Thinking About Teeth Whitening? 3 Things To Know

Your smile plays a big role in your overall appearance. Discolored or stained teeth can detract from your smile, something that can have an impact on your self-esteem. If you are unhappy with the shade of your teeth, there are a few options that you may want to consider. One of the easiest ways to address discoloration and to lift stains is through teeth whitening. This procedure uses a peroxide solution to lift stains and to lighten the overall shade of your teeth. Here are three things to know when it comes to teeth whitening.

What Your Options Are

The first thing to consider when it comes to teeth whitening is your options. Teeth whitening varies in terms of how much peroxide there is and the level to which your teeth can be whitened. Some of the options that you may want to consider include over-the-counter whitening strips and gels, take-home whitening gel kits with trays from your dentist, and in-office whitening. Typically for the most dramatic results, a visit to your dentist is necessary. Take-home kits from your dentist and in-office whitening treatments use higher levels of peroxide.

How Much Your Teeth Can Be Whitened

How many shades your teeth can be whitened will vary depending on the amount of staining and discoloration. Results will vary from person to person in terms of how many shades your teeth can be lifted. Most people will see their teeth lightened by two to seven shades after teeth whitening. However, it is possible to see an improvement of nine or more shades. Even a whitening of just a few shades will be very noticeable. It's important to discuss the results you desire with your dentist in order to determine which teeth whitening treatment is right for you.

What The Cost Is

When it comes to teeth whitening, treatments are available at various price points. Over-the-counter whitening strips and gels range in price between $20 and $150. Take-home whitening kits from your dentist will typically range in price between $100 and $500. In-office teeth whitening from the dentist will offer the most dramatic results, but it is also typically the most expensive option. On average you can expect to pay between $500 and $700 for in-office whitening, but costs can be as low as $300 or upwards of $1,000.

If you are thinking about teeth whitening, there are a few things to know. First, there are different options to choose from, results will vary, and costs can vary, but there are teeth whitening options for nearly every budget. 

For more information contact a dentist like Accent On Dentistry - Rowena R Martir DMD.