Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is a procedure either performed at a dental office or at home, using whitening kits provided by your dentist. Whitening solutions contain a bleaching agent (such as hydrogen peroxide) that makes the enamel of your teeth temporarily more porous to remove the dark pigment in its deeper layers. Then, the enamel heals within 7 to 10 days after the treatment is complete. 

In-office teeth whitening costs between $700 and $1500 depending on the solution and additional tools (such as lasers) used. At-home whitening with kits provided by your dentist costs between 250$ and 700$ depending on the number of trays you need to achieve the desired results.

Results of professional teeth whitening can last between 6 months and 3 years depending on the type of whitening used and on your oral hygiene, dietary, and lifestyle habits. To have your whitening results last as long as possible, it is recommended to maintain thorough oral hygiene, undergo professional cleaning twice a year, and abstain from smoking and staining foods and beverages.

Professional teeth whitening is a safe and low-risk procedure, as your dentist will thoroughly examine your oral health before the procedure and then choose a whitening solution according to your needs and goals. Also, when the procedure is performed within a controlled setting of a dental office, your doctor can adjust the treatment depending on how your teeth react to whitening. However, over-the-counter or home-made whitening solutions are never safe for your oral health and can lead to permanent enamel damage or gum burns. In fact, some people may not be good candidates for whitening at all, so it is always better to consult your dentist and opt for a professional treatment.

Both in-office and at-home whitening with kits provided by your dentist are professional procedures that offer stunning results, while being safe at the same time. In-office whitening is typically done in one dental visit, and you will be able to see results immediately after the procedure. In-office whitening can make your teeth up to 8 shades whiter. For at-home whitening, you will be provided with special whitening kits (often trays with gel) which you will use over several days or weeks. At-home whitening provides gradual improvements, with the full results achieved by the end of the treatment course.

Professional teeth whitening can make your teeth up to 8 shades whiter in one visit to a dental office. However, the final results may depend on the initial condition of your teeth and your oral health. Patients with weak enamel may be recommended to opt for less dramatic results or work toward them gradually in order to preserve their oral health. 

Professional teeth whitening can cause tooth sensitivity as the enamel becomes more porous during the procedure. However, the enamel typically heals within 7 to 10 days and sensitivity goes away. On the other hand, over-the-counter or home-made whitening solutions can cause permanent enamel damage and sensitivity, which is why it is recommended to always opt for professional treatments. 

In-office teeth whitening takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the type of whitening used and the results you want to achieve. At-home whitening with kits provided by your dentist typically takes one to 3 weeks.