Teeth Whitening at Waterbury Smiles
Do you have confidence in your smile? When you meet someone new, do you share your smile freely or are you more hesitant? If you hesitate, then you are in good company. Many people are reluctant to smile for the simple reason that their smiles are no longer white and bright, but dull and off-color.
Your Waterbury cosmetic dentist has the solution: teeth whitening. One of the most common, least expensive and cost effective cosmetic treatments our practice offers is teeth whitening. For our patients’ convenience, Waterbury Smiles has both an in-office and take-home whitening system.
First, let’s examine why teeth darken over time, because our baby teeth sure do start out white, shiny and adorable! The culprit, as with many bodily concerns, is time itself. As we age, time and other factors take their toll on not only the condition of our teeth, but the color of our teeth, as well. Those other factors include:
- Foods and beverages. Some of the most frequently consumed ingredients in our diets cause staining: carrots, tomatoes, chocolate, soy sauce, cola and tea, to name just a few.
- Tobacco products. Smoking and chewing tobacco both contain nicotine, which is a discoloring agent.
- Cracks in our teeth. If a tooth has a crack, then food debris can become trapped and result in staining.
- There are some drugs and cancer treatments that can cause teeth to discolor. Even the overuse of fluoride can lead to fluorosis, which leaves white marks on teeth.
- Teeth grinding and clenching. This typically nighttime habit can lead to tiny cracks in the chewing surfaces of teeth, which will appear to darken with time.
- Natural color. The starting color of our teeth tends to lean slightly toward yellow or gray, and this may intensify as we age.
Teeth Whitening 06708 Residents Rely on for Winning Smiles
For patients who would rather whiten their teeth in the convenience and privacy of home, we can provide a take-home whitening kit. We’ll give you customized mouth trays and a supply of high-grade bleaching gel. Simply fill the trays with gel and wear them for the amount of time we specify every night for about two weeks. You’ll gradually begin to see you smile whiten.
Waterbury Smiles provides quality general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services for Connecticut families. We serve the communities of Waterbury, Watertown, Middlebury, Naguatuck, Woodbury and Southbury. We invite you to make an appointment today!
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Although you can’t avoid tooth discoloration and stains, you don’t need to live with the results. In fact, you can turn back the hands of time and restore your smile back to its previous glory with teeth whitening in Waterbury. While you’re excited to revamp your smile, it’s normal to have several questions about the procedure before you’re ready to commit to it. We’ll take the time to address any concerns during your initial consultation. In the meantime, here are the answers to a few of the most common questions we hear to help you make the wise choice for your smile.
Are teeth whitening treatments safe?
Teeth whitening treatments are safe and effective when used according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and when performed under the care or supervision of a cosmetic dentist. You won’t need to worry about any damage to your enamel when the proper standards are followed.
Do whitening treatments cause tooth sensitivity?
You’ve probably heard a few people mention tooth sensitivity after their whitening treatment, but don’t let rumors stop you from brightening your smile. Although this used to be a common side effect in the past, modern whitening agents are specially formulated to minimize tooth sensitivity. Some patients might still experience slight discomfort, but it will subside within a day or two. It’s best to avoid exposing your teeth to extreme or sudden temperature changes until your discomfort stops.
How long will my results last?
Your new smile can stay bright for several years with the right aftercare. You can help ensure your teeth stay white by keeping a few smile tips in mind:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Brush all surfaces of your teeth for at least 2 minutes each session.
- Floss every night before going to bed.
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco.
- Consume stain-causing foods and drinks in moderation, like coffee, tea, or berries.
- Visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Before you get teeth whitening, you’ll want to know its price. That’s pretty evident – you need to confirm if treatment is affordable. However, the cost of teeth whitening varies by patient. For an exact estimate, you should consult our dentists in person. Our office will then find ways to make your whitening budget-friendly. In particular, our team will walk you through treatment’s cost factors, payment options, etc. To learn more, just keep reading or call us soon!
Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening usually has a set price. That said, some factors affect how many sessions you need for desired results. Such elements include:
- Stain Severity – When a smile is heavily discolored, whitening will cost more. After all, tough stains may need many sessions.
- Stain Type – Given your stain type, you may need more or less whitening. Extrinsic ones, for example, are easily removed with just one session. In contrast, intrinsic stains beneath your enamel can’t be bleached away.
- Extra Services – Aside from whitening, you may need additional services. (Crowns, fillings, etc.) In that case, your treatment cost will rise.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
If you didn’t know, there’s more than one kind of teeth whitening. Which you get will strongly influence your procedure’s price. Typically, the whitening options are as follows:
- In-Office Teeth Whitening – When done at a dentist’s office, whitening often costs $400-$800. On occasion, though, the price can reach $1,000 or more.
- Take-Home Teeth Whitening – A take-home whitening kit (provided by a dentist) is usually a few hundred dollars. This price reflects the kit’s custom-fit trays and enhanced bleaching gel.
- “Over-the-Counter” Teeth Whitening – Store-bought trays usually cost $100 or less, as they aren’t customized for your smile.
- Teeth Whitening Strips/Gels – Being store-bought, whitening strips or gels are especially cheap. Boxes of strips often go for $20-$40, and each one can treat teeth for two weeks.
OTC Teeth Whitening vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
Like many, you may not realize why pro whitening is well-liked. Maybe you assume the cheaper options should be more popular. Truthfully, though, this difference in popularity isn’t hard to grasp. It reflects a simple truth of dentistry: cosmetic work’s quality is reflected in the price.
Really, just take a close look at the whitening methods. While strips and gels are cheap, they have little (if any) effect and can take months to work. Meanwhile, pro whitening delivers notable results quickly despite its higher price. Whether done at home or in the office, it’ll make your grin brighter by six to eight shades!
Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
Generally, dental insurance won’t cover teeth whitening. Most plans view cosmetic dentistry as a luxury. Still, other methods can make whitening affordable. One of the most notable is a practice’s financing options. Given the right kind, whiter teeth won’t break the bank.
For example, consider our own Waterbury Smiles. We happen to work with CareCredit – a reputable, third-party financier. With their aid, you could pay for whitening in monthly installments. You’d then meet the treatment price over time.
We want to brighten your teeth while fitting your budget. To learn more about how that works, book a consultation visit today!
How can I get started?
If you’re ready to take your first step toward improved confidence, it’s time to schedule a consultation with your dentist in Waterbury. Contact our office today to plan your visit.