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Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22 |
What’s the color of your teeth? Off white? Mother of pearl? One long look at the mirror and you would know you need tooth whitening! Which method would you choose?
Several issues have to be considered in choosing well. Foremost, there is your budget. How much are you willing to spend? Consider also the necessity. Do all your teeth need whitening? How bad is the discoloration? You also have to see to the time you have for it. Will your schedule allow you to make an appointment with the dentist or will you prefer to do it at home? Will you be able to make several visits for more important procedures? Moreover, you have to check for the availability of the product or procedure in your community.
The most common option that one has is whitening toothpaste. It would mean a very minimal stretch on the budget, readily available in a convenience store and would not take a visit to the dentist. However, toothpastes can only work on the surface but not beyond the thin white film protection of the teeth. Stains from food, beverages, and cigarettes seep thru and accumulate beyond the white film and into the enamel. Toothpastes won't be very effective in this area and so you have to consider other bleaching options, commonly with hydrogen peroxide.
The second cheapest alternative is a brush-on whitening formula. It can be found in drug stores, sold typically for less than $5. One has to be careful though in the application because white blotches may result if teeth are not kept dry during treatment. Moreover, this procedure may cause bad breath, due to alcohol content in some formulas, and will increase tooth sensitivity due to the drying effect.
Another do-it-yourself option is whitening strips. These will cost about $15 and have minimal effect on the sensitivity of teeth and gums. Although its effect will last to a year and it will save you the trouble of messy liquids and gels. It won't be as efficient in whitening the entire tooth because strips are flats and cannot reach well into arches of your teeth.
The above mentioned home remedies will save you the cost of dentist fees. Nevertheless, it is still recommended that you ask your dentist for advice to save you from wasting time and future frustration. They can evaluate the cause of discoloration and give you safety precautions.
More options you have would require the dentist to do it for you. Necessary additional procedures may be done, such as light cure or laser treatment. Of course it would mean additional cost.
You can also opt to ask for dental assistance in the use of whitening gel. Although this option can be done at home, seeking the assistance of the dentist can prolong the effectiveness to three years. An over the counter do-it-yourself- kit will cost you about $10 and the treatment lasts for 1-3 weeks. A dentist supervised procedure will cost about $300-$500 and treatment to about 3-6 weeks.
For single tooth problems, it would be best that you see your dentist. He may suggest procedures such as changing crowns, bonding, or veneers. This may cost from $300 to $3000.
Whitening teeth may not be as easy as singing ABC however, for one who is determined to have the Shining Shimmering White Smile, no obstacle will stand in your way. Take your pick and go.
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