Do you have stained or faded teeth? Is your whitening toothpaste not getting them sparkling and bright? Are you wondering about the benefits of professional teeth whitening?
If you have good overall oral health and stubborn tooth stains, you could be a great candidate for pro whitening. And it could give you the clean, perfect smile you’ve always wanted.
Here’s what you need to know before you go.
- What Are the Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening?
Many patients with discoloured teeth choose teeth whitening because it guarantees results. Some at-home products require you to perform several rounds of treatments before getting an end look that’s minimal at best. With professional whitening, you’re guaranteed visible, beautiful results by the time your treatment is over.
When you have a professional overseeing your tooth whitening treatment, you know that they’ll monitor your oral health and make sure you aren’t exposed to any potential harm. They can also adjust the concentration of your whitening agent if your teeth are more sensitive.
Your dentist can customize your treatment in a way that over-the-counter products can’t. They’ll know the exact type of treatment that will eave your teeth healthy and bright.
Professional tooth whitening can make your smile beautiful, leading to increased confidence and self-esteem. You no longer need to feel self-conscious when you’re laughing or eating. An improved appearance is one of the biggest advantages of professional tooth whitening.
- How Long Does Professional Teeth Whitening Last?
Generally, tooth whitening results last between two and three years before you’ll need another treatment. You’ll get the best results if you brush your teeth regularly and avoid common causes of discoloration. These include smoking and drinking beverages that stain such as coffee and red wine.
- How Much Does Professional Teeth Whitening Cost?
The average cost of professional teeth whitening is between $650 and $1,000. The exact cost of your treatment will depend on a number of factors. These include the type of treatment, the extent of your discoloration, and the location of your dentist.
Your health insurance likely won’t cover the cost of a professional whitening treatment since it’s considered cosmetic. Your dental insurance, however, may cover at least some of the cost. Be sure to check with a representative before you make an appointment for treatment.
Some cosmetic dentists offer payment plans so you can pay off your treatments a little each month, making them more manageable. Others may provide discounts if you’re in public service. Make sure you find out about all of your cost-saving options before you sign up for your first treatment.
If your health insurance plan has a Health Savings Account (HSA,) you can put aside a predetermined amount of money each month that is tax-sheltered. This means you’ll be keeping more of what you earn. It can get used for cosmetic dental treatments, co-pays, or vision care.
If your company doesn’t have an HSA option, find out if a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is available. These also allow you to put aside tax-free income to help you pay for ongoing medical needs like tooth whitening.
The main difference between an HSA and an FSA is that an FSA is owned by your employer, while an HSA is owned by you. With an HSA, you can rollover any funds you don’t use from year to year.
- What Can I Expect During My Tooth Whitening Appointment?
You’ll want to visit your dentist for a check-up before your first tooth-whitening appointment. They’ll give you a full cleaning and recommend desensitizing toothpaste if you have sensitive teeth. Your dentist can also let you know whether or not a professional tooth-whitening is right for your mouth.
If you’re determined to be a good tooth-whitening candidate, your whitening appointment will begin when your hygenist uses a tooth retractor to keep your mouth open during the treatment. They’ll also keep everything dry by placing gauze in your mouth.
Your dentist or hygienist will then protect your gums with a rubber dam. They’ll also wipe your lips and cheeks with a rubber gel. This will protect them from getting burned by the whitening product.
Your dentist will then use a brush to paint the whitening bleach onto your teeth. When they’re done, they’ll point light or a laser directly at your teeth. You’ll sit under it for about twenty minutes as the pigment goes deep into your teeth.
After the light period is over, your dentist will remove the bleach and prepare for another round. You’ll usually have about three rounds, but the exact amount depends upon the shade you want.
- How Can I Choose the Right Dentist?
You’ll want to choose a local dentist for your treatment. Go online to search for a tooth whitening dentist in your area who gets good online reviews.
Make sure you check out what former clients are saying. Were they happy with the results of their treatment? Did they find the staff to be friendly and knowledgeable?
You’ll also want to ask about the cost of the treatment and compare it to those of other local professionals. Remember that the lowest price doesn’t always mean the best treatment. You’ll want to think about the quality and endurance of your treatment as it compares to what you’ll be paying.
Smiling On
If you’ve got healthy but discolored teeth, you may be an excellent candidate for professional teeth whitening. With the right preparation and a qualified dentist, you could be on your way to a beautiful new smile in no time!
Don’t stop getting smart about your health and lifestyle now. For more great advice, read our blog today.
The part of your article that talked about how the dentist will protect your teeth during the whitening process was very reassuring to read. I’m the kind of person that’s very sensitive to most things, and my gums are especially guilty of this since I notice some stinging whenever I drink cold drinks. The fact that they have ways to address this makes me confident about going to a dentist for some professional teeth whitening.
https://www.kumasakadental.com/cosmetic-dentistry