Your Guide To Professional Teeth Whitening in Maine
Teeth whitening is the most commonly requested cosmetic dental procedure. Whether you are looking to have your teeth whitened before a big life event like a wedding, or you want to handle some discoloration or staining; there are many reasons to get your teeth whitened. But one common question is how much is teeth whitening going to cost? Well, the costs of teeth whitening vary greatly based on what method you are using. In this article, we will cover the methods, costs, and other pros and cons.
Types Of Teeth Whitening Procedures
One of the main contributing factors in how much teeth whitening costs is what type of teeth whitening procedure you get.
At the lower end, many kinds of toothpaste have whitening agents in them that you can use to brighten your smile over time. These kinds of toothpaste use baking soda or other chemicals to polish teeth. Always look for an ADA (American Dental Association) label when looking for a new brand of toothpaste. Generally costs will stay below $30 dollars if you use this method, but it will take weeks to see any results and the results might not be that profound.
Teeth whitening kits often include either strips, trays or brushes. Regardless of the applicator, they allow patients to put a chemical substance directly on the teeth for an extended period of time. Most of these kits use peroxide to bleach your teeth and handle deeper stains. Once again, you always want to look for products that have been approved by the ADA. These products can range from $50-$100 depending on the brand and what’s included in the kit. Most claim that results will appear in 1-2 weeks.
Many dentists provide take home kits. These kits usually have a more concentrated level of bleach than what you would find at a drugstore. Because of this you may see greater results in less time than your traditional over the counter products. In terms of cost these take home kits can vary by dentist but the average is around $150-$200.
Zoom teeth whitening is a procedure that some cosmetic dentists provide. It provides immediate results and combines 25% hydrogen peroxide gel with a special lamp that whitens your teeth. Because of the immediate effects this is a popular procedure for patients looking to whiten their teeth right before a big event. Cost varies by dentist, but you can expect to pay near $500.
Professional Teeth Whitening vs Over The Counter Products:
Many patients wonder if they should go to a dentist for teeth whitening or just use over-the-counter products. While over-the-counter products are often less expensive than professional teeth whitening, a big contributing factor to why people choose the dentist is the results. Both take-home kits and procedures like Zoom Teeth Whitening can quickly and effectively brighten your smile. Dentists have access to professional-grade whitening tools so if you are looking for more dramatic results, your best bet is to go to ask your local dentist.
How To Prevent Teeth Staining
Patients should be aware of methods that can help them prevent further staining or staining in the first place. The following are all factors that can lead to stained teeth:
Smoking
Smoking and other tobacco products have been proven to be directly linked to yellow staining. Quitting tobacco can prevent teeth stains as well as prevent many other health issues
Foods/Beverages
There are a variety of foods and beverages that can stain your teeth. Wine, soda, and coffee all play a role in tooth stains as well as highly acidic foods like tomato sauce.
Oral Care
If you don't brush and floss your teeth regularly, you are at a higher risk for both tooth staining as well as dental decay and gum disease. Good oral habits can really help your smile.
Schedule a Teeth Whitening Appointment in Lewiston ME
If you are interested in having your teeth whitened or our other cosmetic dental procedures, we would be happy to answer any of your questions and set up a dental appointment with you. Simply give us a call or use the button below to set up a dental visit at our office in Lewiston Maine.
