Teeth Whitening is a simple cosmetic dentistry procedure that can make an extreme difference in your smile. Over the years, your teeth may become discolored or stained. Your morning coffee or that glass of merlot can wreak havoc on your pearly whites. Whitening treatment aims to remove stains from coffee, tea, wine and other foods and drinks that stain your tooth enamel.
There are many different over-the-counter whitening products on the market today. They range from whitening toothpastes and whitening strips to gel based bleaching with an LED light. While these whitening systems and tooth bleaching agents can help to whiten teeth, they usually require multiple applications. Store bought whitening kits are also known to cause extra tooth sensitivity post treatment, sometimes lasting for several days.
Our in-office laser teeth whitening takes less than an hour to complete, making it a much more convenient option. Similar to store bought home bleaching products, treatment begins with applying a hydrogen peroxide based solution to the teeth. Once the whitening solution is applied, a powerful laser light is placed over the teeth. The laser emits a strong UV frequency which activates the gel and speeds up the whitening process. This leads to much quicker results. A great alternative to over-the-counter whitening strips and gels, in office whitening also tends to cause less tooth sensitivity. If you’re in need of a smile makeover, whitening may be just what you need!
FAQs About Teeth Whitening
How much does teeth whitening cost?
Professional in-office whitening ranges from $250 – $400 per session. The costs vary based on:
- the degree of discoloration
- your dentist’s costs and location
- how your teeth respond to treatment
How long does it take to get whiter teeth?
Each person’s teeth respond differently to treatment. Most of our patients achieve their whitening goals in one to two in-office sessions. However, depending on the level of discoloration, more sessions may be needed.
How painful is tooth whitening?
Professional whitening typically causes less sensitivity than store bought bleaching kits. There may be some slight discomfort following the session but this typically subsides within a few days. To help with sensitivity, we recommend patients use a soft bristle toothbrush in addition to toothpaste made for sensitive teeth.
Are my teeth healthy enough for whitening?
Before getting started, we simply recommend that patients schedule a dental exam with our Longview dental office. We will examine your teeth and gums to ensure that they are healthy enough for whitening. If any cavities or infections exist, they can be treated first before moving on to whitening.
Sometimes, the teeth are too stained for a teeth bleaching procedure to work. In those cases, Dr. Guttry can provide an alternative cosmetic treatment. As an example, our Longview patients could have dental veneers placed on the surface of teeth in order to hide dark stains. Often times, this is recommended for patients that smoke, since veneers are stain resistant and won’t yellow quickly like natural teeth. That said, we still recommend trying a whitening procedure before starting a cosmetic one.
Professional teeth whitening is a great way to improve your smile’s appearance. Our friendly staff is ready to schedule your whitening appointment. We are here to help you accomplish your dental goals. Give us a call today at (903) 758-0189 to start your smile makeover!
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