As time goes by, there are several factors that can lead to our teeth darkening and discoloring. Some of them are within our control, while some are not. If you’re unsatisfied with the color of your smile, our teeth whitening treatments can give you a brighter, healthier look, no matter your situation. Whether in our office or at home, we can help you achieve a grin that is 6-8 shades brighter and is guaranteed to last thanks to our Refresh Whitening Spa. Give us a call to learn more about the easiest way to get a brighter smile!
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Tooth discoloration can be caused by many different factors, including pigmented foods and beverages, smoking, sugary and acidic foods, aging, poor oral hygiene, genetics, and certain medications. While some of the causes of discoloration can be prevented, others are completely out of your control. There are two different types of staining: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains occur on the surface of the teeth and are typically caused by foods, beverages, and tobacco products. This is the type of discoloration that can usually be lifted with professional whitening. Intrinsic stains can occur as a result of medications, so this is something that will need to be discussed with your doctor.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
At our Refresh Whitening Spa, we offer two different types of teeth whitening so you can brighten your smile in whichever way sounds best for you:
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
If you are looking to lift discoloration from your teeth in the comfort of your own home, take-home teeth whitening is available. After checking your smile for existing oral health issues, you will get customized trays and a whitening gel that’s stronger than anything you can find over the counter. After about two weeks of wearing the trays for a set amount of time each day, you will see the beautiful results.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
If you would rather that we handle your whitening experience, we also offer in-office teeth whitening at our Refresh Whitening Spa. In just a single visit to the dental office, you can leave with a smile that’s several shades whiter!
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
When you whiten your smile, you need to take the necessary steps in order to maintain your results. Here are some tips to help:
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Limit your intake of dark-colored foods and beverages, like coffee, tea, and red wine.
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Maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine.
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See your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.
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Avoid unhealthy habits that can weaken your tooth enamel, like biting your nails and smoking.
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Ask about touch-up treatments.
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Are you looking for a way to enhance the natural beauty of your smile? Teeth whitening may be the solution that you’re looking for. Not only is it an effective solution to discoloration, but it can be completed in a timely manner as well. However, it is important that you consider the cost ahead of time. After all, no one wants any unnecessary surprises on their bill. Here are some things for you to keep in mind.
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Factors that Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is generally one set price, but there are factors that can affect how many treatments you need before you reach your desired results. Here are some of the most prominent ones:
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The severity of your staining and discoloration.
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The type of discoloration you’ve experienced (intrinsic vs. extrinsic).
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Whether you need to have other treatments ahead of time, like a filling or dental crown.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
There are a few different types of teeth whitening, and they all go for different price points. Here is what you can usually expect in terms of cost:
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In-office teeth whitening will typically cost anywhere between $400 and $800. However, the cost can be up to $1,000 or more in rare cases.
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As for take-home teeth whitening kits, the cost will usually be around a few hundred dollars.
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Over-the-counter teeth whitening trays will generally go for less than $100.
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Over-the-counter teeth whitening strips and gels are the most affordable. Each box costs somewhere between $20 and $40 and contains enough to last up to two weeks.
Fast Teeth Whitening VS Inexpensive Teeth Whitening
You may be wondering why professional teeth whitening from dentists is so popular when it costs quite a bit more than what you can get from your local drug store. However, you should remember that when it comes to cosmetic dentistry, the quality of the work is clearly reflected in the amount that you pay. When using cheaper strips and gels, many people see little-to-no results. On the other hand, professional treatments are designed to whiten teeth quickly and dramatically. As for in-office teeth whitening, you can walk out of the practice with a smile several shades lighter in as little as an hour. When choosing the type of teeth whitening that’s right for you, it’s important to consider what kinds of results you’re looking for and how fast you want them.
Options For Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
Teeth whitening is not covered by dental insurance since it is considered to be an elective procedure. However, this doesn’t mean that you’re left completely on your own. We work with CareCredit – a third-party financing company that can break the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little-to-no interest. Talk to one of our friendly team members to learn more.
To learn exactly how much you can expect to pay for your teeth whitening treatment, give us a call ! We’re eager to help you achieve a brighter, whiter smile!
Teeth Whitening FAQs
While brushing and flossing at home removes plaque and food debris, tooth stains can be a stubborn issue to address on your own. This is especially the case for stains that have developed over many years, making them impossible to remove with over-the-counter products alone. If you have questions about professional teeth whitening treatment, we encourage you to take a look at some of our frequently asked questions on the subject below.
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What’s the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?
It’s true that both store-bought whitening products and the materials used in professional-grade whitening are designed to lift stains and brighten teeth, but the two couldn’t be more different in terms of their effectiveness. For one, over-the-counter kits are mass-produced and designed to be one-size-fits-all. The bleaching ingredients also tend to be diluted, making them less able to remove long-term stains. In contrast, professional whitening is not only more powerful, but customized to your exact needs. This ensures your whitening is safe, uniform, and long-lasting, something that cannot be promised for store-bought solutions.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
There’s no room for mistakes when it comes to your smile. We only use products we know are completely safe and specifically designed for the teeth and gums. Additionally, if the product is not approved by the FDA and ADA as well as undergone rigorous testing to prove its safety and efficacy, we don’t use it. Unlike certain over-the-counter products, professional whitening options are deemed extremely safe and administered by a professional, which is sure to give you more confidence in your future cosmetic treatment. We take multiple precautions to prevent the gel from touching areas of the mouth it shouldn’t.
Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?
One of the exceptions to keep in mind when considering teeth whitening is dental restorations, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. Not only are bleaching gels not effective at whitening ceramic or acrylic materials, but they can actually weaken the bond between your tooth and restoration, creating the risk for complications. For this reason, you’ll want to tell us if you have any restorations so we know to keep them in mind when whitening your tooth enamel. During your consultation, we’ll make sure our bleaching materials work to whiten your teeth in a way that looks natural, rather than making any restorations stand out. If needed, we can also discuss cosmetic options to remove stains from restorations to ensure a uniform appearance.
Is Professional Teeth Whitening Worth the Cost?
Teeth whitening is widely considered to be the most popular cosmetic treatment in dentistry to date and for good reason. Not only is it relatively affordable for many, but it’s proven to remove even the most stubborn stains from teeth. Furthermore, teeth whitening technology is better than ever and designed to last longer and be usable for those who have teeth sensitivity. Whether you want to look younger or make it easier to socialize with others because you feel confident with your appearance, teeth whitening is a fantastic option for enhancing the look of your smile.
