Teeth Whitening FAQ

People who are unhappy with the color of their teeth may consider using one of the various teeth whitening products on the market. From over the counter products to whitening procedures performed in dentists' offices, there are several roads to take when whitening your teeth. Find out what these methods cost and just how safe they really are. Educating yourself on the choices is the best way to find the right method for you and your teeth.

Choices

• According to dentist.net, there are several ways to whiten your teeth. You can have a dentist whiten your teeth or you can purchase a product from the store to use at home. The dentist can bleach your teeth, often using a special light or laser. The home kits range from strips that you wear at night to trays you leave in your mouth while sleeping. Whether either method will work for your teeth depends on what condition your teeth are in before you have them bleached.

Safety

• Using a bleaching agent to whiten teeth currently has shown no damage to the tooth. Both dentist.net and Teeth Whitening FAQ's agree that there has been no proof yet that whitening teeth causes adverse effects. The American Dental Association recommends talking to your dentist beforehand and to mention any side effects you have while using the product, such as sore gums or sensitive teeth.

Time Period

• Teeth can only be whitened to a certain point before you stop seeing any changes. Typically, over the counter products claim to work in two weeks or less, though you may continue wearing the product until your teeth either reach the desired level of whiteness or you stop seeing any noticeable change. You can choose to have your teeth professionally whitened as many times as you want, though one or two times should be sufficient.

Cost

• The most expensive method for whitening your teeth is having it done professionally or to buy a kit from your dentist instead of the store. According to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, an in-office visit costs an average of $650 while a kit costs anywhere from $100 to $400. The kits offered in stores range in the $40 to $60 range, though the Consumer Guide states they can reach as high as $100.

Sensitivity

• Certain people experience more sensitivity from whitening than others. Some people may not notice any sensitivity. If your teeth become sensitive, there are gels and special toothpastes, available from dentists and the store, to help fight sensitivity. Common signs of increased tooth sensitivity include pain from hot or cold drinks, or when breathing cold air. The pain may seem to radiate throughout the entire tooth and tends to be very uncomfortable.