Teeth Whitening Woodbridge
Say Hello to a Brighter Smile
Bright, white teeth are often viewed as a sign of youth and beauty. But what if your smile looks a little dull, yellow, or otherwise lackluster? After a consultation, our Woodbridge team might recommend that you undergo a professional teeth whitening treatment. This simple and quick cosmetic service can help you say hello to a brighter smile in as little as one hour! Continue reading below to learn more about how we may be able to help you get rid of stubborn dental discoloration.
Why Choose New Haven Dental Group for Teeth Whitening?
- In-Office and Take-Home Whitening Available
- Popular & Effective Zoom! Whitening System
- Friendly & Knowledgeable Cosmetic Dental Team
Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
You may be a good candidate for teeth whitening if:
- You are bothered by the yellow, dark, or dull appearance of your teeth.
- You have intrinsic or extrinsic dental stains (inside your enamel or on its surface).
- Your teeth are healthy enough to be whitened.
- You have a type of discoloration that tends to respond well to whitening products.
- You do not have any crowns or restorations toward the front of your mouth (these do not respond to whitening treatments).
Our team can let you know for sure if whitening is a good fit for your circumstances and goals.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening formulas contain powerful ingredients (usually including a type of peroxide) to penetrate the tooth enamel and break up unwanted pigment molecules. When properly performed, the process is both safe and effective. It can also be very fast!
At New Haven Dental Group in Woodbridge, we offer two different types of teeth whitening: take-home kits and in-office treatments.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
If you would prefer to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home, we can provide you with a convenient kit. All you have to do is wear custom whitening trays for the prescribed amount of time each day. You may start to notice a difference in your teeth within a few days, but optimum results usually take about two weeks.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office Zoom! whitening is the fastest way to get rid of dental stains. We simply apply the whitening formula to your teeth and activate it with a special light. We also make sure that your gums and other soft oral tissues are protected. The entire process usually takes just one hour or so.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
Even after a whitening service, your teeth can still incur stains. To minimize new discoloration on your teeth, you should:
- Avoid the use of cigarettes and chewing tobacco.
- Perform periodic touch-up whitening when necessary.
- Visit us twice a year for a professional cleaning and checkup.
- Minimize your intake of highly pigmented foods and beverages.
- Enjoy dark drinks through a straw.
- Consume white dairy products to keep your teeth strong.
- Stick to a thorough daily oral hygiene routine.
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
The cost of teeth whitening in our Woodbridge office is affordable for most patients. During your cosmetic dentistry consultation, we can share specific numbers and help you understand your payment options. This treatment is a great choice for anyone who wants a low-cost way to enhance their smile and discover new confidence.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
We typically charge a flat fee for teeth whitening services, but there are some factors that can increase its cost:
- Severe discoloration: Severe staining may require special attention that leads to higher overall fees.
- The type of stains: Some stains do not respond readily to normal teeth whitening methods. If you have such types of discoloration, we will discuss your options and their respective prices.
- Preparatory care: Your teeth should be healthy before you get them whitened. If you need fillings, gum disease treatment, or other services prior to your cosmetic treatment, you can expect them to increase the total cost of your care.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
There are four main types of teeth whitening treatments, and they each have their own price range:
- In-office teeth whitening tends to be the most expensive option. It typically ranges from $400 to $800, though in some cases it may reach $1,000 or more. This is also the fastest way to achieve stunning results.
- Take-home professional teeth whitening kits start at a few hundred dollars. They come with custom trays and a whitening formula that is chosen for your unique smile and goals.
- Over-the-counter whitening trays usually cost $100 or less. They do not have any customization options.
- Teeth whitening strips and gels are available for purchase at most pharmacies and big box stores. They are the cheapest option; they may cost $20 to $40 for enough product to last for two weeks.
Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
After reviewing the numbers above, it is very understandable if you wonder why anyone would choose professional teeth whitening. After all, much cheaper options are available! However, it is important to look beyond just the cost.
Professional whitening is superior in numerous ways:
- It is faster.
- The formulas are more concentrated and provide more noticeable results.
- It is customized for your unique smile.
- It uses proven formulas that have a reputation for safety and effectiveness. (In contrast, some over-the-counter options use harsh ingredients that can damage enamel.)
You can be confident that professional teeth whitening is an excellent value.
Options For Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
Dental insurance does not usually cover teeth whitening because it is classified as an elective procedure. The good news is that there are other provisions that can make it easier to afford:
- Our Essential Dental discount plan provides reduced fees on most of the services in our office, including cosmetic treatments. Signing up is easy, and you can start to use your benefits right away.
- Financing can let you pay for teeth whitening across a few monthly installments. The application process is fast, and most patients are readily approved.
Are you ready to learn more about teeth whitening and its cost? Do not hesitate to reach out to our Woodbridge team to ask questions or request a cosmetic consultation.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Teeth whitening in Woodbridge is non-invasive, so there is no need to worry about the use of drills or similar instruments.
While the process of whitening is relatively comfortable, it is important to keep in mind that teeth whitening sometimes causes an unpleasant side effect. It may lead to a temporary increase in dental sensitivity. Usually, this wears off within a few days. In the meantime, you can minimize discomfort by avoiding very hot and cold foods. Acidic and spicy items should also be temporarily avoided. Some patients use a sensitivity-reducing toothpaste to minimize post-whitening discomfort.
Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is an excellent option for almost anyone who feels self-conscious due to yellow or dull-looking teeth.
However, there are some factors that might mean teeth whitening is not right for you. For example, if you have untreated cavities or gum disease, such issues should be addressed before you pursue any treatments that are purely cosmetic.
Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?
When used properly, teeth whitening products do not damage enamel. However, overuse of certain whitening products, especially if they are abrasive, could result in harm. There is why it is always best to consult with a professional before starting any whitening treatment.
It is also worth noting that if your oral health is compromised by decay or gum disease, the ingredients used in whitening formulas might cause significant irritation.
Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?
Teeth whitening works by penetrating pores in natural tooth enamel. Thereafter, it can breakup pigment molecules and lead to a brighter smile.
Restorations, such as crowns and veneers, are non-porous, and they have a completely different chemical makeup than natural teeth. Whitening formulas cannot penetrate them. In other words, teeth whitening does not work on them. If you have restorations toward the front of your mouth, whitening your teeth might cause your smile to become mismatched.
Of course, if you are unhappy with the color of your crowns, you can ask our team about other treatments that might be able to help you reach your aesthetic goals. It is possible that your crowns will need to be replaced.
What Is the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?
There are some key differences between professional and store-bought whitening products:
- Professional systems tend to be more powerful. They often produce faster and more dramatic results.
- Professional whitening systems are thoroughly vetted for safety and effectiveness. Our team would never recommend any products that we do not believe to be acceptable for our patients’ use.
- Professional whitening treatments are more customizable. We may be able to adapt your treatment plan according to factors like the type of discoloration you have, whether you are prone to dental sensitivity, and more.