Want to look younger? Forget painful facelifts. Whitening your teeth is an almost instant way to take years off and freshen your face.
That is if you select the right technique.
Though over-the-counter methods like whitening strips and at-home kits are popular, whitening your teeth is reliable, safe, and easiest when performed by a professional. They know how to gently lift stains while protecting your enamel and gums in the process.
The result? Bright smiles that boost your confidence. But that’s not the only benefit of a beautiful smile.
Benefits of Whiter Teeth
Studies like those conducted by Dr. Dacher Keltner, a Professor of Psychology at UC Berkeley, showed people are assessing your smile from up to 200 feet away. Focusing here, people perceive whiter smiles as signs of success, markers of health, and indicators of vitality.
People with whiter smiles are often classified as more outgoing, warm, and at ease in social situations. (Read: they get more dates!)
Good teeth are also more likely to land you a job. A 2012 study showed those with good teeth were, “45% more likely…to get a job when competing with someone who has a similar skill set and experience.”
Many thought they might even be offered a higher salary since they could be seen as more trustworthy. “Nearly three in four (73%) Americans would be more likely to trust someone with a nice smile than someone with a good job, outfit, or car.”
How important is having a nice smile? These stats speak for themselves:
- Close to three in five (57%) Americans would rather have a nice smile than clear skin
- 87% would forego something for a year in order to have a nice smile for the rest of their life
- More than one-third of these folks would give up dessert (39%) or vacations (37%) for a better smile
So whether you have a major event like a wedding, are job hunting, or simply need a mini makeover, put professional teeth whitening at the top of your to-do list.
Here’s some types you might want to try:
Teeth Bleaching
This tried and true teeth whitening method has been around for years – and for good reason.
Known around the dentist’s chair as “Boost whitening”, this technique uses hydrogen peroxide-based power bleaching gel to remove stains. Gums are protected from the solution before it is applied to your soon-to-be pearly whites and no special light is required.
The entire process takes an hour or two, but you will walk out with an instantly brighter smile.
Zoom Teeth Whitening
This procedure is similar to the above. But instead of bleach, your teeth whitening professional will use a solution with 25% hydrogen peroxide gel and kick things into high gear with a special light or laser to lift stains.
You are usually several shades whiter after only one 45-minute visit. Results are usually immediate and long lasting.
Professional Take Home Kits
Want to whiten at home? Ask about having a take-home kit special made for your mouth.
Trays will be molded to ensure they fit with your individual teeth for maximum results. The bleach gel that does the bulk of the work is more concentrated than those you buy over the counter, so you should notice a difference much faster.
Give it about two plus weeks for maximum results.
Caps and Veneers
Sometimes the discoloration is not just on the surface but penetrates the tooth completely. This means teeth won’t respond to whitening agents. In this case, you can beautify your smile with caps or veneers that fit over the teeth.
Some find this option a cost-prohibitive, but necessary alternative to whitening. This can take several weeks and multiple visits from the time of your consultation to complete the process.
How much should you budget for teeth whitening?
Each technique will vary in cost. Some professionals can make you bright white for about $150-200, while other more permanent and immediate methods can cost you $500-1,000 depending on which technique you choose.
Are your pearly whites looking a little briny? Restore them to their peak luster with professional teeth whitening.
Click on the Dentist tab on ginasplatform.com to find the best teeth whitening professionals or use the Gina’s Platform app to find a cosmetic dentist near you.
Gina Rivera
Beauty Icon and Expert
Gina Rivera skyrocketed to success when the company she founded in 2007, Phenix Salon Suites, became the fastest-growing salon suite company in the beauty industry. With more than 300 locations nationally and international expansion occurring in the UK, Entrepreneur Magazine named Phenix Salon Suites a Top 500 Franchise list seven years running.
