One of the most asked questions we get at Afdent is “how can I get my teeth whiter?” Honestly one of the simplest and easiest answers is to brush your teeth gently with a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes twice a day. And use a timer, most people think they’ve been brushing for two minutes when it has actually only been around 40 seconds.
But what if you are brushing consistently and your teeth still look discolored and stained? Then teeth whitening may be the solution for you. How well a product or procedure will work for you is largely dependent on why your teeth are discolored. Everyday food and beverage stains may be removed relatively easily while discoloration that happened when the teeth were developing may present a challenge.
It’s also important to remember that crowns and fillings won’t whiten with the rest of your teeth. In this blog we will look at some popular at-home and in-office whitening procedures and help you determine if professional teeth whitening is right for you.
Is the Teeth Whitening Cost Worth the Investment?
Dental insurance plans typically do not cover teeth whitening costs like they cover other types of dental work, which means you will have to pay out of pocket. It can be tempting to use over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening products but you should know that you likely will not get the best results.
At Afdent we have researched the more popular whitening toothpastes. The general consensus between staff and patients is that while it does seem to do a good job of removing and preventing stains, it’s not a very dramatic change.
The next step up in “bleaching power” are white strips or gels containing peroxide. Higher percentage products come with a greater risk of tooth and gum sensitivity which is why you should obtain them from a dental professional, like Afdent, so your progress can be monitored. Any bleaching system with peroxide comes with the risk of tooth sensitivity, and we generally recommend patients start using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth at least 2 weeks prior to bleaching.
Over the counter products typically are not as effective and can actually damage your teeth if you use them too much. We have found that in general patients tend to overuse the products because they are not getting the results that they want.
Feeling Good About Your Smile
At Afdent, we have safe whitening tools that can transform your smile. When you feel good about your smile, you show it off proudly. For a faster and more dramatic result, an in-office whitening may be your most affordable option. At home whitening products are usually designed to be used over several days or weeks, where in-office whitening can usually be completed in an hour or so.
A much stronger bleaching agent can be used because you will be monitored closely by Afdent’s professional staff and precautions will be taken to protect your gums and cheeks.
Our office uses the “GLO Science System” that contains an ingredient specifically to combat tooth sensitivity. Teeth whitening cost is a small price to pay to feel good about the way your smile looks. It is hard to put a price on increasing your confidence.
Your Afdent dentist can help to give you the healthy bright smile that you deserve for a minimal investment. The best part of going to a dentist to get your teeth whitened is that you know that the process is safe.
It’s Affordable
Teeth whitening is a procedure that is more affordable than you think, especially when you consider the amazing results that you will get. While you can start with over the counter whiteners, you may be disappointed in the results and concerned about using the product safely.
At Afdent Dentistry, we offer free consultations to discuss your smile goals and help you develop a plan that fits your budget! Call to make an appointment with us today!