Can I whiten my teeth at the dentist?
A bleaching kit supplied by your dentist is a more affordable way to achieve good results while still under the supervision of a dental professional. All of these methods of professional teeth whitening at the dentist can be expensive. Those wanting a cheaper way to get whiter teeth can try a home whitening system instead.
What is teeth whitening and how does it work?
Teeth whitening is an effective and conservative cosmetic treatment that lightens discolored teeth. Whitening has been practiced in dentistry for many centuries. Teeth whitening is one of the most common elective dental procedures because it is inexpensive, highly effective, and produces fast results.
How to save money on professional teeth whitening?
Another way to save money on professional teeth whitening and the laser teeth whitening cost is to get your treatment abroad. If you live near the Mexico border, you could save hundreds of dollars on dental whitening (and any other treatments) by visiting a dentist in Mexico.
What is the difference between over-the-counter and professional teeth whitening?
Qualified dental staff are allowed to use higher concentrations of peroxide than you'll find in over-the-counter teeth whitening kits. This means professional whitening services can deliver better results. How long does teeth whitening take? Professional teeth whitening can take just an hour of treatment in the dentist's office.
What makes you ineligible for teeth whitening?
Patients with the following conditions or circumstances may not be the best candidates: Pregnant and lactating women. People who have restorations such as fillings, implants, crowns and dental bridges. Children under 16 years of age.
Do dentists approve teeth whitening?
All dentists know that the best at-home teeth whitening products are going to be ADA-approved. The ADA is the American Dental Association. Any over-the-counter teeth whiteners that are not ADA-approved are going to leave your dentist a bit skeptical.
Who cant have teeth whitening?
If you are younger than 16, you are not a candidate for teeth whitening. This is because the pulp chamber in young teeth is larger than that of an adult, and whitening treatments could cause irritation. If you are pregnant or lactating, teeth whitening is not recommended.
Is in office dental whitening worth it?
So, is it worth it? Whether you choose to have your teeth whitened in-office, or opt for the take-home trays, professional teeth whitening is the best choice for permanently whiter teeth. The quick and lasting results combined with an increased comfortability make the higher cost completely worth it.
What teeth whitening do dentists recommend?
These are the best teeth whitening kits, according to dentists guidelines:Best White Strips: Crest 3D White White Strips with Light.Best LED Blue Light: AuraGlow Deluxe Home Teeth Whitening System.Best Express: Crest 3D White Strips 1-Hour Express Whitening Kit.Best Clean Formula: Cali White Vegan Teeth Whitening Kit.More items...•
What is the #1 teeth whitening?
Best Overall: GLO Science GLO Brilliant Deluxe Teeth Whitening Device Kit. The GLO Brilliant Deluxe Teeth Whitening Device is our top overall pick because the alcohol-free formula contains powerful hydrogen peroxide, is quick and easy to apply, and also happens to be a favorite of Dr. Weiner's.
Can everyone have teeth whitening?
Whitening is safe as long as you are smart It is illegal for anyone other than a regulated dental professional to perform professional tooth whitening.
Does teeth whitening damage enamel?
The teeth whitening gel will not damage your tooth enamel as it is a hard tissue. The American Dental Association says that teeth whitening is safe. Maintain your results by avoiding foods and beverages that are known to stain the teeth.
Why do my teeth look more yellow after whitening?
Also, if you have poor oral health or an underlying medical condition that affects the teeth, the teeth whitening procedure may make the teeth yellow. This is because the dentin has a yellowish hue under the enamel. So, when the enamel thins, your teeth become translucent and may look yellow.
Why are my teeth still yellow after teeth whitening?
Teeth Color Truth So if you have impeccable dental hygiene but your teeth are still yellow or return quickly to the less desired yellow color after whitening treatments it is most likely caused by what you are eating and drinking.
How many shades can teeth be whitened?
In some cases, whitening solutions can change the colour of your teeth up to nine or more shades. But in most cases the end results are from three to seven shades brighter. Keep in mind that teeth whitening doesn't last forever, so you will have to top up eventually after years more staining from your lifestyle.
What is laser teeth whitening?
This form of whitening, also known as "laser bleaching" or "power whitening", uses special teeth whitening lasers to accelerate the bleaching effec...
Is laser teeth whitening safe?
Laser teeth whitening, when performed in-office by a licensed professional is safe. However, because it is so intensive, laser teeth whitening side...
What is Zoom teeth whitening (LED)?
Another professional procedure is Zoom whitening. Using technology from Phillips, this works in a similar way to laser whitening but instead uses L...
How much does professional teeth whitening cost?
Professional teeth whitening at the dentist costs from $300 to $1,800, depending on the procedure. Zoom teeth whitening costs around $400 on averag...
How do I find professional teeth whitening near me?
Not all dentists offer cosmetic tooth whitening, and those that do each have their own preferred methods and brands. First, decide which kind of wh...
How do dentists whiten teeth?
Dentists whiten teeth by applying a bleaching agent (often hydrogen peroxide) to remove stains on teeth and give teeth a whiter appearance. Common...
How long does professional teeth whitening last?
Professional teeth whitening can last for 2 to 3 years after the procedure. However, results will diminish sooner if you consume a lot of foods and...
Does professional teeth whitening work?
Yes, in most cases, professional, dentist-approved teeth whitening is an effective treatment. With professional treatments, your dentist can remove...
How much is professional teeth whitening?
Professional teeth whitening costs average between $300 to $1,800. These costs of teeth whitening, including laser whitening costs, depend on where...
How much does laser teeth whitening cost?
Laser teeth whitening costs the most when it comes to teeth whitening professionally, because of the technology used but offers the fastest and mos...
What is the best way to whiten teeth?
If quick results are your main concern, this could be the best professional teeth whitening method for you. The first step of the laser teeth whitening process is to apply a seal or shield to protect the gums. Then, the teeth are coated with a bleaching product — usually containing hydrogen peroxide.
How much does it cost to get teeth whitening?
Professional teeth whitening at the dentist costs from $300 to $1,800, depending on the procedure. Zoom teeth whitening costs around $400 on average, and laser teeth whitening costs around $1,000.
How much carbamide peroxide is in Smile Brilliant?
Smile Brilliant's whitening gel contains 22% carbamide peroxide, which is the same as the gel in other take-home kits like Philips Zoom. Choose from 9, 18 or 27 whitening applications, depending on how stained your teeth are, and add on desensitizing gel if you like.
How long does it take for whitening teeth to work?
Most home whitening kits just do superficial work, cutting down on surface stains. It could take up to a month to see any results, and your teeth are going to get maybe three or four shades lighter. At-home trays that you can get at the dentist’s office are more effective, but you will still have to wait a week or two to get results.
What is a laser whitening service?
This teeth whitening service, also known as “laser bleaching” or “power whitening”, uses special teeth whitening lasers to accelerate the bleaching effect of a concentrated gel that is applied to the teeth. Bright light speeds up the whitening process.
How long does it take to see results from teeth whitening?
Professional teeth whitening can take just an hour of treatment in the dentist's office. You may need several visits to the dentist to achieve the desired results.If you opt for a professional bleaching kit, you should start to see results after a few days of daily use, but treatment continues for around 10-14 days.
How long does it take for Zoom to whiten teeth?
If you want fast results, laser whitening and Zoom whitening can whiten teeth by several shades in just one hour. A bleaching kit supplied by your dentist is a more affordable way to achieve good results while still under the supervision of a dental professional.
What is dental fraud?
The most common pattern of dental fraud is a new dentist telling a patient, with little to no history of dental problems, that they need an extensive amount of work.
What is a phantom treatment?
Phantom treatments are treatments which were never performed in the first place but you are billed for them anyway. Always ask for a breakdown of the bill and check what services you are being billed for. – SP.
Can a broken tooth be fixed without crowns?
Therefore, a dentist in a rush to treat a microcavity may just want to benefit their pockets. A broken, cracked or decayed tooth can usually be fixed without using expensive caps or crowns. If at least 50% of the tooth is still there, a bonded restoration which molds a composite to the affected tooth can be used.
Can you remove silver fillings?
Some dentists insist on replacing all your old fillings especially if silver fillings were used. According to the FDA , these fill ing are not dangerous and should not be removed unless they have begun to corrode or shrink away from the surface of the tooth which would allow bacteria to settle in.
Can you treat microcavities early?
However, treating these microcavities early on doesn’t necessarily benefit the tooth or the patient. A five year study, led by Dr. James C. Hamilton, proved that drilling and filling a microcavity failed to conserve more of the tooth than simply waiting until a cavity was diagnosed.
What are the risks of teeth whitening?
Even though teeth whitening is safe, it is not recommended for everyone: 1 Small children: children who still have primary (baby) teeth should not receive whitening treatment because their gums, teeth, and jaws are still developing. 2 Pregnant women and nursing mothers: the chemicals from whitening treatments can be passed along to developing babies. 3 Previous restorative treatment: dental restorations, including veneers, crowns, and fillings, will not whiten because they are made of composite, porcelain, or metal. Only your natural tooth structure can change color. 4 Cavities, gum disease, and exposed tooth roots: if you have gum disease, cavities, gum recession, or worn enamel, teeth whitening treatment is generally discouraged until these oral conditions are fixed.
Why is teeth whitening important?
Teeth whitening is one of the most common elective dental procedures because it is inexpensive, highly effective, and produces fast results. Many people invest in whitening treatments to improve their appearance and boost their confidence.
How long does it take to whiten teeth with snow?
Snow. Snow claims that users will have whiter teeth in as little as nine minutes per day with its light-activated whitening gel. You can whiten for as long as 30 minutes per session for quicker results. The kit costs $149.
How long does it take to get a tooth whitening light?
All of these treatments have a similar active ingredient (hydrogen or carbamide peroxide) and may or may not use a light. They take about 30 minutes and can make your tooth color two-three shades lighter in one visit. In-office whitening can also be done during routine dental cleanings (every six months).
Why do teeth whitening treatments make teeth yellow?
Aging. As people age, the outer layer of enamel naturally wears down, resulting in tooth discoloration and yellowing. Younger patients typically see long-term effects from teeth whitening treatments, while older patients do not.
Why do teeth get sensitive when bleaching?
Sensitivity occurs because the dentin layer of your teeth is exposed during the bleaching process. Dentin is the layer below your enamel (the white layer covering your teeth). For over-the-counter whitening, the sensitivity will only go away when you stop treatment.
What causes teeth to discolor?
Causes of Tooth Discoloration. Surface stains are the most obvious sign of tooth discoloration. Stains are naturally picked up over the course of a person’s life. The bumps, grooves, and “holes” in teeth pick up stains. As a result, your teeth will darken, yellow, or develop white streaks.
Why do people refuse dental treatment?
Other reasons for refusing definitive treatment include fear, inconvenience, and mistrust. Some of our patients have been through unpleasant experiences in other dental practices that have left them mentally “scarred” toward dental treatment.
Why is documentation important in dental practice?
In fact, documentation is key to preventing future liability for the dental professional. Any and all refusals should be thoroughly documented in the patient chart. Sometimes I think we lose sight of what we are called to do in our profession — help people.
What is informed refusal?
Informed refusal is about a patient’s refusal of all or a portion of the proposed treatment after the recommended treatment, alternate treatment options, and the likely consequences of declining treatment have been explained to the patient in language understood by the patient. A patient has a legal right to refuse proposed medical or dental care.
What is informed consent?
Informed consent is about a patient’s understanding and willingness to voluntarily agree to proposed treatment after the recommended treatment, alternate treatment options, and the benefits and risks of treatment have been thoroughly described to the patient in language understood by the patient.
What is a written consent document?
Once signed, a written consent document becomes part of the individual’s permanent dental record. If a written consent document is not used, the patient’s verbal consent should be documented in the patient chart. An example of documentation of verbal consent is: “Discussed the diagnosis; purpose, description, benefits and risks ...
Can a dental hygienist debride?
For the dental hygienist , an alternative treatment could be a debridement. While not ideal, this is an alternative treatment option for the patient who refuses periodontal treatment. There’s no harm in it, and certainly no risk to the licensee, as long as the documentation is thorough. In fact, documentation is key to preventing future liability ...
Can a patient refuse dental care?
A patient has a legal right to refuse proposed medical or dental care. Informed consent may be either verbal or written. Many dental health-care providers prefer to have the patient sign and date a written consent for documentation of the consent process.
Why do dentists put veneers on teeth?
Lots of dentists also push veneers (artificial tooth surfaces) on many patients, because they're extremely lucrative. But it's important to remember that, in most cases, veneers are a cosmetic choice, and one that costs thousands of dollars.
Do you need to replace silver fillings?
And though fillings do crack and decay over time, you rarely need all of them replaced at once. Some will claim that old silver fillings need to be removed for safety reasons — specifically, because they leech mercury — but that idea is a total myth.
Do you need to have all your fillings ripped out?
1) You probably don't need all your fillings ripped out and replaced. Oftentimes, someone visiting a new (and unscrupulous) dentist will be told that he or she needs a ton of work done. Frequently, this involves ripping out all existing fillings and replacing them with new ones.
Is dental insurance bad?
Medical insurance is essential. But dental insurance is often a bad deal. That's because it can set up a conflict-of-interest for dentists: when you go in to get a cleaning and check-up, their base reimbursement fees from the insurance companies are very low.
Do you need a night guard for teeth grinding?
Two other products that are often used as moneymakers are night guards (which stop you from grinding your teeth at night) and sealants (which cover a tooth's surface so plaque doesn't accumulate). It's certainly true that some people genuinely need a night guard, especially if they have jaw pain.
Do dentists have to turn over X-rays?
Further, your X-rays are legally your property, and your dentist is required to turn them over to you to bring to other dentists. Keeping this in mind and doing it whenever you feel uncomfortable with a prescribed treatment will protect you in the long term.
Is it cheaper to get whitening or veneers?
Additionally, if the shape of your tooth is fine, just not the color, it's generally much cheaper to go for whitening, rather than veneers. And if you do want veneers, it's smarter to visit a prosthodontist, rather than a general dentist.
Why do dental offices use deals?
The reason for this is that advertising-driven offices often use deals as a tool to get patients in the door and then pressure them to accept an expensive treatment plan, whether they need work done or not. Oftentimes, they're corporate-owned chains, like Aspen Dental .
What does a dark spot on a tooth mean?
A dark spot or blemish, in general, corresponds to a cavity. And in general, the dentist should be willing and able to explain why you need certain procedures, both by using X-rays and other means. if the first dentist seems reluctant to let you get it, that's a bad sign.
What is the best way to protect your molars from plaque?
5) Sealants . Dental sealants are preventative coatings applied to the surface of your molars to prevent plaque from accumulating in the pits on their surfaces. They can be useful in some cases — especially for cavity-prone kids — but are also overprescribed by some dentists.
Do dental plans have a cap?
Most dental plans come with a hard cap on the total amount of treatment they'll pay for in a given year — the exact opposite of the out-of-pocket maximums in medical insurance plans. Even more problematically, insurance plans put perverse incentives in place for in-network dentists.
Can you opt out of dental insurance?
As a result, people can opt out of dental insurance, then build up treatment needs over the course of several years, then opt in. Dental companies know this, and so to turn a profit, they're forced to cover relatively little, in terms of treatment.
Do dentists disagree about fissures?
Two honest dentists can disagree about whether a tiny fissure requires a filling or not, and all dentists fall on a continuum of philosophies ranging from conservative to aggressiv e in their treatments . Some dishonest ones, though, abuse this uncertainty to increase their profits.
Do dental school students do quality work?
And in general — and contrary to many people's idea of dentists-in-training — dental school students do quality work by the time they're treating actual patients, after learning on models.