What the Over-Fifty Crowd Should Know About Teeth Whitening

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There’s something more effective than anti-aging creams to help you peel back the years. The answer? A brighter smile.

After a certain age, there is only a certain amount of effort one can put into refining the appearance of one’s skin. But whitening your teeth is a move that provides immediate benefits to help you look younger and feel more confident.

But not all treatments have the same kind of payout. Some provide a better experience and a brighter smile, while others have less to show for the money spent.

Here are the main types of whitening products that you will encounter in your search.

• Toothpastes. The first product you may have tried and tossed are whitening toothpastes. Whitening toothpastes contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. While some work to a degree, most are not as effective as the other options on this list. And if you are concerned enough to be buying whitening toothpastes, then you probably want results that are noticeable. Average cost: $4 a tube.
• Whitening gels and strips. Up a level are the whitening strips you can purchase online or at a drugstore. These are typically thin strips containing a whitening solution that can be affixed to your teeth. Depending on the instructions, you may be directed to wear the strip from 10 to 20 minutes at a time. You can expect to see results in a few days, and the results last for a couple months. Average cost: $20 to $40 per box of strips.
• Whitening rinses. An easy way to try for a whiter smile, whitening rinses are available everywhere. But their effectiveness may be lessened by the short amount of contact they have with your teeth. Average cost: $7
• Dental whitening services. Also known as in-office whitening, compared to other products, this choice is for those who want to see noticeable results. The process consists of a whitening substance spread across the teeth, and heat or UV light applied to the teeth to activate the solution. Also the most expensive of the options here, it is considered by many to be the most effective. Average cost: $100 to $650 depending on number of sessions.

Is all this effort and money well-spent? If you aren’t in the habit of spending money on yourself, you may feel hesitant about the cost and trouble of getting a brighter smile. If this sounds like you, consider the following benefits that a brighter smile can give.

1. More Confidence 

As we age, it’s natural to feel somewhat insecure over our appearance. Lines, wrinkles, and other bits and pieces of ourselves that begin to sag can get us down. While there is not much a person can do about that, what you do have control over is the state and color of your teeth. Getting your teeth whitened can give you a boost of confidence and help you to smile more. Which is linked to the next benefit.

2. A more fulfilling social life

Have you been feeling ashamed of your smile? Perhaps you have begun to hide your smile because of the state of your teeth? Getting your teeth whitened will allow you to smile and let your natural warmth out. Smiling is key in our interactions with coworkers, family, friends and in building new relationships.

3. Better oral hygiene.
   

When you invest money into the care of your teeth, what naturally follows is that you pay more attention to your oral hygiene. Things that are more expensive, we tend to value more. By investing into your smile, you will be subconsciously helping yourself to take better care of your teeth!

4. A well-groomed appearance.
   

The devil is in the details. Even if you get your hair and nails done, and you are dressed in duds that show off your most attractive features… if your teeth are yellow, your look will falter. You do not want to grab attention for having a yellow smile. Getting your teeth whitened ensures that your appearance is one that speaks of a confident well-cared for individual.

5. A kickstart into taking better care of yourself.

Perhaps self-care is a lesson you have put off learning throughout your younger years. But it is never too late to start to take better care of yourself. Want an easy way to kickstart a lifestyle change? One where you stop putting yourself at the bottom of the priority list? Getting your teeth whitened is an effective first step to take.

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