Surveys show that when asked what they want to improve most about their smile, most people say they want whiter teeth. In the United States, the average cost of professional teeth whitening is $300 to $600. But is it worth it? Is teeth whitening permanent?

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?

Teeth whitening permanently lightens the natural pigmentation of your teeth. But how bright your smile remains depends on several factors:

• Limiting exposure to things that stain them – Smoking, heavy coffee drinking, eating berries, and other staining foods can cause teeth stains.
• Touching up your teeth – If you want to keep your teeth as white as when your dentist bleached them, you must do periodic touch-ups to remove stains.
• Practice good oral hygiene – Brushing twice daily and flossing daily help control plaque and tartar buildup that can cause yellow teeth.

Peroxide, Charcoal, or Teeth Whitening from a Dentist?

What results can you expect with using peroxide or charcoal to whiten your teeth versus teeth whitening from a dentist?

Peroxide

Peroxide-based bleaching gels can whiten teeth. But if the gel does not stay in contact with your teeth long enough, it will not break down stains. Dentists provide custom whitening trays to keep the gel on your teeth and away from gums and oral tissue. Avoid habitually rinsing your mouth with hydrogen peroxide to whiten your teeth. It can kill good bacteria and cause an oral yeast infection.

Charcoal

There are few studies on the effectiveness of charcoal for teeth whitening. But the American Dental Association reveals that a mixture of salt and charcoal makes teeth yellow because it removes tooth enamel and exposes dentin—the layer beneath the enamel.

Teeth Whitening from a Dentist

Although teeth whitening from a dentist costs more than over-the-counter kits, professional teeth whitening lasts longer. And you will get reliable results. A dentist will do the following to give you the best results:

• Determine if teeth whitening is the solution for your stained teeth
• Choose a brand and bleaching gel strength that will work for you
• Monitor the progress and adjust treatment as needed
• Anticipate sensitivity and help you minimize or avoid it
• Achieve long-lasting, reliable results that you can maintain with touch-ups

Schedule an appointment with a dentist experienced with teeth whitening to discuss your options. If you have a budget, ask how the dentist can make teeth whitening affordable for you.

Baton Rouge family dentist Ryan Perry, DDS, sponsors this post.