Looking for professional teeth whitening in Vancouver? Wondering what the options are or how much are professional teeth whitening costs? While celebrities and models might have pearly white teeth, the smiles on most people are usually not as bright. This is natural since many factors can affect the colors of our teeth and turn them yellow.
According to Dr. Shin, recognized as one of the best dentists in North Vancouver in 2019, the number 1 cause of teeth yellowing is a lifestyle, Smoking, coffee, tea, and chewing tobacco are some of the worst offenders. Yellowing can also be caused by health factors like medication use and inadequate brushing.
If you are wondering “why are my teeth yellow?”, this article is for you. We will discuss the 3 different types of teeth whitening options, how much it might cost you, and tips you definitely should know before making a decision. After checking your options, if you want to use our teeth whitening services, contact us via our form or give us a call!
What are my options for teeth whitening?
1. In-office teeth whitening
Having your teeth professionally whitened by your dentist is the optimal solution. This is because in-chair treatments use a higher concentration of peroxide in the whitening gel compared to over-the-counter whitening alternatives. In-office whitening (also known as chairside bleaching) is recommended for those looking for a dramatic improvement in their smile. It is faster and more reliable than doing it yourself at home.
2. Over-the-counter whitening strips
These whitening strips contain either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide and are applied to the front of your teeth to gradually remove stains and lighten your teeth. Store-bought teeth whitening strips have a lower concentration of whitening ingredients compared to professional dental whitening ingredients. So, while the whitening strips found at your local grocery store do work, the results won’t be anywhere as good as the improvement executed by a dentist.
3. Teeth whitening with dentist-approved take-home trays
Another method of teeth whitening is getting a take-home solution from your dentist. To prevent negative results, your dentist may take impressions of your teeth to make custom-fit trays. Sometimes, they may provide you with more generic kits that do not contain custom-fit trays. (i.e. Opalescence). These trays are filled with whitening gel provided by the dentist and are usually placed over your teeth for one hour per day. Your teeth will typically reach your desired level of whiteness within 2-3 weeks.
We can see over-the-counter strips cost the lowest. Take-home trays are average, and in-office whitening is the most expensive. What are the other ways these options differ, and what would be best for you?
Time for the procedure
It will take your dentist one to two sessions to return your teeth to their previous color. A session is 60 to 90 minutes usually. It depends on how much your teeth have stained and how much whiter they can become. You will need to wear those for a couple of hours every day for take-home trays. Usually, this takes about a month before you see proper results.
Your dentist might recommend in-office sessions and combine them with custom trays for another month to achieve the ideal scenario. You should wear over-the-counter strips for 30 minutes every day. It can take anywhere from 2 days to a week before seeing the results.
Longevity
Teeth whitening treatment doesn’t last a lifetime. So no matter which procedure you opt for, you will need to do those from time to time. Over-the-counter strips don’t last long at all. It may be only a month before the effects start fading. In-office treatment lasts longer than the other procedures. However, you can use custom trays way more frequently. You can wear them regularly for 3 to 5 years.
It is better to opt for two sitting-in-office treatments and then wear custom trays for the best results. Your whitening procedure will likely last longer if you avoid stain-causing food and drinks. In general, do things that are recommended for good teeth health, and it will help keep your newly white sparkly teeth as it is.
How much does it cost to whiten my teeth?
The prices range between the 3 different options above. Additionally, each dentist and each brand have its own pricing models. However, on average, it costs $750 for in-office teeth whitening, $450 for take-home trays, and under $100 for over-the-counter whitening strips.
What should you discuss with your dentist before whitening your teeth?
You should always have a detailed discussion with your dentist for in-office treatment. Before you sit in on your first session, your dentist will investigate your teeth’ health and do a cleaning. This is a part of the teeth whitening package.
The cleaning gets rid of any dirt and plaque build-up. The checkup will let your dentist know of a tooth cavity or exposed tooth root. Trying to do a whitening procedure over it could lead to a tingly, painful sensation.
Examining your teeth gives your dentist a good idea if there are areas in your mouth, the whitening agent won’t be of use. This usually happens if:
- You have done a dental bonding procedure prior.
- You have a porcelain tooth.
- The inside of your teeth is darker from past trauma.
- Your tooth has been exposed to fluoride too often.
Children under 16 should not attempt teeth whitening procedures either. The nerve in a child’s tooth is too large, and whitening agents cause discomfort at this point. Pregnant women or someone who gave birth recently should not opt for teeth whitening either.
Final Insight: 3 tips about teeth whitening
The success of teeth whitening varies
Results vary from one person to another depending on factors such as age, teeth health, and the type of stain present.
Not a permanent solution
Furthermore, teeth whitening is not a permanent solution, proper teeth maintenance is always recommended.
In-office whitening offers the best results
Of the 3 options mentioned, in-office bleaching provides the best results.
So, when you are looking for a better, brighter smile, speak to the professionals who know what they’re doing. Searching ‘dental care near me.’ Ask about teeth whitening and dental implant costs at Smile Well Dental and book an appointment with a dental professional today.
