Teeth Whitening – Gahanna, OH

Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening

While teeth whitening typically has a general price, several factors can influence how many treatments you’ll require until you achieve your smile goals. Some of these aspects include:

• The type of discoloration you’re experiencing (intrinsic vs. extrinsic).
• The complexity of your discoloration or staining.
• If you need to have preliminary treatments beforehand, such as a dental filling or crown.

Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?

There are various types of teeth whitening treatments out there, each of them with a unique price range. Here’s what you can generally expect from the costs:

• An in-office procedure can usually cost around $400 and $800. In rare cases, however, the price can go up to $1,000 or more.
• Professional at-home teeth whitening kits can typically go for a few hundred dollars.
• OTC whitening trays will likely be around $100 or less.
• OTC whitening strips and gels are the most convenient option. Each item generally costs around $20 and $40, containing enough product to last you up to a couple of weeks.

Inexpensive Teeth Whitening vs. Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening will have a higher initial price compared to store-bought products. This is simply because your dentist will provide higher-quality treatments using safer and stronger bleaching agents. Although strips and gels are more affordable, they offer lackluster results for a minimal length of time. With professional teeth whitening, you can expect to enjoy a significantly brighter smile quicker and for a much longer period. Our team offers an in-office procedure, which can enhance your pearly whites by several shades in just a single visit! For this reason, it’s important to consider the effectiveness of each treatment when choosing the teeth whitening that’s right for you.

Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable

Most dental insurance plans don’t cover teeth whitening, as this isn’t considered an “essential” procedure. However, you can ask our team about alternative payment options to help you afford the treatment you choose to get. We are partnered with CareCredit—a third-party financier that offers plans which can split the overall cost into monthly installments. Many of these options also come with little to no interest, making your treatment much easier to pay for in the long run! Feel free to speak with our staff if you’re interested in this, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?

No, professional teeth whitening in Gahanna should not damage healthy tooth enamel. With that being said, if your teeth are compromised by decay or infection, then bleaching products may cause damage. That’s why our dentists perform a preliminary exam to make sure your teeth are in great condition before focusing on any cosmetic treatments.

Once your teeth are healthy, you can rest easy knowing that our whitening solutions won’t harm your teeth. However, over-the-counter products may do serious harm. This is especially true if you overuse them, which can be all too easy, as they don’t lead to very dramatic results. For this reason, you should always consult with a dentist before using any teeth whitening products, even store-bought ones.

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?

Because teeth are porous, they naturally absorb colored particles from the foods and drinks you consume over time. As a result, not even our extra-strength whitening treatments are permanent. Of course, professional whitening definitely lasts for much longer than generic options. With the right aftercare, your results can last for anywhere from a few months to a year or longer.

How Can I Make My Teeth Whitening Results Last?

To keep your pearly whites bright, you’ll need to take excellent care of your smile. The most important step here is to maintain a solid oral hygiene routine of flossing every day and brushing twice a day for two minutes each time. You should also remember to visit your cosmetic dentist in Gahanna every six months for a regular checkup; that way, we can identify and treat oral health concerns early on as well as give your teeth a thorough cleaning.

To minimize the formation of new stains after teeth whitening, try to limit your consumption of darkly pigmented foods and beverages. If you simply can’t give up that morning cup of joe or evening glass of wine, consider sipping these drinks through a straw. This reduces the beverage’s direct contact with your teeth, preventing them from causing discoloration.

Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?

No. Dental crowns do not contain the microscopic pores that natural teeth do. While this makes it more difficult for them to discolor, it also means that whitening products are ineffective (the bleaching solution needs to permeate the pores in order to break down stains). In fact, there’s a small chance that whitening gels could weaken the bond between a crown and the underlying tooth, which could result in complications. If you have a dental crown and are interested in teeth whitening, we can discuss replacing the crown with one that matches the shade of your teeth after whitening in order to prevent your crown from standing out in your smile.

Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?

Many patients fear a dental procedure, whether a checkup or a cosmetic upgrade, will hurt. There’s no need to worry about teeth whitening, though — it’s painless!

You see, professional whitening is tailored to your smile. As such, it’s very unlikely to cause any tooth sensitivity. That said, don’t hesitate to tell us if your teeth tend to be sensitive. In that case, we can space out your treatments to help you avoid the unpleasant sensation. (Avoiding hot beverages and using specialty toothpaste would be effective too.)

What’s the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?

While professional whitening and the store-bought variety both attempt to lift stains, they take differing approaches.

For starters, over-the-counter whiteners rely on one-size-fits-all trays and diluted agents. Therefore, their results tend to be mixed and aren’t always visible. Some patients even have to use a store-bought whitener repeatedly before it’s effective.

On the other hand, professional whitening is customized to your unique smile goals. To that end, a dentist will start the process with a dental exam. They’ll thus consider your teeth, gums, and restorations before the whitening process. Consequently, you’ll have a dramatic treatment result in as little as a single visit.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

You should only use whitening products specifically designed for your teeth and gums. Oral health is crucial, so you don’t want to leave room for error.

Unfortunately, store-bought whiteners aren’t reliable on this front. Many don’t have FDA or ADA approval, meaning they could cause harm in the short and long term. Whitening toothpastes, for example, are known to wear away tooth enamel over time.

In contrast, professional whitening is considered highly safe. Besides being done by a licensed dentist, it uses custom trays to keep the gel from reaching your gums. Plus, it adjusts the solution to guarantee you get the white, bright results you want!

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Take?

Professional whitening is quick and effective, whether done in-office or at home. Still, you can expect different timelines for the two methods.

An in-office whitening treatment only takes a single, one-hour visit. That’s enough time for your dentist to apply the bleaching gel and activate it with a special light. From there, you’ll have a smile six to eight shades whiter!

Meanwhile, a take-home option whitens teeth over two weeks. This timing is due to the patient wearing a gel-infused tray for several hours each day of the treatment.

Whatever way you want the dentist to whiten your teeth, don’t hesitate to let us know in advance. That way, we can get your smile camera-ready for special events and celebrations.

Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

Nearly everyone can qualify for teeth whitening. Those with stubborn tooth stains, especially, would benefit from the service.

Even so, a consultation is the best way to confirm your candidacy. This appointment would let our team perform a thorough exam and learn about your smile goals. Based on the findings, we could then start working on your custom treatment plan. If there’s an untreated dental concern, though, we’ll correct that problem first.