Teeth Whitening Plano
Brighten Up Your Smile
Dental stains are a normal and natural part of life, and they do not necessarily mean that your teeth are unhealthy. However, if you feel self-conscious because your teeth are somewhat yellow or dull-looking, our team would love to help you find new confidence! Our teeth whitening solutions can quickly and effectively tackle even very stubborn types of discoloration, leaving you with a brighter grin that you are eager to show off. Contact us today to request your cosmetic dentistry consultation.
Why Choose Westpark Village Dental Care for Teeth Whitening?
- Take-Home and In-Office Treatments Available
- Premium Teeth Whitening Products from Zoom! and Pola
- Fast, Reliable, and Safe Cosmetic Treatment
Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening can be a great option for almost anyone who is dissatisfied with the color of their teeth. Of course, our team will need to verify a few things before approving you for treatment. For example, you should have a type of discoloration that tends to respond well to whitening. It is effective for nearly all extrinsic (on the surface of the enamel) stains, as well as some types of intrinsic (inside the enamel) stains. You should also be in good oral health.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Most teeth whitening formulas contain a type of peroxide as their active ingredient. As the product penetrates the tooth enamel, it breaks up unwanted pigment molecules, resulting in brighter-looking teeth.
In our office, we use premium products from popular brands, including Zoom! for in-office services and Pola Light for take-home teeth whitening. Here is an overview of how each option works:
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
The Pola Light system combines a powerful bleaching gel with a small oral device that exposes your teeth to a special type of light. Simply use the kit as directed, and you should start to see a difference in your smile quite quickly. In fact, some Pola Light kits take as little as 5 days for a full course of treatment. (Some kits take 14 days. The type that is best for you will depend on your circumstances.)
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Zoom! in-office teeth whitening usually takes just one hour or so. During your appointment, we will apply the whitening formula to your teeth and activate it with a special light. We may repeat the process a few times during your appointment. By the time you leave our office, your smile is likely to be several shades brighter than when you arrived!
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
You can maintain the results of your teeth whitening treatment by taking some practical steps:
- Minimize your consumption of highly pigmented foods and beverages, including coffee, berries, and red wine.
- Consume foods that promote oral health, such as dairy products.
- Use a whitening toothpaste, and stick to a thorough oral hygiene routine.
- Do not smoke.
- Drink pigmented beverages through a straw.
- Visit us regularly for professional checkups and cleanings.
- Perform touch-up whitening treatments when necessary.
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
It can be hard to get an exact quote for the price of professional teeth whitening over the phone, because the cost of treatment can vary from patient to patient. That’s because much like many other dental treatments, there are a variety of factors that determine the price of teeth whitening. To learn more about how Dr. Hardin and the team calculate the cost of your care, please feel free to read the information below. If you’d like to get a more detailed estimate, please schedule a consultation with Westpark Village Dental today and we’ll be happy to provide you with an accurate total.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Although teeth whitening is typically one set price, there are several factors that may affect how many treatments you’ll need until you reach your desired results. These include:
- How severe your stains and/or discoloration are.
- The types of discoloration present, and whether they are age-related, or caused by medication, as well as if they are extrinsic (occurring on the surface of the enamel) or intrinsic (located within the tooth), etc.
- Whether any other procedures are needed first, such as dental crowns or fillings.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
In-office professional teeth whitening typically costs anywhere from $400 to $800, however in some rare cases it may exceed $1,000 depending on your individual circumstances.
Take-home whitening kits with custom-fit trays from your dentist usually cost a few hundred dollars.
Over-the-counter whitening trays that are available at retail stores typically cost $100 or less.
The cheapest option for teeth whitening is usually strips or gels which can be found at most retail stores and pharmacies. Whitening strips typically cost between $20 and $40 a box and contain enough strips for up to two weeks of treatment.
Fast Teeth Whitening VS Inexpensive Teeth Whitening
If you’re only paying attention to the price tag, you may be wondering why professional whitening from Dr. Hardin is so popular when it’s usually the more expensive option. However, it’s important to remember that when it comes to cosmetic dentistry, the quality of the work is clearly reflected in the price. When you use cheaper strips and gels, it can be difficult to see any noticeable results, especially if you have more severe discoloration, or it could take many months to achieve the look you desire.
Conversely, when you get a professional whitening treatment, you can lighten your tooth enamel by multiple shades in a much faster timeframe. For in-office treatment this can be as fast as one hour-long appointment, while a take-home kit will yield the same results in about two weeks, although most patients see dramatic results right away.
When choosing the right teeth whitening option for your smile, it’s important to consider the results you’re trying to achieve and how quickly you want them in addition to the price.
Options For Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
Because professional teeth whitening is considered an elective cosmetic procedure, it is almost never covered by traditional dental insurance. However, at Westpark Village Dental Care, we offer several other options for making this treatment more affordable, including:
- Savings plan – Our in-house savings plan is available for patients who do not have dental insurance. For an annual fee, it covers preventive care and offers a 15% discount on cosmetic treatments (not including products).
- CareCredit, Cherry, and Lending Club financing – These third-party financiers allow patients to break up the cost of their dental treatments into multiple, low-to-no interest payments that are better suited to their budget.
At Westpark Village Dental Care, we are ready to assist you in getting your whitest smile ever. If you’re ready to get the bright, healthy smile you deserve, please schedule a consultation with us to learn more about the financial details of this treatment.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Many people worry that their cosmetic services, such as teeth whitening, will cause aches or pains. Thankfully, this treatment is considered non-invasive because it’s incredibly straightforward, with no need for numbing or needles.
However, you might develop temporary sensitivity because the bleaching agent expands the microscopic pores in your teeth. This allows sensations, like hot and cold temperatures, to travel more easily to the tender nerves inside your teeth. This usually fades on its own after a few days.
How Do Professional Services Differ from Store-Bought Products?
You might wonder if it’s worth investing in professional whitening treatments with our team in Plano if there are less expensive options available over-the-counter. However, when it comes to cosmetic dentistry, the quality of a product is often reflected in its price.
Store-bought options often contain more diluted bleaches that might not produce the desired outcome. Then, you might overapply it to compensate and damage your enamel. Not only that, but they contain one-size-fits-all strips or trays with plenty of room for error.
Meanwhile, Dr. Hardin utilizes ultra-concentrated gels designed to mitigate potential sensitivity and custom-fitted trays for beautiful results. Whether you opt for the instant results of an in-office visit or prefer the comfort and convenience of a take-home kit with professional-grade supplies, you’re more likely to achieve the intended results.
Am I A Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Potentially, anyone in Plano wanting a brighter smile can benefit from teeth whitening. But that doesn’t mean it’s the best treatment to meet everyone’s unique needs. For instance, extrinsic stains in your enamel from consuming darkly tinted foods tend to respond well to topical bleach. Meanwhile, deeply seated intrinsic blemishes are more likely to require repeated applications or a different treatment altogether.
Dr. Hardin can provide an appropriate treatment plan to help you achieve your goals after your initial consultation and examination.
Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
No, teeth whitening is not considered a permanent solution, and often requires periodic touch-ups to maintain the perfect hue. Typically, the results of professional treatments can last anywhere from 6 months to 3 years, depending on your individual oral hygiene habits.
Brushing and flossing twice daily removes plaque and bacteria that pigmented particles can cling to, and brushes away more minor surface issues. Also, scheduling a routine checkup and cleaning with our team every 6 months allows us to monitor your condition and polish away more recent blemishes from your enamel.