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Tooth whitening becoming very popular

With Americans overall enjoying an unprecedented high level of oral health, it's not surprising that for many dentists these days the No. 1 concern of their patients isn't cavities or gum disease.
It's tooth brightening.
"Right now, we get more questions asked about tooth brightening than anything else," noted Dr. William Seavecki, dental consultant for Delta Dental Plan of Wisconsin and a practicing dentist with offices in Stevens Point and Rosholt. Interest is widespread among all ages and for both men and women, Seavecki noted, though its greatest popularity seems to be with young adults (ages 18-35) and women.
Seavecki's experience is echoed by a large number of dentists. The American Dental Association found that in each of the past four years, approximately 25% of dentists surveyed said that tooth whitening was the fastest growing aspect of their practices.
Tooth brightening is perhaps the final frontier for individuals seeking the "perfect smile." But unlike restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns, or corrective treatments like orthodontia, tooth brightening is an entirely aesthetic process with no oral health benefit. As such, it is almost never covered under insurance plans. The patient bears the full cost of tooth brightening, and those costs can range as high as several hundred dollars.
Fortunately, there are a lot of alternatives available for persons considering tooth brightening. Your dentist can help you decide which is best for you.
At the low end of the cost scale are products you can purchase over-the-counter and use at home - the best known of these is Crest Whitestrips, though other products are also available. "A lot of people ask about Whitestrips," Seavecki noted. "The good news is that they're safe and they do work. You won't get the same amount of brightening that you can get from your dentist, but for many people the change will be enough."
Generally, you can expect over-the-counter products to brighten your teeth about one or two shades. But if you're looking for a bigger change - in the range of four to seven shades brighter - you'll need professional products available only from your dentist.
One of the most popular options for tooth brightening available from your dentist is a system you can use at home. Your dentist provides you with a bleaching gel and a custom-fitted mouth guard made from a mold of your teeth. At home, you place the gel in the mouth guard and wear it. Depending on the product, the guard is worn either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight, usually for around two weeks (the length of time varies depending on how much whitening you need).
Many dentists are now introducing a practice known as chairside bleaching to their tooth brightening options. With chairside bleaching, the entire process is done at the dental office. Your dentist applies either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the soft tissues in your mouth, and then applies a bleaching agent to the teeth. A special light may be used to enhance the bleaching process.
So what are the downsides? Well, first there's the cost, which as noted earlier, is almost never covered under insurance plans. While the over-the-counter products can be purchased for $40 or less, the more-effective procedures available only from your dentist will be more expensive. Each dentist sets his or her own fees and there is a lot of variability, but you can expect to pay between $250-$500, or more. Maybe not a budget-buster, but certainly something to think about for a procedure that is entirely cosmetic and has no health benefit.
Second, remember that tooth-brightening processes won't affect the color of any crowns, bridges and tooth-colored fillings you may already have. Your existing dental work might need to be replaced if it doesn't "match" your new, brighter teeth.
Also, while tooth brightening is safe and effective for most people, it's not for everyone. In cases where teeth are pitted or seriously discolored, veneers or other treatments may be more effective than bleaching.
Some people experience some discomfort during the tooth bleaching process, especially those with receding gums. Your dentist can help determine the likelihood of discomfort and in many cases provide assistance in preventing or minimizing it.
Finally, the benefits of tooth brightening aren't permanent. If you smoke or drink a lot of coffee, it's likely that you'll need to repeat the process every few years to maintain that glowing smile.