These days, there are so many advanced cosmetic dental services that help us keep our smiles white, bright and youthful. Thanks to modern dentistry you can have your teeth professionally bleached or whitening with gentle lasers. With all of these options, it’s easy to see how easy it is to maintain a confident and radiant smile.
Professional Teeth Bleaching Options:
There is a variety of alternative methods available. Consider: laser whitening, bleach options, white strips, etc. In the ultimate analysis, the final choice will be determined by what you need and what your dentist recommends (Note: Most of these procedures are not covered under dental plans.)
As with any elective cosmetic treatment, costs of professional teeth whitening services vary widely depending on the nature of the equipment used and the perceived social value of the provider. For this reason, it is advisable to research the available service providers carefully and compare prices.
There are two broad categories of tooth-whitening techniques – gel whitening and laser-enhanced methodologies. Both of these are, inevitably, intrusive and few patients actively enjoy the process.
Traditional Teeth-Whitening Treatments:
These treatments all involve applying a chemical substance to the teeth. While it may be possible to achieve similar results using tray-based systems at home, many people believe that precious, irreplaceable teeth are best left in the care of a professional, who should also be able to achieve quicker, and longer lasting results.
The whiteners that dentists use are caustic, but they go to great lengths to protect the gums and enamel of their patients. The treatments employ a bleaching effect and, typically, the longer the whiteners are applied, the more dramatic the results. Dentists often only apply the caustic whiteners to the front teeth that are visible when we talk or smile. This is because the rear teeth are less accessible and the risk of burning the gums correspondingly higher.
During the period when the traditional whitening treatment is in process, the teeth dry out and become a lighter color temporarily (this is why a dentist takes a color sample for a filling as soon as you sit down in the chair). Thus a tooth-whitening job often produces apparently brilliant results initially, that soon fade as the teeth re-moisten. It is therefore often necessary to undergo several sessions to achieve the desired long-term effects – speak to your dentist before you begin the treatment.
Laser-Assisted Tooth-Whitening:
Laser assistance works in a similar way, the exception being that that the dentist focuses a special light on the gel after it has been applied to your teeth to activate it. The whitening effect is more dramatic, quicker and lasts longer. Only drawback: the cost per treatment is drastically higher. People with sensitive teeth often are willing to pay the extra cost to avoid the inconvenience of further visits.
Great progress has been made with teeth-whitening techniques in the past decade, and the process is now a standard part of the cosmetic treatment menu. The risks are low provided a reputable dentist does the work – but do be careful to ask for a complete quote first.
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