearance.
While over the counter whitening products are widely available these days, these are typically not as effective as dentist teeth whitening although they do tend to be more affordable. Tooth whitening by a dentist is usually available in a couple of ways. The first of these is in-office whitening where the patient attends the dental practice for a number of sessions with the dentist. This generally comprises the use of a peroxide gel which is professionally applied to the teeth by a trained practitioner after the gums have been protected. The gel is generally applied for a short period of time of around 15 minutes and can quickly result in a significant change of color. Generally a few sessions are required to complete the procedure and this can add up to the peroxide being applied for around 1 hour in time. While the cost fro this can vary depending on where you live and the cosmetic dentist used, the average price tends to be in the region of $550 to $650 to complete the procedure.
The second option for dentist teeth whitening is take home kits which are dispensed by the dentist to a patient. These typically comprise peroxide gel of a lower concentration which can be applied for up to an hour and in some cases are intended for overnight use. The dentist will generally produce a custom made mouth guard which the patient uses to apply the gel to the teeth. This can be a useful method for many people as it allows them to apply the gel at a time that suits them rather than having to arrange to visit the dentist on a few occasions. As the peroxide gel is lower concentration it takes longer to work, although can be effective over time. However it is important to follow the instructions given by the dentist to ensure there are no problems. Again costs will vary although a price of $200 to $400 can be charged for a home whitening kit.
If you are concerned about the color of your teeth it can affect your confidence and dentist teeth whitening is a way to help improve the appearance of your teeth. With the options available it is generally possible to brighten your teeth and remove discoloration and dirt to get your smile looking back to its best.
For some more information on whether this is the way you’ll want to go, we’d advise watching this useful Today Show clip, in which some top cosmetic dentists discover the different whitening methods available to consumers.