TBH, way over the rest, I’m most self-conscious about my enamel. After all, I attempt for self-love and compassion daily. However I received’t lie—it may be onerous to not choose aside my smile within the mirror or criticize each photograph. Ugh. And whereas my recognized “points” lie extra in form and alignment, as a coffee-loving gal, enamel bleaching as an antidote to my less-than-pearly whites has garnered various TikTok deep-dives and late-night Google sesh’s.
For those who’ve discovered your self taking place the teeth-bleaching rabbit gap as nicely, then you recognize: there’s loads of data on the market. And sadly, not all of it’s credible. With so many questions surrounding value, uncomfortable side effects, and whether or not it’s higher to do an in-office or at-home therapy, solutions abound. When Camille advised me that she did in-office enamel bleaching earlier this 12 months (and was thrilled with the pure outcomes), I made a decision to be taught extra. So, I related with Camille’s personal Austin-based dentist, Dr. Tony Pacheco, DDS, PA in addition to Dr. Derek Gatta, a board-certified prosthodontist and the founding father of RiseWell, to sift via the noise.
Forward, the consultants clarify the ins and outs of enamel bleaching—together with the reality behind all of my previously-mentioned Google searches. To know if enamel bleaching is an effective choice for you, they’ve the solutions. Let’s dive into them collectively.
Featured picture by Riley Reed
The Difference Between Teeth Bleaching and Whitening
You’ve likely heard the terms thrown around interchangeably in casual conversation. But as it turns out, the two aren’t synonymous. Speaking with Dr. Pacheco, he confirms the subtle, but important difference:
- Teeth whitening. Any method—mechanical or chemical—that restores your teeth to their natural color.
- Teeth bleaching. Any chemical process that lowers the natural hue of your teeth.
Dr. Pacheco discourages whitening versus bleaching in his practice. “Most whitening procedures will involve an abrasive component that may provide short-term benefits of ‘whiter’ teeth that can potentially have long-term negative effects.” In extreme cases, these may include:
- gum recession
- long-term cold sensitivity
- difficulty bleaching your teeth as you age
Determining Eligibility for Teeth Bleaching
This tends to be step two after you begin considering teeth bleaching. Sure, you’d love the bright, whitening results of the treatment, but is it even safe for you to pursue it?
There are several factors that can determine eligibility. Dr. Gatta shares the top reasons to pause the procedure below.
- People with allergies or sensitivities.
- Patients with a mix of previous crowns/composite bondings. Although your natural teeth structure will bleach, the restorations will not change colors and can produce mismatching results.
- Women who are pregnant.
- Children under 16 years of age. They can have heightened sensitivity because the pulp chamber is still developing.
Cost of In-Office Teeth Bleaching
Beyond efficacy, of course, this is where the core of my curiosity lay when it came to teeth bleaching. How deep in the hole would I be if I pulled the trigger?
Know this: the cost can vary widely depending on the exact procedure and provider. Dr. Gatta provides an estimate of between $500 and $1000 for an in-office bleaching treatment.
Sure, it’s a bit to swallow, but the benefits line up. You’re paying top dollar for the experience and expertise of a dental professional. They can monitor and manage the amount of bleach used as well any potential side effects or damage.
If you’re looking to pay whatever it takes for the best results, an in-office teeth bleaching treatment may be the best way to go.
Cost of At-Home Teeth Bleaching
However, if you want to save a little money, consider at-home teeth bleaching, which Dr. Pacheco notes can cost between $25 and $600+. When shopping your options, you’ll find a variance in price depending on several factors:
- strength and quantity of the bleach
- ease of use
- potential for cold sensitivity
To determine the best at-home bleaching product for you, Dr. Pacheco encourages establishing an open and honest line of communication with your dentist. “Bleaching is an inexact science, but your dentist can give you reasonable expectations of potential results after assessing all the factors that are contributing to your smile’s current shade.”
If you’re looking for less of a personalized experience and simply want to save, the least expensive option can be found over the counter at the pharmacy or grocery store. Strips and trays tend to range from $20 to $100. This is the best option if you’re looking for results similar to, and more affordable than, an in-office treatment. But of course, with the lower price comes the potential for non-optimal results.
As for which brand to trust, Dr. Pachecho recommends and carries Ultradent disposable preloaded bleaching trays and Phillips 27% Day White bleaching gel that’s delivered in reusable customized trays. “These are nice methods to make protected, favorable advances in lightening the shade of your enamel.”
No matter which route you select, we suggest consulting your dentist earlier than buying to make sure you’re getting one of the best product in your desired outcomes.
Tips to Prolong Results
Apologies to all of the coffee lovers out there (me). For best results, limit your consumption of what Dr. Pacheco refers to as “dark staining foods and liquids”—i.e., all of our favorite vices, including coffee, tea, and red wine. To minimize the impact these darker beverages can have on your teeth, he recommends brushing immediately after if possible. This way, “the pigment minimally affect the longevity of your bleaching results.”
Teeth Bleaching Side Effects
Dr. Pacheco confirms: bleaching—”if used within the guidelines set by the manufacture and under the supervision of your dentist”—is a safe procedure. However, he cautions that “some patients may experience some mild to moderate cold sensitivity post-bleaching.” But this is short-lived, and as Dr. Pacheco notes, can be treated with Sensodyne toothpaste formulated particularly for delicate enamel in addition to incorporating further fluoride gels to your brushing routine.
Once more, converse along with your dentist as you take into account enamel bleaching to find out your eligibility and one of the best choices for you.
