Considering brightening your smile but still have questions swirling around about the teeth whitening process? You’re not the only one. Teeth whitening is an extremely popular cosmetic treatment, but the array of options and procedures available can cause some confusion. Read on for thorough answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to gain clarity on the teeth whitening journey.
What methods of teeth whitening are available?
There are three primary types of whitening treatments to choose from:In-office whitening supervised by a dentist: This is performed right at your dentist’s office and typically takes about an hour or so. Your dentist will apply a concentrated gel with a high level of whitening agent directly to your teeth. The process is then accelerated and enhanced by using a special light or laser light. This in-office method yields the fastest, most dramatic whitening results, but also comes with a higher price tag.
Custom-fitted whitening trays and gels from your dentist: Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and have custom-fitted whitening trays made specifically for you. You’re also given professional-grade whitening gel to place in the trays and use at home for 1-2 weeks. This is a more affordable option than in-office care since you do the treatment yourself over an extended period, but your dentist still oversees the process.
Over-the-counter whitening kits: This includes options like whitening strips, whitening gels, and whitening toothpastes you can pick up at your local drugstore and use on your own without dentist supervision. While they are the most budget-friendly choice, results from over-the-counter products tend to be slower and less dramatic overall.
How long do the results from teeth whitening last?
In-office whitening results supervised by a dentist can last anywhere from 1-3 years, though some patients may start to notice some regression after the 1 year mark. Custom take-home trays and professionally dispensed whitening gels from your dentist lighten your teeth for approximately 3-6 months before you’ll need to do touch up treatments. Over-the-counter whitening strips and gels may only keep your teeth whitened for about 2-3 months tops. Avoiding dark staining foods and beverages can help sustain your bright smile for longer between treatments.
Does insurance cover the cost of teeth whitening?
Unfortunately, most dental insurance plans exclude teeth whitening coverage since it is considered an elective, cosmetic treatment rather than medically necessary. However, some dental plans do provide slight discounts on in-network dentists’ fees for whitening procedures. It’s wise to directly ask your dentist too, as many dental offices offer their own discounted rates for whitening beyond any possible insurance discounts. If insurance won’t fully cover the costs, shop around to compare prices between dentists to find the best value.
What kind of side effects can occur with teeth whitening?
It’s fairly common to experience some mild to moderate tooth and gum sensitivity or irritation during the first day or two after whitening treatments. This is due to the peroxide gel interacting with the tissue. Using specialized desensitizing toothpastes or in-treatment gels helps alleviate sensitivity. More serious side effects like nerve damage are extremely rare occurrences if the whitening procedure is done correctly under a dentist’s supervision.
Is whitening bad or damaging to your teeth?
When used appropriately and as directed, hydrogen peroxide whitening is considered safe for your enamel. However, improper overuse or misuse of whitening products can lead to enamel erosion and gum damage over time. Always follow your dentist’s recommended treatment schedule and never overdo it beyond 1-2 touch ups annually. Moderation is key to avoid causing tooth structure issues.
Does whitening work on dental restorations like crowns or veneers?
Whitening only affects the natural tooth’s intrinsic color, so any dental work like crowns, veneers, white fillings or other restoration materials will not change shades when your natural teeth whiten. These restorations end up standing out against your newly whitened smile. You’ll likely need to have dental restorations replaced 2-3 weeks after finishing the teeth whitening process once your natural tooth color stabilizes at its new white shade.
Should I whiten while pregnant?
It is generally recommended to delay teeth whitening treatments until after pregnancy due to lack of sufficient research on product safety for the developing baby. Every woman and pregnancy is different, so be sure to discuss options thoroughly with both your OB-GYN and dentist to help decide if it’s advisable to wait until after delivering your baby to pursue teeth whitening.
What about “natural” teeth whitening options?
Home remedies like baking soda and lemon juice mixes, activated charcoal powders, and coconut oil pulling aim to lift surface stains but are unlikely to yield major whitening or color change comparable to professional whitening gels. These natural options may provide a temporary brightening boost between professional treatments, but evidence on long-term safety is still limited compared to expert whitening methods under a dentist’s care.
How white can my teeth actually get?
The maximum whiteness level able to be achieved can vary substantially by each individual. It depends on factors like your natural enamel shade genetics, age, degree of staining, thickness of enamel layer, etc. In-office whitening overseen by a dentist can typically lighten teeth up to 8-10 shades lighter for most patients. At-home whitening kits usually lighten teeth up to 2-6 shades lighter on average. Consult directly with your dentist about realistic whitening results tailored to your particular teeth’s characteristics.
How frequently can I safely get touch up treatments?
Only get touch up whitening treatments as often as genuinely needed. It’s ideal to space out professional whitening sessions by 6 months minimum between each treatment. Getting touch ups from your dentist once or twice annually is generally considered safe to maintain your brightened smile. But repeatedly overusing whitening products too frequently can damage enamel and irritate gums over time. Moderation and diligent dental check-ups are key.
looking for a dentist in Williamsport, PA to whiten your smile? Contact Dr. Kamal Haddad of Haddad Dental. Dr. Haddad is highly renowned as one of the top cosmetic dentists in Williamsport, and offers premium in-office Zoom! whitening treatments for dramatically brighter teeth in as little as one visit. His team takes ample time to carefully examine your teeth’s current condition and tailors the whitening treatment plan and peroxide gel strength accordingly. Patients rave about the fast, comfortable whitening experience and transformative results under Dr. Haddad’s expert care. Contact Haddad Dental today to schedule your whitening consultation.
Keep all of these common teeth whitening FAQs in mind when weighing your options. And be sure to ask your dentist any other questions not covered here too. With the ideal whitening treatment regimen implemented properly, you’ll be smiling wider showing off a shade lighter.