5 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Teeth Whitening Method

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Once you’ve decided that you want to undergo teeth whitening treatment you’re left to choose a particular whitening method. There are a variety of methods available. Some are drastically better than others in performance, but are costly. Others are affordable but have been known to cause tooth sensitivity. This article is going to address the five most important factors to consider when choosing which teeth whitening method is best for you.

1.       Cost – This is probably the most critical factor, if not most important. The price of whitening treatments ranges from a one dollar pack of whitening gum (which doesn’t do much whitening) to a $1,000 professional whitening session (which can have your teeth glowing like the moon). There are dozens of options in between and finding the one that is an acceptable price for you should be the goal. Weighing the cost against the other 4 factors is also important to be sure that the product will work and isn’t just the least expensive.

2.       Effectiveness – How well the product works is just as important as how much it costs. There’s no sense in searching for a bargain on a treatment that doesn’t work. Finding a happy medium between the best price and most effective product is your best bet. Some treatments will quickly whiten your teeth 4 or 5 shades (or more). Those are also the most expensive methods. If that type of treatment is in your budget, then by all means go for it. But for many people, successful teeth whitening relies on finding a product that works well and is affordable.

3.       Time – You don’t want to have to re-whiten your teeth every month or even every couple months. Be careful of treatments that require you to continuously apply them. It’s not healthy for your teeth or your wallet. The ideal treatment should whiten your teeth a few shades and keep them that way (provided you continue to take care of them properly) for 6-8 months at least.

4.       Intrusion – How uncomfortable is the treatment? Are you able to multitask or do you have to sit still? Some professional methods require you to sit in a dentist’s chair for up to an hour at a time for a few appointments. That’s fine if you’d rather have the treatment be applied by a dentist. Many home methods require you to wear a mouthpiece around the house which can be bothersome, but also lets you do the dishes or watch TV while whitening. There is no right or wrong answer. Only personal preference.

5.       Risk – This factor is last not because it’s least important, but because most methods are considered safe. While some home remedies can damage your teeth, buying a whitening product from a reputable brand is usually a safe choice. Similarly, having your dentist whiten your teeth can put your mind at ease. Many methods do cause some sensitivity, but usually it’s nothing to worry about. Prolonged discomfort is uncommon and should be checked out by a dentist.

Taking these five factors into consideration before you decide on a method can save you a lot of time and money. Read reviews of the product before you buy and beware of the “too-good-to-be-true” products. What works for someone else might not be what’s best for you, so use these five factors to decide exactly what type of product you’re looking for, and then go from there.



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