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How to Whiten TeethWhite teeth are a sign of youth, health, and beauty. Many professionals rely on their attractive smile to set the stage for them. From actors to real estate agents to customer service experts, a bright smile goes a long way. One of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures is teeth whitening. This sought-after treatment brightens the shade of your smile. For the best results, the procedure must be performed in your dentist’s office.

 

Is teeth whitening safe?

 

Whitening your teeth with materials designed to do this is perfectly safe. This includes in-office dental procedures and at-home varieties of tooth whitening. For a long time, people have considered white teeth a sign of beauty, youth, and health. As such, dentists continue looking for ways to restore faded teeth to their former glory. This has lead to a lot of research into what works, and what doesn’t when it comes to teeth whitening. Today there are a variety of tooth whitening procedures that are totally safe and highly effective.

 

This doesn’t mean that there are no side effects of tooth whitening. The most common side effect is simple gum irritation. The more potent the whitening agent, the more common a reaction along the gum line. Your gums may appear pinker, red, or slightly swollen. They may be sensitive to changes in temperature or pressure. Typically, these symptoms are very mild and last only a few hours after the whitening procedure is complete.

 

Most importantly, however, you should only use teeth whitening products to whiten your teeth. While there are recommendations or recipes online for how to whiten teeth at home, these procedures often don’t work. Moreover, they often damage your teeth in the process. You can get excellent results with teeth whitening products sold in stores or available through your dentist.

 

Where can I get my teeth whitened?

 

You can have your teeth whitened at home or by a dentist. Home remedies are sold in many stores, from grocery chains to pharmacies. They include whitening toothpaste, mouth rinses, gel trays, and whitening strips. Fortunately, each product comes with its own instructions. Typically, you begin to see results after only a few days, but it often takes up to two weeks to major changes.

 

In-office dental procedures typically offer faster, more dramatic results. Your dentist has access to stronger whitening treatments. Additionally, they have access to special lights that can enhance the effects. If you’re looking to make a big splash at an event, consider getting your teeth whitened a few days in advance. The difference will be shocking.

How much does teeth whitening cost?

 

The price of teeth whitening varies. For a loose estimate without insurance, one in-office whitening session can typically cost $450-$600. Though not cheap, these visits have a high rate of success and are often the preferred method of tooth whitening.

 

Costs to whiten your teeth at home vary. Whitening toothpaste often costs only a few cents more than a standard kind. While gels and strips vary in price, spending $20-30 on a treatment plan is common.

 

Whitening teeth is a safe and effective process, whether you tackle it at home or in the dentist’s chair. Home treatments are cheaper but offer less dramatic results. Even though in-office visits cost more, if you’re willing to spend the money, you could see a dramatic improvement in mere hours.