Teeth whitening is one of the most requested cosmetic procedures at the moment as it is cost-effective and non-invasive. Besides this, the results that can last up to 18 months in case of laser teeth whitening, provided that the whitening is done only by a skilled and trained professional. It is not uncommon for people who opt for laser teeth whitening to notice a whitening of up to 8 shades or more, after only one visit to their dentist’s office.
Throughout the years, our teeth get stained and discolored due to our lifestyle choices: some vices, such as smoking or consuming alcohol (especially red wine) as well as some foods and other beverages can lead to teeth yellowing, which is very unaesthetic – at the same time, some medications can also affect the appearance of your teeth. Regardless of the reason why your teeth became yellow or discolored, here you will find the most notable teeth whitening advantages and disadvantages:
The Advantages
The main teeth whitening advantages are obvious: this procedure is fast, efficient and comfortable – you will not feel any pain and the procedure typically lasts for one hour, results being visible right away. The procedure does not require more than one visit to your dentist and the results can last anywhere between 6 and 18 months, provided that you take good care of your teeth.
Another benefit is that this procedure has become readily available all around the world, and most dental offices have a laser teeth whitening device nowadays – this procedure can dramatically change your smile and boost your self-confidence before you even know it. At the same time, the results of the procedure are almost guaranteed, as patients have reported whiter teeth by at least one or two shades, although the most dramatic changes are visible when the teeth are whitened by up to 8 or 9 shades.
Last, but not least, this is considered one of the safest non-invasive cosmetic procedures at the moment, given the fact that those who undergo it do not notice any significant side effects or adverse reactions at the end. However, some patients may experience an increased tooth sensitivity – this is temporary and it usually resolves by itself, but other than that there is no major risk involved.
The Disadvantages
Just like any other cosmetic procedure, teeth whitening has some disadvantages as well, and the high price is usually the biggest downside as not many people can afford it. It is not uncommon for people to pay up to $400-$500 for one session, although discounts and bonuses may apply. For instance, some dental offices or clinics may offer you a discount if you bring a friend with you, or if you choose to have this cosmetic procedure done on your birthday.
The results are not permanent, and a perfectly white and pearly smile requires regular maintenance, meaning that after the first whitening you will need regular touch-up visits if you want to keep your smile flawless and bright. This can take its toll on your budget in the long haul, although getting the teeth whitening once a year is not necessarily a major investment.
The Bottom Line
To summarize, teeth whitening can be done either with laser or with other bleaching chemicals designed to remove the yellowing as well as the stains. The advantages and disadvantages mentioned here should be carefully weighed before you make your decision!