People do many things to improve their physical appearance, from using tanning booths to getting Botox injections to having cosmetic surgery. White teeth treatments are popular because they make teeth brighter and are not very physically invasive. Some treatments are expensive, but there are simple, affordable home options to brighten the teeth.
Definition
White teeth treatment refers to one of several methods to artificially make teeth appear whiter. Most people initially have white teeth, but Linda Dyett of the Consumer Guide to Dentistry explains that they become dull or discolored over time. Their natural white enamel covering gets cracked, and food and beverage particles gather in the resulting crevices. The enamel thins over time, letting the yellow under-layer of dentin show through. Other factors like tobacco use, medication, teeth grinding and physical trauma contribute to discoloration. White teeth treatments either remove stains or bleach the teeth to a brighter color.
Cost
White teeth treatments are purely cosmetic. They do not improve dental health in any way. Because of this, dental insurance plans usually do not pay for them even when they are administered by a dentist. You must pay for white teeth treatments out of pocket or find a way to finance them. Treatments done in a dental office cost around $650 per session, according to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, as of 2010. Home kits from a dentist run between $100 and $450, while store-bought kits are $20 to $100. Whitening toothpaste is usually not much more expensive than regular brands.
Home Treatment
The Consumer Guide to Dentistry explains that whitening toothpaste is the simplest treatment. It takes time to work and only removes surface stains because it contains abrasives rather than bleaching agents. There are a variety of bleaching gels and strips sold over the counter. These change the actual color of the tooth so they work more quickly than toothpaste and their effects last longer. Dentists also sell products that patients can use at home. These are stronger than store-bought whiteners, and they are applied with a custom-made mouth tray that fits better than general trays.
Professional Treatment
Many dental offices offer professional white teeth treatments. These use stronger bleach concentrations than self-applied products, so they work more quickly. The American Dental Association, or ADA, states that some offices use lasers to enhance the bleaching. The treatment is administered by a dentist or trained technician. Most patients only need one professional treatment, although badly discolored teeth may need two or more sessions.
Warning
Most people suffer no negative side effects from white teeth treatments, but the Consumer Guide to Dentistry warns that some develop temporary tooth sensitivity. Improperly fitting mouth trays can cause problems, and bleaching products cause irritation if they spill on the gums. The ADA recommends looking for its seal of approval on whitening toothpastes and other at-home white teeth treatments. The seal indicates the product meets ADA safety and effectiveness standards.
