Different types of teeth whitening are as follows:

• Professional teeth whitening.
  The treatment uses a high amount of hydrogen peroxide, which is the ingredient that provides whitening effects to the teeth. It can be customised based on the patient’s preferences for achieving a certain level of whiteness.
  
  
• Over-the-counter teeth whitening.
  This type of teeth whitening can be found in local markets in the form of whitening toothpaste, mouthwash, strips, and whitening gels. They contain lower concentrations of bleaching agents and may not provide whitening effects as quickly as professional teeth whitening.
  
  
• DIY teeth whitening.
  A dentist can provide DIY teeth whitening kits that can be used at home. Since a dental professional provides them, they can be custom-made and contain ingredients that are generally safe for consumers.

The effects of teeth whitening treatment can vary from person to person and are determined by different factors, including the type of procedure you prefer and your lifestyle habits. The results of over-the-counter teeth whitening may only last as little as two weeks to four months or so (depending on the type).

On the other hand, professional or in-office teeth whitening can provide more long-lasting effects than other alternatives, which may last for six months to three years. However, the whitening effects may wear off quickly if you smoke or do not practise proper oral hygiene. Taking care of your brighter teeth and attending regular dental appointments are important.

You need to avoid eating foods that are acidic and dark in colour as well as drinking dark-coloured beverages to prevent stains from accumulating on your newly whitened teeth. This includes tomato-based pasta and sauce, curry, fruit juice, wine, coffee, and tea. These contain dark pigments that can remain in your teeth, making them appear yellowish or discoloured.

Instead, opt for lighter-coloured foods and drinks, such as white pasta, bread, leafy vegetables, rice, cucumbers, and bananas. Your teeth can be more susceptible to staining after teeth whitening; hence, it’s important to keep these in mind so you can enjoy a beautiful, glowing smile for a long time.

The cost is determined by different factors, which means it varies based on your unique case. On average, in-chair teeth whitening may cost \$200 per tooth, while take-home teeth whitening provided by your dentist may start at \$400 per arch.

Determining the cost of teeth whitening can be challenging as it varies widely. We encourage you to make a dental appointment at Hills Family Dental Centre for a consultation to discuss cost estimates specific to your needs.

While there are many ways to achieve a brighter smile, teeth whitening is among the most popular choices. There are a few different ways to go about whitening your teeth, including:

• Over-the-counter teeth whitening products are generally the most affordable option and can be found at most drugstores. They usually come in the form of strips or gels applied to the teeth for a specific amount of time. However, they may not be as powerful as professional treatments.
  
  
• Professional teeth whitening, also called in-chair whitening, is done by a dental professional while you are sitting in a dental chair. It generally provides the quickest and most significant results as dentists use stronger bleaching agents than what is available over the counter. It is also the safest teeth whitening treatment.
  
  
• Home whitening kits are also available and are a good middle ground between over-the-counter products and in-chair bleaching treatments. These kits can be bought online or at some drug stores. Some dentists also provide take-home whitening trays. They usually come with custom-made trays that fit over the teeth and a whitening gel applied to the tray.

Teeth whitening is a standard process that can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile. The most commonly used whitening products contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which work by breaking down stains into smaller pieces. It reduces the concentration of color on your teeth and enhances their brightness. 

Before applying the bleaching agent, your dentist will protect your gums with a rubber shield. Afterwards, the bleaching agent is applied to your teeth and left on for a short period. Finally, a special light may be used to accelerate the whitening process. Most teeth whitening procedures can be completed in one or two dental visits.

The answer varies, depending on the type of teeth whitening and your lifestyle habits. For over-the-counter teeth whitening products, the effects may last for several months. 

Professional teeth whitening treatment results can last up to 2-3 years. However, the effects may wear off more quickly if you smoke or drink coffee or tea. So if you want to maintain your bright smile, it’s important to take good care of your beautiful teeth and visit your dentist regularly.

After your teeth whitening, you’ll want to avoid anything that could stain your newly bright smile. For two to three days after the dental treatment, avoid dark-coloured foods and beverages, such as dark fruits, tomato-based sauces, red wine, coffee, and tea, that could stain your teeth. 

Stick to light-coloured items like white bread, rice, and pasta. You should also avoid citrusy foods and beverages, as they can cause sensitivity. And be sure to stay away from sweets — candy, chocolate, and soda can all lead to decay and discolouration. With just a little care, you can enjoy your beautiful new smile for years.

Teeth whitening costs may vary depending on the procedure you choose. In-chair teeth whitening, which a dentist performs, starts at $200 per tooth. Take-home teeth whitening, which uses custom-made trays and whitening gel provided by a dentist, starts at $400 per arch. 

Please schedule a dental appointment with Hills Family Dental Centre for a cost estimate.