There are two main whitening procedures available to today’s patient anxious for a more dazzling smile:
The laser-activated gel procedure is usually considered the safest and most effective way to whiten teeth, especially badly stained teeth. Unfortunately, it is also the most expensive, costing more than $1,000 per treatment. The procedure is relatively quick, usually taking less than one hour and shows instant results. Most in-office gel procedures require the application of a specially formulated whitening gel that is activated with an intense laser-like light once it is on the teeth. The patient can expect to see up to 8 shades of whitening using this method.
Whitening Trays can also be effective, but can take several weeks to work and require either repeat visits to the dentist’s office or a whitening regime at home. This procedure requires the dentist to make a specially designed tray to fit your mouth. For each application, it is filled with a specially mixed whitening gel and placed over the teeth for a specific period of time. Although less expensive, it is also more cumbersome and time consuming.
The Risks of In-Office Teeth Whitening Procedures
Although considered relatively safe, most dentists do stress the need for a complete dental exam before beginning any whitening treatment to alleviate any side effects including: sensitivity to hot and cold air and beverages, inflamed or irritated gums, damage to the root of the tooth if a cavity is present, which may require a root canal to fix.
There are various at-home teeth whitening solutions to complement the whitening treatments available at dental offices. Minneapolis dentists also offer porcelain veneers and other treatments to mask staining.
