Professional Teeth Whitening vs At-Home Teeth Whitening Products

Each year more new at home tooth whitening products emerge in the consumer market. Consumers spend millions each year using these at home tooth whitening products. The fact is, many of these teeth whitening products that are sold for at home use don’t work well and many don’t work at all.Over-the-counter teeth whitening products may whiten your teeth in some cases. However, these products may also damage your tooth enamel and cause gum sensitivity. The fact is, if you add up all the money you spend on tooth whitening products you probably have spent more on them than you would on professional teeth whitening services that are safe and effective.Some tooth whitening products are adequate if you have mild staining of the teeth. In many cases these products will effectively lighten the stains and they cost much less than professional teeth whitening. However, if the staining on your teeth is moderate to severe you are best served seeking professional tooth whitening.Professional tooth whitening is very effective and in many cases patients can see an improvement in their teeth in just one visit. Professional teeth whitening varies in cost depending on what type of whitening procedure your dentist uses. Some professional tooth whitening products are relatively low in cost while others are quite pricey.If you need to whiten your teeth it is best to consult with your dentist and find out if he or she recommends professional tooth whitening. If you have a dentist you trust to make a non-biased recommendation, they may suggest an over-the-counter product or professional teeth whitening if they feel your teeth require it. Additionally, many dentists sell at home tooth whitening products they feel are superior to the products available on the market.

Zoom teeth whitening from the USA

With the current round of negative news in the press consumers are seeking ways to make themselves feel good and look great.Unless you have been living on Mars for the last 5 years or totally isolated yourself from the world of movies, TV and television, you’ve probably realized that more and more people are starting to whiten their teeth to achieve teeth like the stars.Originated from Beverly Hills in the USA the benefits are you can dramatically whiten your teeth in just about an hour with the scientifically advanced ZOOM! Zoom teeth whitening is another option for those that want to whiten teeth. Tooth whitening is a successful and simple method of lightening the colour of your teeth. Laser or Zoom teeth whitening can be used to correct many tooth discolorations. Tooth Whitening is a popular procedure for many beauty and health salons that can have an additional income by providing Professional Cosmetic Teeth Whitening to their clients. Tooth whitening is safe, effective and long lasting. The enamel layer of a tooth is naturally an opaque white or slightly contact with on a daily basis can “stain” or reduce the “whiteness” of one’s teeth. A new smile not only can enhance your appearance, it also can change your life. Professional tooth whitening is a quick way to dramatically improve your smile to your teeth with no injection, filling or drilling to worry about the teeth white procedure is painless and will not damage your tooth enamel.Everyone talks about the killer smile or smile your way to success but in reality this is more difficult to do achieve if you have poor looking and stained teeth. The good news is that tooth whitening is now accessible in terms of cost and the amount of places the service is available.Tooth whitening is not a new trend; products to whiten your teeth have been on the market for a long time. Recently though it has regained popularity and there is a lot of advertising for teeth whitening products. You are seeing more and more people with blindingly bright smiles.It is said that the face is the mirror of the human mind. A beautiful face achieves results or good first impressions easily while the opposite provides an uphill struggle. Not surprisingly, our teeth draw in a great deal of attention and are a significant factor in judging attractiveness, so a clean, white smile can play a crucial role in how you are first perceived by many. Lustrous teeth portray our confidence and eventually help us to win the hearts of those we interact with. Now you can have the best of both worlds, enjoying the things you love but with the peace of mind that there is a solution that will remove the stains from the teeth with Zoom whitening.

When considering tooth whitening products, it’s always wise to count the tooth whitening cost involved. In fact, for many people, the issue of the tooth whitening cost is one of the most influential factors when it comes to deciding which tooth whitening method or product they will invest in.

Professional tooth whitening is rarely cheap but the expertise and experience that comes with a dentist is worth paying for, if you can afford it. For those who are on tight budgets or wish to have more control over the tooth whitening process, home tooth whitening products are available and in most cases are just as effective.

It’s all a matter of tooth whitening cost and flexibility. The following is a review of tooth whitening products, their processes, and the necessary tooth whitening cost for each method.

Counting The Tooth Whitening Cost – Professional Laser treatment

Laser treatment is a fairly quick procedure that involves two things. First, a translucent tooth whitening gel is carefully applied to your teeth. A laser light is then used to activate the crystals in the gel to absorb heat from the light and heighten the whitening process. How long the treatment lasts depends on how badly discolored your teeth are.

Laser treatment is effective and immediate. The cost for laser tooth whitening depends on where you live but typically comes in at around $1000.

Counting The Tooth Whitening Cost – In-Office Bleaching

Bleaching methods employed by dentists generate a similar result to laser treatment in that the effects are immediate. Instead of using a laser light to expedite the process, however, dentists will rely solely on a peroxide-based bleaching solution to do the whitening work.

While there is no question that solutions like carbamide peroxide work there is something to be said about the instant whitening effect – it might not be as significant as you think. Sometimes teeth can become dehydrated during the bleaching process and are temporarily lightened as a natural result. Once they come into contact with saliva again, they become re-hydrated and the lightening effect wears off.

This is why some dentists require patients to follow up their in-office treatment with a home-based whitener.Treatment sessions vary, depending on how discolored your teeth are. It may take between 2-6 visits to your dentist to acquire decent results. A tooth whitening cost can range from between $600-$2000 per treatment (not including any extra at-home whiteners).

Counting The Tooth Whitening Cost – ZOOM And Other Home-Based Whitening Trays

A tooth whitening tray makes for a popular home-based tooth whitening tool. It works by being filled with a special bleaching solution (which varies with each brand) then placed over one’s set of teeth, either overnight or during the day.

One popular tooth whitening solution made for trays is called ZOOM, so-called because of a patent-pending whitening gel technology that is said to whiten teeth an “average of six shades in three nights.” The cost of a dual syringe ZOOM tooth whitening kit is just under $50.00. The zoom tooth whitening cost doesn’t include the trays, though; you must be responsible for purchasing or having your own trays made.Other companies offer custom made trays complete with bleaching solutions that will last up to many months. The tooth whitening cost of a kit comes in at between $300-$500.

Counting The Tooth Whitening Cost – Bonding And Porcelain Veneers

Bonding is a tooth whitening system employed by dentists to modify the color and shape of your teeth through the use of a composite resin that they mold over yourteeth. The resin, however, is said to stain and even chip in the long run. Bonding will set you back between $300-$700.

Porcelain veneers are like resin molds in that they are molded and bonded onto stained teeth. They can be shaped in such a way so as to lengthen as well as lighten the appearance of teeth. It usually takes two trips to the dentist to have veneers fully installed on yourteeth. The tooth whitening cost is high too – a porcelain veneer averages $700-$1200 per tooth.

Counting The Tooth Whitening Cost – Whitening Toothpastes And Strips

Whitening toothpastes help keep teeth clean but there is ample evidence to prove they are not as effective at keeping teeth white. There simply isn’t enough time for the whitening chemicals present in tooth whitening toothpastes to remain in contact with teeth to whiten them.

As for tooth whitening strips, many manufacturers swear by their effectiveness. However, it must be noted that strips don’t actually cover the teeth as extensively as they should. They are designed to cover the front of the teeth but no attempt has been made to design them to reach the nooks and crannies of individual teeth. The result is called “striping” where whitening takes place but only on the areas directly in contact with the strips. This can be highly embarrassing to users.

The tooth whitening cost for whitening toothpaste can be between $3-$7. Strips range between $25-35 per pack.

So there you have it, the most popular whitening methods and their costs. For a closing tooth whitening tip it’s worth remembering that there really is no “best tooth whitening product” - many of them are equally effective. And as previously mentioned, a lot of the time it’s all about what best suits your budget.

Simply weigh the professional tooth whitening cost with the tooth whitening cost if you pursue a home-based method and let your pockets decide for you.

Many people are concerned with the difference between dentist tooth whitening and home-based methods. Which one is more effective? This article will shed light on the differences and will tell you whether you’re better off with a trip to the dentist or buying an over-the-counter tooth whitening product for home use.

It’s not unusual for people concerned with their personal image to be equally concerned about their welfare when it comes to personal treatments of any kind. For example, there’s the question of the difference between dentist tooth whitening procedures and home-based tooth whitening. If you can whiten your teeth from the comfort of your own home, why bother with a dentist? Conversely, one may ask, “Why risk pursuing tooth whitening at home when you can get safe and professional tooth whitening results with a dentist?”

Dentist Tooth Whitening – Definitions

It’s perfectly normal to be wary of a home-based product that claims to be just as effective as its professional industry counterpart. In some cases, tooth whitening products that claim to be ‘just as good’ or even better than dentist tooth whitening are not exactly true. But by and large, most over-the-counter or online tooth whitening systems are effective and can produce satisfactory results.

It’s really all a matter of procedure and need. Going to the dentist will provide you with professional care and a faster whitening process, certainly two things that matter when it comes to health care and modern day schedules.

Home tooth whitening, however, allows you to have total control over the application process as well as flexibility when it comes to scheduling the applications.

Let’s consider how dentist tooth whitening procedures and home-based whitening systems work, as well as examine the pros and cons of each system.

Dentist Tooth Whitening – How It Works

Apart from the obvious requirement of scheduling an appointment with your dentist and undergoing treatments at his clinic, there are other procedures that cannot be replicated elsewhere. A typical procedure is as follows: before employing a whitening solution on your teeth, a dentist will often clean your teeth first as well as fill cavities.

Once he is satisfied as to the condition of your teeth, he will then proceed to apply a tooth whitening gel on your gums to protect them from the treatment.

Once the gel is in place, the dentist will apply a high concentration of tooth whitening solution on your teeth, as well as a special light to speed up the bleaching process. A dentist tooth whitening procedure will all take place in one visit.

Dentist Tooth Whitening – Pros

The biggest advantage of pursuing dentist tooth whitening is that it’s quick and guaranteed to be professionally done. As previously mentioned, these two factors are perhaps the most important considerations for many people. What could be better than to see the immediate effect of a professional tooth whitening treatment? Plus nothing beats the confidence of a trained and experienced dentist handling your teeth.

Dentist Tooth Whitening – Cons

The main disadvantage of going to the dentist is the cost. Most dentist tooth whitening procedures will set you back at least $300 per session and can run into the thousands at some places. Many people simply cannot afford to spend that kind of money on tooth whitening, no matter how badly they may need it.

Home-Based Tooth Whitening – How It Works

There are various home-based tooth whitening systems in circulation. Products vary from teeth whitening strips to whitening toothpastes to whitening gels and special tooth whitening trays that are fitted onto one’s teeth.

When it comes to the latter, there are plenty of ‘one size fits all’ tooth whitening trays in the market but the best ones are really those that are customized. Here’s why: customized trays offer a better fit to your own set of teeth, which means the gel for tooth whitening is applied evenly over all your teeth. Custom trays also prevent leakage of the gel, which may harm your gums and of course cause wastage of the gel.

Home-Based Tooth Whitening – Pros

A home-based tooth bleaching system is less expensive than dentist tooth whitening. You can save hundreds of dollars by opting to whiten your teeth yourself. You are also free to employ the tooth whitening kit according to your own schedule. This is good if you are a very busy person and have little time to spare for an afternoon at your dentist.

Home-Based Tooth Whitening – Cons

You must be competent and able to carefully follow instructions. You must also be dedicated to the task. Home teeth whitening is an extended process that can last beyond two weeks compared to dentist tooth whitening which can amount to a single visit. If you are not committed or unable to sustain a proper schedule, the process will not be as effective or may not work at all.

The Bottom Line

What becomes most obvious when reviewing the pros and cons of both modes of treatment is that it is largely a matter of cost and time flexibility. Here’s a good tooth whitening tip: if you can afford dentist tooth whitening (and can’t be bothered to try home-based products) a trip to the dentist may be your best option.

If dentist tooth whitening is not within your budget (and if you’re comfortable with home-based dental products) then the do-it-yourself route may be more suited to you.

What’s important to remember is that there really is no superior method of teeth whitening. Home-based teeth whitening products contain less amounts of carbamide peroxide than the solutions used by dentists. This doesn’t mean they are less effective – it just takes longer to see the results.

This is an important difference between dentist tooth whitening treatments and doing it yourself at home. It’s not a matter of which one is best because both routes are effective. It’s basically a matter of flexibility.

Paint-on teeth whiteners are another form of professional tooth whitening systems designed to be used at home. They are different from other tooth whitening delivery devices in that the only item used is a brush to paint on the tooth whitening gel – nothing is required to stick to the teeth except the solution. Many people claim paint-on teeth whiteners are very effective although they are not without their own drawbacks.

Paint-On Teeth Whiteners – How Do They Work?

The process of applying paint-on teeth whiteners is simple. The bleaching “paint” comes in a kit along with a brush. You must simply use the brush to paint the teeth, covering your dentures as best you can. After a while the paint begins to solidify into a film coating of sorts and as you leave it on your teeth it slowly does its bleaching work. It is advised that you dry your teeth before applying the whitener, either via air drying or

with a towel.

Its success depends on how long and how well the paint-on teeth whitener is in contact with your teeth. The recommended use for most paint-on products is twice a day, at 30 minutes per session.

Paint-On Teeth Whiteners – What Goes In The Paint?

The same solution used in other home tooth whitening products, carbamide peroxide, which is a variant of hydrogen peroxide and the solution of choice for most tooth whitening dental products. Some paints use different strengths of this solution; check the label for exact concentrations. The amount of carbamide peroxide used is usually not more than 22% because then it can be harmful to the gums and skin tissue. Dental solutions are generally in the 6-15% concentrationrange, paint-on teeth whiteners included.

Paint-On Teeth Whiteners – Are There Drawbacks?

Paint-on teeth whiteners are proven to be effective although there are a couple of drawbacks when it comes to application. For example, you must be careful not to close your mouth before the solution dries. This can present a bit of a challenge, especially if you are using whiteners designed for use while you sleep – you might nod off before the solution is dry!

Also of concern is the fact that paint-on teeth whiteners sometimes easily wash away and come off. This means that teeth may come out unevenly bleached. Again, you must be careful to dry your teeth before applying the paint as this will ensure better application and adhesion.

Paint-On Teeth Whiteners – Are There Better Alternatives?

There are obvious alternatives like the use of a tooth whitening tray, strips, toothpastes, or a trip to a dentist. Whether they are better or not is a matter of preference and experience. Some people swear that custom-made tooth whitening trays are superior in every way; others enjoy using tooth whitening strips as they are less cumbersome than trays. You’d do well to examine all the major products available, read their reviews, the cost involved, then decide on what suits you, your lifestyle, and ultimately your budget.

Do you want whiter, brighter teeth? As tooth whitening products rapidly increase in popularity, it becomes apparent that most people want a simple solution to achieving whiter teeth. Bright, white teeth can make you look younger and more attractive and will give you the confidence to smile more often. Experienced cosmetic dentists can offer the professional tooth-whitening results you are looking for. What causes teeth to lose their sparkle? Our teeth show signs of aging just like our skin does. Gradually, over time, the teeth lose their natural brightness and whiteness. Although you can’t control time, you can control certain factors that contribute to the discoloration of your teeth such as: ·         Stain-producing foods and beverages (red wine, black tea, coffee, dark cola drinks, chocolate and dark berries) ·         Tobacco products ·         Too much fluoride ·         Certain medications ·         Old fillings ·         Dental trauma What is the best way to whiten my teeth? The ZOOM! whitening process is one of the simplest and most effective ways to whiten your teeth and achieve a dramatically improved and healthier smile. ZOOM! can be offered in your dentist’s office, or you can take home a kit and do the whitening at home with instructions from your dentist. How does ZOOM! work? ZOOM! can be applied in-office or at home, depending upon your needs. The one hour in-office procedure is sometimes called ‘power whitening’ because the results are astounding and can be compared to results typically achieved after about two weeks of home treatment. Your dentist will use the ZOOM! whitening system by applying a bleaching gel to your teeth. For ZOOM! to be completely effective, you should undergo professional tooth cleaning before attempting to whiten your teeth. This ensures that any surface stains are removed from your teeth and that the whitening product works its best. What are the differences between an in-office and at-home procedure? During the in-office whitening procedure: 1.     Your pre-whitening tooth color is recorded for later comparison 2.     A latex shield is placed over your gums, with holes punched through for your teeth, to protect your gums from the bleaching agent 3.     Your dentist will apply the tooth whitener. 4.     High-intensity light will then be directed at the bleach on your teeth to speed up the whitening process. Home Whitening Before you begin the home whitening program, you will need to visit your dentist for a general examination. During this exam your dentist will: ·         Ensure your teeth are in good health ·         Document the current color of your teeth ·         Create an impression of your teeth which is used to create your customized tray A few days after your general examination, you can return to pick-up your custom tray and receive all tooth-whitening instructions. At this appointment, your dentist will: ·         Show you how to dispense the bleaching agent into your tray ·         Make sure you can fit the tray into your mouth properly ·         Give you instructions on when and how long to wear the trays ·         Answer any other questions you may have Once at home, you wear the trays for the recommended amount of time each day. You should see results after about two weeks but might see even more dramatic results after four to eight weeks.

Even is you’ve got perfectly straight teeth and a balanced smile, your smile may not have the impact it once did due to gradual discoloration. Professional tooth whitening can solve this problem with safe, effective whitening treatments that can take you up several shades in just a short amount of time. What’s so great about professional whitening? It gets results! Professional whitening is also extremely popular because it lets you whiten at your own pace with the treatment format that is most comfortable to you. Choose in-office whitening or non-laser whitening for fast results, or use the advanced at-home whitening kits to set your own pace. Your Perfect Whitening Treatment If you’re wondering which tooth whitening option is your best bet, talk to an experienced cosmetic dentist for detailed information on your options. With most whitening systems, your cosmetic dentist can control the level of whitening that occurs, so you’ll get just the right results. Factors like your current dental health, your desired brightness and your preferred whitening method will play a role in determining which system is right for you. If you choose in-office whitening: Consider the Opalescence Power® BOOST system from Ultradent. In just about an hour, you will see dramatic whitening results. Opalescence uses a special formula to create a whitening substance that actually bonds with your enamel for super-fast absorption. A strong peroxide gel solution is applied to your teeth using a special syringe. Then, your dentist uses a safe ultraviolet light to activate the 35-percent hydrogen peroxide solution. The bleaching agent breaks down rapidly, allowing oxygen to penetrate the tooth surface. If you choose at-home whitening: You can enjoy a brighter smile with a whitening treatment that lets you treat yourself in the comfort of your home. The Opalescence take-home kit has everything you need, including the special whitening gel and custom-fitted mouth trays. Your dentist will give you step-by-step instructions for achieving the level of whitening you want. Opalescence uses a 20-percent carbamide peroxide whitener gel that is applied with a plastic syringe. With Opalescence, you don’t have to worry about tooth sensitivity - the risks have been greatly reduced thanks to the added ingredients fluoride and potassium nitrate. Results That Last Professional whitening systems will provide whitening results that last considerably longer than over-the-counter strips and trays. You can do your part to keep your smile bright by avoiding staining substances like coffee, tea, red wine and nicotine, and keeping up with homecare and dental cleanings. With proper care, Opalescence shade can be maintained for years!