THIS RISK INVOLVED WITH TEETH WHITENING

Teeth whitening has become very popular over the years for patients that are unhappy with the way that their teeth look, and would like their teeth to be brighter and whiter. Still, teeth whitening is not right for everyone. Some people will find that whitening is not the right solution for their particular needs. Others may discover that their teeth aren’t able to handle the bleaching procedure. In order to understand what whitening options are available to you, you’ll need to speak with a dentist. They will then let you know if professional whitening is the right decision for your particular needs.

What Is Professional Teeth Whitening?

Teeth can be whitened using a variety of different products—some of which being over-the-counter. For instance, some people find success using whitening toothpaste or mouthwash. For patients that have yellowing or discoloration that cannot be treated with less intensive whitening options, though, professional whitening may need to be considered.

If you are considering a higher level of treatment for your teeth, you’ll want to set an appointment with a cosmetic dentist that is able to provide you with the right whitening materials and services. When you meet with a cosmetic dentist for a consultation, they will first check to ensure that you are a good candidate for teeth whitening. If you are, they will discuss your options—which may include at-home or in-office professional whitening.

The Costs of Professional Whitening

Professional whitening is an excellent choice for many patients with yellow teeth that would like to whiten their teeth. If you decide that professional whitening is the right choice for you (and your dentist approves the procedure), you may be given two options—at-home or in-office. In-Office is faster, but also more expensive (often around $350). At-home takes longer, but is less expensive (often around $250). Discuss with your dentist which option would work best for you.

The Risks of Professional Whitening

It is important to understand that professional whitening is not for everyone. There are certain risks involved with professional whitening—mainly posed by the bleaching solution that is used. For some patients, the enamel of their teeth isn’t strong enough to support teeth whitening solution. If this is the case, the whitening bleach could cause severe damage. If your dentist is uncomfortable with the integrity of your enamel, they may suggest other less-intensive at-home solutions.

If you are considering at-home whitening strips, you’ll want to meet with your dentist. Just like with professional whitening solutions, the solution used in whitening strips can do major damage to your teeth if they aren’t strong enough. Before using any intensive whitening materials, speak with your dentist.

Is Whitening Right for Me?

Different types of whitening may be right or wrong for different patients. Speak with your dentist about whether professional whitening is an option for you, and if so, which professional whitening option is best for your needs and budget. If you are not a candidate for professional whitening, discuss other whitening options with your dentist.

Drs. Leal, Spangler & Johnson, located in Winston-Salem, NC, offer teeth whitening to help bring luster back to your smile. Contact our office for a consultation or to schedule teeth whitening today.

If you're interested in learning more about teeth whitening, here's some further reading the expenses typically associate with whitening.