Many things can stain your teeth, including various foods and beverages. Tobacco use is also a big culprit when it comes to stained teeth. As you age, stains can start to accumulate, so you may notice duller teeth as you get older. If you want to bring back brightness to your teeth, teeth whitening is an excellent option. Here are three things you need to know about teeth whitening treatments.

They Won't Damage Your Teeth

Teeth whitening treatments use hydrogen peroxide to lift stains from the surface of your teeth. Teeth whitening treatments have been on the market for decades and reliably produce fantastic results. However, following the instructions for any at-home treatments that you use is vital for healthy teeth whitening. The American Dental Association, or ADA, finds teeth whitening treatments that use hydrogen peroxide to be safe and effective. But if you have concerns, heading to your dentist for teeth whitening treatments instead of using at-home options is a good idea. 

There Are Treatments To Fit Your Budget

If you are looking into teeth whitening treatments, numerous options will likely fit within your budget. Over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments are often the most affordable. Whitening treatments you get to take home from your dentist are a little more expensive but tend to be more effective. The most effective option is in-office treatments from your dentist. However, this type of treatment is also the priciest. You can pay as little as $20 for an over-the-counter teeth whitening treatment and upwards of $650 for in-office teeth whitening from your dentist. 

Sensitivity Is Common

Sensitivity after a teeth whitening is not unusual, and many people who undergo teeth whitening procedures experience sensitivity not long after. If you have naturally sensitive teeth, you should probably expect some sensitivity after a teeth whitening treatment. The higher the hydrogen peroxide amounts, the more likely it is that you'll experience sensitivity after the teeth whitening. This means that teeth whitening treatments provided by your dentist are more likely to cause sensitivity since they use higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. If you notice sensitivity after your procedure, it will usually disappear within a few hours or days. 

Teeth whitening treatments are often a great way to improve the appearance of your smile, but there are a few things you should know. First, teeth whitening treatments do not damage your teeth. However, if you have concerns, you should discuss them with your dentist. Next, there are treatments for nearly any budget. Finally, while sensitivity is common, it will usually disappear after a short time after the treatment.