A bright, white smile! We all want it, but why? What message does a beautiful smile convey? Youthfulness…..health…..friendliness……and these are just a few. The point is that most people want a beautiful smile. With this being the case, people are often curious what their options are for obtaining that beautiful, white smile. So let’s consider your options looking both at cost and degree of predictability.
Whitening toothpastes: They work by removing more stain than ordinary toothpastes, but they don’t technically “whiten” teeth because there is no bleaching agent in the toothpaste. Cost: Low Degree of predictability: Low
Over-the-counter tooth whitening systems: These can be effective tools for helping to whiten a smile, but if any of your teeth are crooked these flat whiteners may have a hard time whitening every tooth evenly. Another consideration regarding OTC whitening products is that the peroxides in them come in significantly lower concentrations (approximately 7%)than in professional-made systems (between 15-35%). Cost: Low Degree of Predictability: Low to Moderate
Professional applied tooth whitening: Similar in concept to OTC whitening systems, the greatest benefit of professionally applied tooth whitening is that it is specifically made for you. This high level of customization combined with more effective concentrations of peroxides generally leads to a much better result. If having a predictable and significantly whiter result is import to you, then a professional tooth whitening would be a better option. Cost: Moderate ($500-1500 for in-office whitening and take home trays) Degree of Predictability: Fair-Good
Veneers (or crowns): In order to guarantee that your smile will turn out as close to perfection as possible, covering the teeth with porcelain veneers (or crowns) is the most predictable solution. The shade change is permanent and future treatment generally is not required to maintain the whiteness. And with advanced minimal-thickness veneers it is common now for people to have a full set of veneers placed without ever having had a shot or any pain. Cost: High (between $1500-2000 per tooth) Degree of Predictabililty: High (can easily last 10-20 years)
Orthodontics (Braces or Invisalign): It is not commonly known that straight teeth appear whiter than do crooked teeth. This is due to the fact that straight teeth reflect light more evenly than crooked teeth. Generally speaking, the added benefit of “whitening” your teeth by moving them into better positions is that it also has the added benefit of improving your bite. The downside to this approach is that it takes significantly longer to go through orthodontics than it does to bleach your teeth. However, the results do last much longer by moving the teeth into ideal locations. Cost: Moderate ($6,500 – 7,500) Degree of Predictability: High (Will last indefinitely as long as retainers are worn!)
Thankfully with today’s advanced technology we have many great options for creating that beautiful whiter smile you want. If you are ever curious about what the best option for a better smile is for you, please ask us. We’d love to help!
