Teeth whitening is a dental procedure that is used to brighten the natural color of the teeth by removing stains and discoloration. There are several different ways to whiten your teeth. At-home whitening kits, professional in-office whitening, and laser whitening are all great options. But which one is best?

Professional teeth whitening is the way to go if you want fast, dramatic results. Laser whitening is a non-invasive procedure that takes about 60 minutes, and many patients see a difference after just one treatment. In-office whitening uses a powerful whitening gel that can whiten your teeth up to eight shades.

If you’re trying to decide which teeth whitening method is right for you, talk to your dentist. They can help you determine which one is best for you based on the condition of your teeth, how quickly you want to see results, and your budget. Before you plan to have a teeth whitening procedure, here are the answers to frequently asked questions:

Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening Treatments

• Is teeth whitening safe?

Teeth whitening is a safe and effective treatment when performed by a qualified professional. Teeth whitening treatments contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. These ingredients are effective at whitening teeth, but they’re also extremely safe for oral use.

• What’s the difference between over-the-counter and in-office teeth whitening?

If you’re considering teeth whitening, you might wonder what the difference between an over-the-counter product and a professional treatment at your dentist’s office is. Here’s what you should know about each option.

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products tend to use either a chemical containing less concentration of peroxide. You may notice results after one, three, or five days, depending on the product. Typically, you can expect to see results after about 14 days of use, but in some cases, it could take closer to a month.

Professional teeth whitening treatments offer the strongest, longest-lasting results. Laser whitening, for example, can lighten teeth by up to eight shades in as little as an hour.

When choosing between an over-the-counter product and a professional treatment, consider what you’re hoping to get out of teeth whitening. If all you want is a slight improvement, an OTC product might be enough. But if you want to achieve dramatic results, talk to your dentist about professional options.

• Will teeth whitening work on crowns, veneers, or fillings?

No, teeth whitening will not work on crowns, veneers, or fillings. Teeth whitening works on natural teeth, not cosmetic dental work. However, if you whiten your teeth before you place a crown, veneer, or filling, it will match your natural teeth.

• Is teeth whitening covered by insurance?

Teeth whitening is typically not covered by insurance. However, many dental insurance plans offer dental discount plans, which reduce the cost of dental services. These plans may provide discounts on teeth whitening procedures.

• How much does teeth whitening cost?

Teeth whitening treatments range in cost depending on the type of whitening treatment and your dentist’s prices. Typically, over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments cost less than professional teeth whitening treatments. Professional teeth whitening treatments include in-office teeth whitening procedures and take-home teeth whitening kits. At-home teeth whitening kits, such as teeth whitening strips, are typically the most affordable professional teeth whitening treatments, while in-office teeth whitening procedures tend to be the most expensive.

• How long does teeth whitening last?

Teeth whitening results can last several years, depending on your lifestyle habits. However, teeth whitening is not permanent. Over time, your teeth may discolor again. Brushing, flossing, and limiting your consumption of dark-colored foods and beverages can help keep your teeth white and bright.

Get the best of dental services from the expert team of dental assistants led by Dr. Bipinjit Kaur at Tracy Arch Dental, Tracy, California. For more details and appointments, call us at (209) 820-0789, book online, or visit us at 1920 West Grant Line Road, Tracy, CA 95376.