Teeth Whitening – Abington, CT
Give Your Smile a New Glow
Teeth are not naturally white. Plus, everyday activities, such as coffee and red wine consumption, can cause the enamel to become discolored over time. It is no surprise, then, that many individuals are dissatisfied due to the yellow or dull appearance of their teeth. Are you one of them? If you are, our Abington cosmetic dentistry team is ready to give your smile a new glow. Our professional teeth whitening services may be able to get rid of dental stains and boost your confidence in a very short period of time.
Why Choose Abington Family Dental Care for Teeth Whitening?
- In-Office and Take-Home Treatments Available
- Flexible Payment Options
- Friendly & Skilled Cosmetic Team
Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
You may be a good candidate for teeth whitening if:
- You are unhappy with the color of your teeth.
- You have intrinsic (in the enamel) or extrinsic (on the surface of the enamel) dental stains.
During your cosmetic consultation, our team will make sure that teeth whitening is right for you. Your teeth should be healthy, and the type of dental discoloration that you have should be one that tends to respond well to whitening formulas.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening works by using specialized bleaching formulas that penetrate the tooth enamel in order to break up pigment molecules. As a result, the teeth can become significantly brighter and whiter. We adapt whitening treatments to the needs of each unique patient. After we learn about you and your goals, we might recommend that you undergo an in-office whitening treatment, or we may send you home with a custom professional whitening kit.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Our take-home whitening kits let you achieve your whitening goals in the comfort of your own home. Simply follow the kit’s instructions, and you should see significant results within a week or two. Take-home whitening is often best for people with sensitive teeth or those who may find it uncomfortable to sit through an in-office whitening session.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Our in-office whitening procedure takes about one hour. You will simply relax in the treatment chair while we apply a powerful bleaching formula to your teeth. After it sits on your teeth for a while, we will thoroughly rinse it off, and you will be able to admire your freshly whitened smile.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
The results of teeth whitening may last for months or a few years — it really depends on how you care for your teeth. Here are some tips to help your smile stay as bright as possible for as long as possible:
- Minimize your intake of staining foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, and berries.
- Eat white dairy products to fortify your teeth.
- Stick to a thorough oral hygiene routine.
- Visit us twice a year for a professional teeth cleaning.
- Perform touch-up whitening treatments when necessary.
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening tends to be one of the lower-priced cosmetic treatments; it starts out at just a few hundred dollars. When you visit us for a cosmetic consultation, we will share specific cost information and help you understand your payment options. You might be pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to afford a brighter smile!
Factors that Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
We usually charge a flat fee for teeth whitening services, but the price can vary in some cases due to a few factors:
- The extent of your discoloration. Deep-set, very noticeable stains may take longer to correct than lighter stains. Therefore, overall fees might be higher.
- The type of discoloration. Dental stains are often caused by things like food, beverages, and smoking. However, other types of stains, such as those caused by natural aging or certain medications, can be more challenging to address. Additionally, whether the stains are intrinsic (inside the enamel) or extrinsic (on the surface) might impact overall pricing.
- Preliminary care. Some patients need fillings or other restorative treatments before they qualify for cosmetic services.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
There are four main categories of teeth whitening, and they come at various price points.
- In-office teeth whitening often costs $400 - $800 dollars, but in some cases, it may run $1,000 or more. This is the fastest way to whiten teeth; it could make your smile several shades brighter in a single appointment!
- Custom take-home whitening kits start out at a few hundred dollars. These feature custom whitening trays and a formula that is tailored to your unique smile.
- Over-the-counter whitening trays may cost around $100 or so. These are not customized.
- Strips, gels, and other over-the-counter options may cost as little as $20 - $40. These items often contain enough product for a two-week course of teeth whitening.
Professional Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Options
When you look at the above-listed numbers, you might wonder why anyone would choose professional teeth whitening when over-the-counter options seem much more affordable. That is because professional systems have some distinct advantages:
- Faster, more noticeable results. Professional formulas tend to be stronger than anything you can purchase over the counter. They have been rigorously tested for efficacy.
- We tailor professional whitening treatments to the needs and unique smile of each patient. This reduces the risk of issues like severe dental sensitivity and gum irritation.
- Teeth whitening is generally quite safe, especially when it is overseen by a qualified dental team.
Options For Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
Since teeth whitening is a purely cosmetic procedure, you should not expect your dental insurance to cover it. However, there may be other provisions that can make it easier to afford:
- Our Essential Dental discount plan applies to some services that are not covered by insurance.
- Most patients are eligible for low-interest financing from a third-party company. The application process is fast and easy.
Are you interested in learning more about teeth whitening and its cost? Get in touch with our team at Abington Family Dental Care. We are eager to hear from you!
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Some patients experience a temporary increase in dental sensitivity after whitening their teeth. That can happen because whitening formulas open the tiny pores on your teeth, which makes it easier for outside stimuli to irritate the teeth’s sensitive inner layers. The increased sensitivity may last for a few days.
One nice feature of professional whitening is that it can be customized to reduce the risk of sensitivity. If you are concerned about this issue, let us know so we can adjust your treatment accordingly.
What Is the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?
Both types of treatment can help to reduce dental discoloration, but there are some key differences between them:
- Professional whitening formulas tend to be more powerful and produce more noticeable results.
- Because professional treatment is customized, it carries a lower risk of sensitivity and other possible side effects.
- Professional whitening treatment usually takes place after a thorough exam, so your dentist can identify any oral health issues that might affect your cosmetic goals.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Take?
In-office teeth whitening is very fast. In a single appointment (which may last an hour or so), your teeth may become several shades brighter!
At-home teeth whitening is more gradual. Usually, it takes two weeks to achieve optimum results. However, you might start to notice a difference after the first few days.
If you want your treatment to be completed before a certain date, such as a special event, we recommend that you schedule your appointment right away so you can secure a slot that works with your schedule.
Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
No, teeth whitening is not permanent. The formulas we use do not change the fact that teeth are porous and can absorb pigments over time. Therefore, you can expect the results of your treatment to wear off eventually (within a few months to a few years, depending on how you care for your smile).
Of course, you may be able to prolong your results by doing simple things like minimizing your consumption of highly pigmented foods, sticking to a good oral care routine, and attending routine dental cleanings. It would also be wise to periodically perform touch-up whitening treatments.