Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a $600 million dollar industry, increasing 15 percent to 20 percent annually, according to the Academy of General Dentistry. There are thousands of professional and consumer-grade products promising to brighten your teeth and restore your smile. These products include adhesive strips, pens, polishes, and paints. The cost of these teeth whitening products can range from less than $20 to more than $100. Form-fitting teeth whitening dental trays can cost as little as $70 and as much as $2,000.
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Depending on the severity of your teeth stains, some whitening products may not work. Teeth stains are either external or internal. External stains cover the top and middle layers of the teeth. Methods such as bleaching and polishing are designed to whiten these types of stains. However, internal stains are caused by medications (e.g., tetracycline), restorative dental work, or trauma (teeth grinding creates micro-fractures that trap food debris). As a result, the stains are embedded deep in the tissue and require cosmetic dentistry such as veneers or laser (light) treatments to remove them.
The key ingredients in most teeth whitening products is hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Hydrogen and carbamide peroxide are bleaching agents that penetrate the enamel layer and whiten the teeth. These products are harsh but enamel is one of the strongest tissues in the body. However, excessive use of any bleaching product, as well as the frequent intake of foods and beverages containing high concentrations of sugar and acids, lower the alkaline content of the mouth, de-mineralize the enamel, and expose teeth to staining and decay.
In-office cosmetic dental procedures are another way to treat teeth stains. Porcelain veneers are thin, semi-translucent materials that are applied to the teeth to cover stains. Laser or “light” treatment uses a special light that activates chemicals in the bleaching gel to lighten the teeth. For some people these procedures are cost-prohibitive. For example, porcelain veers can cost $700 or more per tooth. Laser treatments can cost more than $800.
Teeth sensitivity and gum irritation are important factors to weigh when considering whitening your teeth. When using peroxides, sensitivity is mitigated by decreasing the strength of the hydrogen or carbamide. When performing laser treatments, dentists place a barrier against the gum for protection. After treatment you may also experience thermal sensitivity – pain caused when consuming hot and cold foods or beverages.
Today, there many teeth whitening tips and products available to whiten your teeth. Whiteners sold in retail stores and pharmacies, as well as home teeth whitening recipes provide you with easy and affordable options. Cosmetic dentistry offers more invasive and expensive whitening alternatives. The severity of your dental problem, how much you can afford, and how quickly you need results will help you determine which teeth whitening method is the best course of action.