Exploring Your Teeth Whitening Options

posted by Dr. Beau Beecher, DDS on 6/18/2018 in General

Everyone wants a brighter smile, and teeth whitening has become a popular method for perfecting the kind of smile that can light up a room.

Whitening is not a universal solution for all patients, but there are safe and effective options worth exploring if you’re in the market for whiter and brighter teeth.

What is Teeth Whitening?

Tooth enamel, which covers the outer layer of each tooth, is translucent. The actual source of color are the layers underneath the enamel, which darken with age as the layers get thinner.

The process of teeth whitening is the removal of stains from the outer enamel and bleaching of the middle, darker layer.

What You Should Know About Teeth Whitening

There are a variety of teeth whitening techniques to choose from, so it is important to understand each option and identify the solution with which you are most comfortable.

There are three things that are important for you to know about teeth whitening:

• Dental fillings, crowns, and dentures will not whiten.
• The procedure can lead to temporary sensitivity, but your dental professional can provide or recommend products and services that will help alleviate it.
• The process is ongoing and requires consistent upkeep.

Teeth Whitening Techniques

Kits and strips are available over-the-counter and can be purchased independently of your dental office. These generally cost between $30 and $100, and can be effective for some individuals. However, the bleaching agents used in these products may not effectively treat the color under the enamel, which means they’re limited to removing surface stains.

The in-office procedure is performed by a dental professional, and the results are instantaneous. This solution, which generally costs between $300 and $500 to perform, can result in temporary sensitivity and requires the patient to perform follow-up maintenance at home with the consistent application of a bleaching gel.

Schedule a Teeth Whitening Appointment With a Kimball & Beecher Dentist

At Kimball & Beecher, our patients are provided with in-home teeth whitening kits, complete with customized trays, that can be used at home. This solution, which we refer to as “Whitening for Life,” is available for a one-time charge of $69. Every six months after that initial setup, we’ll supply the patient with a professional strength bleaching gel at no additional cost.

For more information about our teeth whitening techniques or to schedule an appointment, call your local Kimball & Beecher office -- and get the smile you’ve always wanted!