Teeth Whitening

Who Can Benefit From Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening continues to rise in popularity, giving countless people back their smiles. However, we want to ensure the treatment is safe and a good fit for you before moving forward. Patients who could benefit from whitening may have:

• Food stains
• Tea and coffee stains
• Discoloration from tobacco use
• Other types of discoloration

How to Get Professional Teeth Whitening

• Consultation: We meet with you to learn about your situation, goals, and oral health. We outline your options and provide information on quotes, treatment expectations, and any questions you might have.
• Preparation: If you have any active decay on your teeth, we will need to first address that. For at-home care, we also take impressions to create custom-fitted trays. These trays ensure your teeth are equally exposed to the solution for even whitening.
• In-Office Whitening: We will apply a whitening agent directly to your teeth. For enhanced whitening, we may use a laser system that further activates the whitening solution and lifts deeper stains.
• At-Home Whitening: You receive a custom-strength treatment to take home. You can start your treatment that same day. It involves filling your custom-fitted trays with the whitening solution and letting it sit over your teeth. You repeat this process according to your treatment plan.
• Follow-Ups: In some cases, patients may need multiple visits to achieve their results. Additionally, your dentist will track your at-home results and see you if you have any questions.

FAQs

Does the treatment hurt?

Some patients can report increased teeth sensitivity after a whitening treatment. However, the treatment itself should involve no pain at all. An experienced dentist will avoid leaving the solution on long enough to cause any gum irritation. For at-home treatments, be attentive to how long you keep your trays on. It may be tempting to leave them on for longer in the hope of seeing faster results, but this can lead to discomfort.

How long do the results last?

Whitening results can last from months to years. The duration of your results will depend on three key factors. First, your dental hygiene. Cleaner teeth will naturally stay brighter. Secondly, keep an eye on your diet. Certain foods and beverages can discolor your teeth and interfere with results. Lastly, your genetics can play a role. Some people’s teeth will simply naturally prove more resilient against stains.

How do I care for my whitened teeth?

We recommend avoiding very hot or cold food for a couple of days following your whitening treatment. The whitening agents used can increase teeth sensitivity, but this usually fades with time. Otherwise, simply care for your teeth with the usual healthy habits: brush twice and floss once daily.

Is teeth whitening right for me?

As a cosmetic treatment, whitening does not address oral health concerns. If you have discoloration caused by decay, we will first need to clear that out, usually with a filling. We also provide two alternative options for addressing stained teeth.

• Dental Bonding: A same-day solution that involves covering stains with a composite resin material.
• Veneers: Receive custom-fabricated porcelain shells that go over a tooth, instantly making it look at its best.

How much does professional whitening cost?

Teeth whitening treatments can be cost-effective solutions for whitening your smile. While store-bought options may have appealing price tags, you get what you pay for. Many people end up spending hundreds on over-the-counter products that leave them dissatisfied with the results.
While insurance does not cover cosmetic care, we do work with patients to explore flexible payment options.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Call our office to set up a consultation appointment and learn if professional teeth whitening is your ideal solution for a brighter smile. Rediscover the joy of having a smile you can share confidently with those around you.