Want to Look Younger? Start with Teeth Whitening

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry teeth whitening has become the country's most requested cosmetic dental procedure. People want white teeth. One reason may be because white teeth can make you look younger. For many people a whiter, brighter smile not only improves their appearance, it also makes them feel more confident.

Unfortunately, getting those pearly whites can put a major dent in your wallet. Luckily there are many options out there which can make teeth whitening affordable.

Laser Whitening Treatment This is one of the more costly options since the treatment is performed at the dentist's office. Depending on the amount of discoloration, more than one treatment may be required. These procedures can be completed in an hour and the results are immediate. Zoom is one of the most popular treatments and can whiten teeth an average of 8 shades in a 45 minute treatment. Zoom can cost a few hundred dollars, but dentists will often have sales offering a treatment for $150 - $250.

Teeth Whitening Gel with Custom Tray This system includes a tray custom made by your dentist. You could apply the gel to your teeth over a couple of weeks. You will see a gradual improvement in the whiteness of your teeth. You would purchase the gel from your dentist. You may see some changes immediately but this process will take time to get an average whitening of 6 shades. Price varies depending on your dentist and the product used.

Teeth Whitening Kit These at-home whitening systems may include a dental tray, tooth whitener, a toothpaste and oral rinse. The results from these treatments can vary, some can give quick results while some others may take more time. With most teeth whitening systems can whiten teeth an average of 3-5 shades. Malibu Bright is a popular three step tooth whitening system which costs $50.

Whitening Toothpaste This of course, is the least expensive option. While it is possible to lighten your teeth 1-2 shades, the results usually only last as long as you use the toothpaste. This can also take the longest amount of time to see results, sometimes as long as a month. This is good for people who don't have much discoloration. The benefit is that you can get a whitening toothpaste for under $5 at most local stores.

These are just a few options for getting your teeth whiter. Whitening your teeth by even a few shades can make a significant difference in how you look and how you feel.