Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dentistry method today, helping to restore the natural color of teeth. It will give you bright white and even teeth. Let's refer to the article below to learn more about the cost of teeth whitening and the main factors affecting the price of this service.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a method that uses chemicals and light to improve the condition of yellow, discolored or dull teeth without damaging the enamel.

Teeth whitening can be done at medical facilities or at home. To ensure safety when whitening teeth, the person performing the procedure needs to:

• Have healthy teeth, good enamel, not much wear.
• No dental diseases such as gingivitis, periodontal disease, dead teeth, or tooth sensitivity...

When should teeth whitening be done?

Cases where teeth whitening should be considered include:

• People aged 16 and over, with good oral health and desire to whiten their teeth.
• Teeth become dark, dull, lose their shine or turn black due to aging, diet or improper hygiene.
• Teeth are not uniform in color, have yellow and brown spots that reduce aesthetics.
• Teeth are discolored due to chemical effects or side effects of drugs.

Teeth whitening methods

Most of the teeth whitening methods in clinics today use bleaching agents containing peroxide. The drugs that doctors and dentists apply in medical facilities usually have concentrations ranging from 15% to 43% peroxide. Meanwhile, bleaching agents for home use usually have concentrations ranging from 3% to 20% peroxide. In addition to bleaching agents, doctors also use additional types of light such as LED lights, lasers or plasma to enhance the effectiveness of the teeth whitening process.

1. Teeth whitening with laser

Lasers have been used in dental care since the late 20th century, especially in teeth whitening. Laser technology has the ability to generate heat and increase the effectiveness of whitening gel on the tooth surface. However, the heat emitted from the laser can stimulate the enamel and pulp tissue, leading to sensitivity after whitening.

Teeth whitening with laser light

After the dentist examines the condition of the teeth and removes tartar, the whitening process will be carried out in the following steps:

• Apply a layer of gum protection to prevent medication and light from coming into contact, avoiding burning or stinging the gums.
• Use a high concentration of bleach applied to the tooth surface.
• Shine the laser light on the tooth surface for about 20 minutes, repeat 2 times.
• After the light is applied, the dentist will clean the mouth and apply medication to minimize tooth sensitivity after the whitening process.

The laser teeth whitening procedure usually takes 1 hour or more to complete all steps.

2. Method of wearing teeth whitening trays at home

Your dentist can provide you with at-home teeth whitening services if needed. After taking impressions of your teeth, custom-made whitening trays will be made for you. Your dentist will provide you with instructions on how to safely and effectively whiten your teeth at home, including how much whitening solution to use, how long to wear the trays, and how to care for your teeth.

The tray bleaching procedure is usually performed in the following steps:

• Step 1: Clean your teeth before starting whitening.
• Step 2: Place an appropriate amount of bleaching agent on the tray as directed by your dentist.
• Step 3: Wear the whitening tray and wipe off excess medication around it to avoid gum irritation.
• Step 4: After wearing for the required amount of time, clean the tray and your mouth thoroughly.

At-home bleaching agents are usually low in concentration, with little risk of irritation to tooth or gum tissue, so customers can safely follow their dentist's instructions. The bleaching time can last from 5 to 10 days, depending on each person's teeth condition.

There are many at-home whitening trays on the market. However, the whitening effect may not be optimal and may even be harmful to teeth.

How much does teeth whitening cost?

The cost of teeth whitening can vary depending on the method and location. At Ysmiles Dental, the cost of Laser Whitening for both jaws is 2,500,000 VND. In addition, the home whitening kit costs 1,800,000 VND. For the method of whitening dead teeth, the cost is usually calculated per tooth, you can contact Ysmiles for more detailed advice. 

Teeth whitening is an effective way to improve the natural color of your teeth without causing any harm if done at a reputable dental clinic. One of the most common side effects is that your teeth and gums may become more sensitive. After whitening, your teeth may become yellow or discolored again. To minimize this, you should maintain good oral hygiene and limit your consumption of foods that can discolor your teeth.