What Are the Benefits of Teeth Bleaching?
Teeth bleaching can do more than brighten your smile. It gives you added self-confidence so that you smile more. By smiling more, you actively use facial muscles causing you to radiate positive energy. Also, it can help you become less self-conscious when smiling, especially if your teeth have been stained due to smoking or drinking over an extended period. Over time beverages like tea, coffee, soda and red wine tend to take away from your pearly whites leaving them dingy.
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Consultation for Teeth Bleaching
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Once you have made up your mind that teeth bleaching may be for you, make an appointment with a cosmetic dentist. Prepare a list of questions that list your concerns about the procedure. This may include length of time before results are seen, costs, side effects and what you can expect during visits.
A referral from someone that has a smile you admire is one way to pick a dentist. After leaving the consultation any questions should be answered. If not, continue the search for a good match. The dentist will ask for your medical history, list of medications, as well as any allergies to medications.
Cost of Teeth Bleaching
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The cost of teeth bleaching varies with service providers. A do-it-yourself-kit can be purchased for take-home treatment for $500 to $1,000. Another option is to have the bleaching done professionally spending from $600 to 2,000.
The amount of time it takes for the bleaching to work varies from person to person and no two people will be exactly alike. Factor in for deepness of stains, as well as the number of shades you want your teeth lightened.
Your dentist will use carbamide peroxide or hydrogen to make up a bleaching gel. The molecules used pull together working their way into dentin and enamel breaking up the stains and allowing light in. The more light that gets in, the lighter your teeth appear. Another method used is by laser.
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Side Effects
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Undergoing the process of teeth bleaching can cause side effects. Adverse reactions can include tenderness to gums and sensitivity to pain. Generally, a local gel anesthetic will alleviate most discomfort associated with bleaching. Individual tolerance for pain should be discussed with a dentist.
Length of Effectiveness
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Expect results in as little as one hour and as much as several weeks depending on the degree of staining. Full results can take up to six months. Be patient, limit intake of stain-causing substances.
Ask questions as they arise during the course of treatment. Length of results should last one to three years.
Protect Your Investment
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As the owner of a new smile, keep the pearly gems white. In addition to brushing and flossing twice daily avoid foods, beverages and habits that may have played a part in the quest for initial bleaching.
Rinsing your mouth with water if brushing is not available is helpful, as well as chewing sugar-free gum to help reduce plaque build up. Do-it-yourself maintenance can keep your dollars in house and your smile white.
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References
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