7 things you need to know about teeth whitening

There’s nothing better than a smile—especially if the teeth are pearly white.

“Of all the cosmetic treatments offered by dentists, teeth whitening is the most popular. That may be because teeth whitening is less expensive than most other cosmetic dental procedures, yet it can make a dramatic difference in a person’s appearance and self-confidence,” says Everyday Health.

If your teeth could use whitening, there are a few things you’ll want to know before trying it out.

1. It’s a short process.

   Thankfully, there’s no need to be concerned about a lengthy whitening process. While some regiments take longer than others, relatively quick solutions are readily available. “You will see results usually in less than an hour,” says Cleaner Smile, maker of at-home whitening products. “Get four to eight shades whiter with consecutive use.”

2. Not all whiteners are created equal.
   

   If you’re tempted to buy a whitening kit at your local pharmacy or big-box store, beware: teeth-whitening products come in various strengths. While many 20- to 30-minute trays or strips whiten using hydrogen peroxide products, the concentration of those products can vary between 40 and only 3 percent. Make sure you know what you’re buying before you whiten on your own.

3. It’s not forever.
   

   Unlike a diamond, your pearly whites aren’t forever — unless you’re consistent with your whitening regime.Results from at-home teeth whitening can last about six months to one year, according to Cleaner Smile. Depending on your lifestyle, your results could vary. For example, if you smoke or drink coffee, tea, red wine or soda, you may need to whiten your teeth more often.

4. The laser isn’t always better.
   

   Just because you spend hundreds at your dentist’s office doesn’t mean your results will last longer. While ultraviolet and laser teeth-whitening treatments whiten teeth very quickly, the effects don’t last long. In fact, you’ll need to make appointments every few months to keep your smile white. “Although the immediate results are undeniable, it has been found that laser whitening doesn’t last as long as bleaching, with people often requiring two or three follow up sessions. Despite its name, laser whitening doesn’t actually use a laser to get the job done,” explains The Dental Guide.

5. It doesn’t require a dental visit.

   If you don’t want to wait for your next semi-annual dental visit to experience a whiter smile, there’s no need! Several at-home whitening products, like Cleaner Smile, offer you professional-quality results without a prescription or visiting your dental office. Not only is this convenient, but it also means you won’t be paying for another dental appointment.

6. It’s only natural.

   While teeth whitening is effective on natural enamel, it will not work on artificial teeth, like caps or veneers. Typically, veneers and caps are created to match your existing teeth, and while this is aesthetically pleasing at the time, if you choose to whiten your natural teeth, your artificial teeth will not be affected.

7. It’s cheaper than you’d expect.

   You might be surprised how much your dental office will charge for a simple whitening procedure.In fact, to get your pearly whites a shade whiter, you’ll end up spending up to $650 in the office, according to Consumer Guide to Dentistry.You deserve a brighter smile!