There’s no shortage of people out there who wish they could have whiter teeth. An explosion of products and treatments promise to make your teeth look whiter, but many who have experimented with them have found that these items produce mixed results at best. Fortunately, those who are serious about getting a more dazzling smile have one option that is all but guaranteed to whiten their teeth: a session with a professional. If you are considering having your teeth whitened by a dentist, here is what you need to know before going in.
Advantages of the Procedure
Professional teeth whitening is the most reliable whitening product available for removing organic stains such as those caused by food or aging. It is quicker and produces better results than teeth whitening gels or pens, and it is handled by a professional so you can be sure all your teeth are whitened evenly. In addition, modern tooth whitening procedures are designed to keep tooth and gum sensitivity to a minimum.
Costs of the Procedure
In addition to being the most effective method, professional teeth whitening is also the most expensive. A single whitening session generally starts at several hundred dollars, and it may take several sessions to get your teeth to the desired shade. Additionally, insurance generally does not cover teeth whitening so you can expect to pay completely out of pocket.
What to Expect
The teeth whitening procedure generally takes between 30 minutes and an hour. It may be preceded by a general cleaning to remove any excess plaque from the teeth. At the start of the procedure, a protective coating is painted on the gums. After that, a peroxide gel is spread on the teeth to remove stains. The gel may be suctioned off and reapplied to treat especially stubborn stains. Professional whitening is just one of the cosmetic dentistry procedures we offer. Call our office for more information.
