Teeth Whitening – Waterbury, CT
Lift Yellow Stains, Reveal a White Smile!
When you meet someone new, do you share your smile freely or are you more hesitant? If you hesitate, then you’re not alone. In fact, many people are reluctant to show off their pearly whites simply because they no longer live up to their name. Fortunately, our cosmetic dentists in Waterbury have a solution: teeth whitening! If you are interested in learning more about this smile-enhancing treatment, read on or get in touch with us to schedule a consultation.
Why Choose Waterbury Smiles for Teeth Whitening?
- Top-Rated Dental Team in the Area
- Convenient Appointment Times, Including Evenings
- Flexible Financing Available with CareCredit
Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
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 not only on the condition of our teeth, but also on the color of our teeth. Those other factors include:
- Foods and beverages. Some of the most frequently consumed ingredients in our diets cause staining: carrots, tomatoes, chocolate, soy sauce, 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.
- Some drugs and cancer treatments 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.
During your consultation, we will determine the source and severity of the stains to determine if you’re a good candidate for professional teeth whitening. If the answer is yes, then we will move on to the next step of the process: helping you decide whether an in-office or take-home treatment is for you.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
One of the most common 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. You can learn a little more about each simply by reading on!
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
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.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Do you have an important event coming up, like a wedding or graduation? If so, you may not have two weeks. Don’t worry – that’s where in-office teeth whitening treatments come in. We’ll handle the entire process to ensure a seamless application and a relaxing experience. Oftentimes, we are able to achieve the desired results in as little as an hour, too!
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
There are a few habits that we recommend incorporating into your routine in an effort to maintain your bright, beautiful results, including:
- Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash
- Eating light-colored foods, like cottage cheese and white rice
- Using a straw when drinking coffee, red wine, and soda
- Scheduling a dental cleaning twice a year
It’s also very important that you avoid stain-causing habits, like smoking. When the time eventually does come when your results start to fade, you can reach out to us to schedule a touch-up treatment!
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Before you get teeth whitening, you’ll want to know the price. 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 the 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, like a dental crown. 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. The one you choose 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 – Whitening strips often go for $20-$40, and whitening toothpastes are often even cheaper.
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.
We’re happy to work with CareCredit – a reputable, third-party financier. With their aid, you could pay for whitening in monthly installments. To learn more about how that works, book a consultation today!
Teeth Whitening FAQs
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.