Everyone wants a bright, white smile. And the marketplace has graciously met this demand by offering us a variety of tooth whitening options. All have their advantages—and their disadvantages.
Here are the most popular teeth whitening methods available today. Consider your own needs and budget when deciding which method is best for you:
• Professional In-Office Whitening. A dentist or trained dental technician first protects your gums with a paint-on rubber solution, and then coats your teeth with a high-concentration peroxide solution. The dentist may also employ a special light to speed the process.
Advantages: Good results in a very short period of time (usually about an hour).
Disadvantages: Expensive, usually costing $500 or more per visit.
• Professional Take-Home Whitening Kits. A dentist or trained technician fits a special tray to conform to your teeth and provides you with a lower-concentration peroxide solution. You then wear the tray when sleeping like a retainer or mouth guard.
Advantages: Perhaps even better results than in-office whitening. Only moderately expensive (usually $100 to $400).
Disadvantages: Can take several weeks to achieve optimal results. Some people find sleeping with trays in their mouths awkward and uncomfortable.
• Over-the-Counter Take-Home Whitening Kits. These feature one-size-fits all trays and peroxide solutions that are even less concentrated than those in kits you get from the dentist.
Advantages: Convenient and relatively inexpensive (usually just $20 to $100).
Disadvantages: May not produce desired results. Whitening effect can be uneven. Mouth trays can be even more uncomfortable that with custom-fitted kits and may result in gum damage.
• Over-the-Counter Whitening Strips and Gels. These are low-concentration peroxide gels you apply directly to your teeth or thin plastic strips coated with a gel-like bleaching agent.
Advantages: Affordable (usually $20 to $40 for a two-week supply of strips). If properly fitted, strips should not damage gums.
Disadvantages: Results may be significantly less than expected.
• Whitening Toothpastes. These are traditional toothpastes fortified with a whitening agent, usually an abrasive.
Advantages: Very affordable—especially when you consider you need toothpaste anyway.
Disadvantages: Results will likely be far less dramatic than with other methods. Over time, the abrasive agents can wear away tooth enamel and actually leave teeth duller than before.
Whatever method you choose, remember: Even with the most expensive of methods, results will vary from person to person. No tooth whitening method can change a tooth’s color, nor will they work on previously installed cosmetic enhancements such as crowns, caps or porcelain fillings.
Would You Like to Become a Dental Assistant?
Dental assistants are on the forefront in the battle for good oral health. It’s a rapidly growing career field that can lead to a lifetime of challenges, rewards and both personal and professional satisfaction. For information on professional dental assisting training programs near you, contact Everest College today!
