How common is teeth whitening?

When the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry asked people what they'd most like to improve about their smile, the most common response was whiter teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists also found that nearly 90% of patients requested tooth whitening.

What percent of people use teeth whitening?

American teeth whitening becoming the norm

A staggering 45 million Americans – 14 per cent of the population – have had professional teeth whitening, according to data guru Mintel. This is compared to just 3 per cent in the UK.

How often do people get their teeth whiten?

They need upkeep just like the rest of the body! So how often should you whiten your teeth? Generally speaking, it's a good practice to return to your dentist for teeth whitening services roughly once per quarter, or once every three months. This is even if you haven't noticed a dramatic dulling of your smile yet.

Is it worth getting your teeth whitened at the dentist?

Professional teeth whiteners are safe, effective, and done under the supervision of a dental professional. In most cases, it is worth the extra cost to visit the dentist to get long-lasting, safe results. Yes, teeth whitening is very safe when done correctly.

Is teeth whitening for everyone?

Does Teeth Whitening Work for Everyone? Unfortunately, whitening doesn't work for everyone. For instance, yellow discoloration can typically be improved with whitening. However, brown or gray-toned teeth may not respond well or at all to whitening.

How long does teeth whitening last?

Who should not whiten teeth?

Bleaching is not recommended in children under the age of 16. This is because the pulp chamber, or nerve of the tooth, is enlarged until this age. Teeth whitening under this condition could irritate the pulp or cause it to become sensitive. Teeth whitening is also not recommended in pregnant or lactating women.

How long does teeth whitening last?

The effects of teeth whitening can last up to 2-3 years or as little as 6 months. It varies from person to person. Things that will stain your teeth quickly and make your whitening short-lived include: – Smoking.

Does whitening teeth hurt?

Usually, people with sensitivity to teeth whitening will experience discomfort or pain during whitening treatments or in the minutes, hours or days following a specific treatment. Typical discomfort is often attributed to either the teeth or gums and is based on the type of teeth whitening treatment.

What are the pros and cons of teeth whitening?

Is teeth whitening permanent?

Teeth whitening isn't permanent, but how long the effects last will depend on the type of treatment you have and how well you look after your teeth afterwards. In most cases, teeth whitening can last from six months up to two years.

When is the best time to whiten your teeth?

The best time to whiten your teeth is just before

Immediately after whitening (regardless of the product you use), your teeth are more susceptible to restaining. The pores in your teeth are slightly more open and can more easily allow stains in.

Is teeth whitening covered by insurance?

Most dental insurance policies do not cover any costs for cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, tooth shaping, veneers, and gum contouring. Because these procedures are intended to simply improve the look of your teeth, they are not considered medically necessary and must be paid for entirely by the patient.

How many teeth whitening sessions do I need?

Most patients only require one teeth whitening treatment session, although it may involve several applications of the bleaching agent. For at-home whitening kits, the process may involve wearing the whitening trays for up to two weeks.

Can yellow teeth become white?

Teeth with a natural yellow shade will generally whiten in about 1–2 weeks, whereas teeth with a blue/grey shade can take twice as long.

What to avoid after teeth whitening?

Is laser teeth whitening worth it?

Laser technology has changed the way in which many functional and cosmetic procedures are performed and dentistry solutions are no exception. Laser teeth whitening is an extremely effective way to remove stains and discoloration from the teeth, leaving them whiter and brighter than before.

Is laser whitening better than bleaching?

Laser Whitening. As you make your decision between bleaching and laser whitening, here's the most important thing to remember: Laser whitening is bleaching, but on a slightly different timetable. In fact, the ADA has noted that studies show no long-term benefit for laser whitening when compared to bleaching.

What are the risks of teeth whitening?

What are the risks of teeth whitening? No matter what treatment you use, there's a chance your gums will be sensitive to the chemicals used in teeth whitening, particularly if you already have sensitive teeth. There's also a chance of burns to gums and some of the whitening kits used at home can harm tooth enamel.

Do teeth continue to whiten after treatment?

Your dentist probably gave you a take-home whitening kit to use after in-office treatment. When you use the kit as directed by your dentist, your teeth will continue to whiten. But do not use the take-home kit more than directed by your dentist. It is possible to over-bleach your teeth.

What to expect after teeth whitening?

Although the effects are brief and usually mild, you should be aware of these common side effects from whitening: Heightened sensitivity in teeth: After treatment, teeth should be expected to have increased sensitivity for a day or two. This may range from a dull ache to sharp, sporadic pains.

How do dentist whiten teeth?

Professional whitening can be done in a dentist's office in about an hour. The procedure involves application of a tooth whitening gel containing between 25% to 40% hydrogen peroxide, and then aiming a special heating lamp at your teeth for three 20-minute intervals, with reapplication of the gel between intervals.

Do whitening strips work?

Store bought teeth whitening strips do work, but only to a degree. While they will help remove surface stains and make your teeth somewhat whiter, since the concentration of whitening ingredients in them is fairly low, they're not as effective as having your teeth whitened by a dental professional.

Can teeth whitening cause cavities?

Many people, however, are concerned that having their teeth whitened will somehow damage patients teeth. The truth is that the enamel in your teeth is very strong, and your enamel will not be damaged by the whitening process.

Can some teeth not be whitened?

If your teeth and gums aren't in the best shape or if you've had a lot of previous dental work, both issues can affect your results with traditional teeth whitening treatments. You won't be able to whiten either porcelain crowns or most commonly used dental bonding materials.

What is the safest way to whiten teeth?

For the safest and most effective at-home teeth whitening method, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) recommends you use custom-fitted trays supplied by your dentist. Ill-fitting teeth whitening trays can cause the gel to ooze out and irritate your gums.