Having yellowed or otherwise discolored teeth can make you look older and leave you feeling self-conscious about your smile, but is it worth it to invest in teeth whitening? This is a common cosmetic dental procedure that many dental practices offer their patients, and you can walk out of the dental clinic with teeth several shades whiter after just a single short visit.
Should you get teeth whitening done? Several factors go into this decision, so use this guide to help you decide if teeth whitening solutions will work well for you.
What are you trying to correct?
Are you wanting to have straighter, younger looking teeth or simply whiter teeth? If your teeth are discolored due to tobacco, coffee, or tea use or for other personal reasons, then you'll need to make some lifestyle changes along with getting teeth whitening done in order to have lasting results.
If you want to straighten your smile and make it appear healthier, teeth whitening will help to a degree, but won't change the shape or placement of your teeth. Your dentist might recommend other treatments to be done along with teeth whitening to help improve your smile. If you just want whiter teeth, however, teeth whitening on its own is an excellent solution for your needs.
What are you needing otherwise?
Dental insurance usually won't cover teeth whitening because this procedure is considered cosmetic in nature. If you need other dental work done like getting teeth pulled, having cavities filled, or having a gum disease issue controlled, then you should do these other things first before considering spending money on teeth whitening. This way, any co-pays and personal expenses you have for dental care can go towards keeping your smile healthy, and what's left over can be used to do your teeth whitening.
What are your financials like?
Teeth whitening varies in cost, and can be anywhere from a hundred dollars for a teeth whitening kit your dentist will allow you to do at home to upwards of $650 for in-chair teeth whitening. Your dentist can help you find the teeth whitening solutions that work best for you so you can enjoy your new smile without breaking your budget.
If you don't have the money to pay out of pocket for teeth whitening, consider saving your money until you can. While store products can be cheaper, they can also irritate your gums and teeth and have uneven results. Speak to a dentist from a place like Watersedge Family Dental about teeth whitening treatment and see if it's right for you.
