Teeth Whitening – Melbourne, FL
A Fast Solution for a Brighter Grin
Would you like to improve your overall appearance? If you have dulled or darkened enamel, try teeth whitening from your dentist. We have in-office whitening and a take-home system so that a cosmetic dentist can gently revitalize your smile according to your needs. Our compassionate dental team is ready to help enhance your smile for a radiant look. Call us today to experience a dazzling teeth whitening in Viera!
What is Teeth Whitening Used For?
Your teeth can become discolored for many different reasons. For example, the enamel (the hard, outer layer of the tooth) can be stained by coffee, wine, cola, blueberries or other dark-colored drinks and foods. The dentin underneath the enamel might become darkened thanks to overexposure to fluoride in early childhood or the use of tetracycline during pregnancy. And of course, sometimes discoloration is just the result of age (for example, the enamel becoming thinner and allowing more of the dentin to show through).
Depending on the cause and severity of staining or discoloration, we can use teeth whitening to brighten your ivories by up to eight shades! This can be done with an in-office procedure, but we can also offer take-home teeth whitening kits for those who would prefer to be treated in the comfort of their own homes.
In-Office Procedure
This is the fastest way to bleach your teeth, and thanks to the direct oversight by your dentist, it’s extremely safe. Generally, this procedure will involve a special gel containing hydrogen peroxide that’s applied to the teeth for about 15 minutes at a time. Hydrogen peroxide can penetrate the teeth to break up the compounds and molecules that cause stains. A special light may be used to speed up and intensify the whitening process. We can achieve dramatic results in as little as an hour using this treatment, and by the end you’ll have a brand-new smile that will speak for itself!
Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
If you don’t mind taking the slower route, we can offer a take-home teeth whitening kit that’s more effective than anything you can get at the store; it will contain a special gel as well as custom-made trays. You’ll fill the trays with the gel and wear them for a set amount of time each day. In most cases, you’ll see improvements in your teeth after about two weeks of using the kit.
Maintaining the Results of Teeth Whitening
If you want to keep your beautiful new grin, you’ll need to visit our practice periodically for cleanings and touch-ups; we can also recommend a few products you can use at home to help maintain your whiter teeth.
You can protect your teeth from future discoloration after whitening by:
- Avoiding staining foods and beverages. (If you do drink something that could cause discoloration, use a straw so that it doesn’t touch the outside of your teeth.)
- Eating plenty of crunchy fruits and vegetables that help clean your teeth while you chew them.
- Brushing thoroughly after every meal.
- Don’t smoke or use other tobacco products.
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Now that you know how our team at Dental Excellence of Melbourne can brighten your grin, you’re likely feeling eager to get started. However, you might hesitate to move forward if you’re unsure how much it costs. Many dental insurance policies don’t cover elected procedures intended to improve your appearance more than your oral health, so it’s natural to wonder whether you can afford it.
Continue reading to learn more about how the total amount of your teeth whitening is determined, and feel free to contact us with any additional questions!
Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Although teeth whitening usually has a set price, several factors can affect how many treatments you’ll need to achieve your ideal shade. Some considerations that can impact your final invoice include:
- The type of discoloration present. Extrinsic stains in your enamel can be more easily bleached away than deeply set discoloration in the lower layers.
- The severity of your condition. Overly yellow or brown teeth are more likely to require repeat services to reach your goal than a slightly off-white smile.
- Any other necessary services. If we find signs of cavities or gum disease, we will need to treat them before we can proceed with cosmetic work.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
There are many ways you can potentially lighten your grin to enhance your appearance, and each method has its own anticipated rates. A general idea of what you can expect is outlined in more detail below:
- In-office procedures: These typically cost between $400 and $800, though they can reach up to $1,000+ in extreme circumstances.
- Take-home kits: For a few hundred dollars, we can send you home with professional-grade gels and custom-fitted trays.
- “Over-the-counter” trays: These can often be purchased for about $100 or less.
- Store-bought whitening strips or gels: These can range between $20-$40 per box and can be found in many different stores and pharmacies.
Commercial vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
Now that you have a better idea of what you’ll spend on the different types of teeth whitening, you might question whether it’s worth investing in professional treatments when seemingly much more cost-effective options are available.
The truth is that while you might initially pay less for over-the-counter products, there’s no guarantee that you’ll achieve the desired results. Plus, they often contain more abrasive bleaching agents that can cause tooth sensitivity. Meanwhile, our team can safely lighten your grin for an optimal outcome.
Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
We know that not everyone can afford the cost of teeth whitening up front, and we don’t want your budget to keep you from having the sparkling smile that you deserve. If you’re worried about how to pay for your treatment, you might benefit from one of the following programs:
- Flexible Financing. We’ve partnered with CareCredit so that you can break down your total invoice into more manageable monthly payments if you’re approved.
- In-House Savings Plan. For a flat annual fee, you can receive free and discounted services, including cosmetic work not always included in insurance policies.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
What’s the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?
Initially, it may seem like the only difference between professional and store-bought whitening treatments is the price. That’s not the case! In addition to store-bought kits using one-size-fits-all applicators, they contain diluted brightening gels that do not compare to our in-office or take-home treatments. Not only that, but we consider the state of your oral health and the cause of the discoloration, which ensures your smile stays healthy and you achieve the results you desire.
Are There Any Foods I Shouldn’t Eat Following My Teeth Whitening Treatment?
Since certain foods stain your teeth faster, the answer is “yes!” We recommend not eating tomato soup, BBQ sauce, blackberries, and other dark-colored foods, especially in the days following your teeth whitening treatment. It’s also important that you don’t drink soda, red wine, and other dark-colored beverages. Instead, make water your drink of choice; it will keep you hydrated while also helping to prevent stubborn stains from resurfacing.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Take?
Typically, in-office teeth whitening treatments deliver results in just one visit, which is pretty impressive! In contrast, take-home whitening products usually take upwards of two weeks to deliver results. That said, your smile goals play a role in the answer. After all, some patients are looking for a subtle improvement while others want a complete smile transformation.
Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
Unfortunately, the results of your teeth whitening treatment won’t last forever. The good news is that there are several steps you can take to prevent stains from surfacing quickly, like brushing and flossing consistently. It’s also important to avoid bad habits, like smoking, to prioritize your biannual dental checkups and cleanings, and to eat lots of light-colored foods (i.e., egg whites, plain yogurt, oatmeal).
Is Teeth Whitening Expensive?
Compared to other popular cosmetic dentistry services, like veneers, teeth whitening is quite cost-effective. Plus, you don’t have to pay for your treatment in one lump sum if that doesn’t work with your budget. Instead, you can sign up for CareCredit and space out the price into smaller, more manageable monthly chunks. To learn more about this financial solution (or any of the other ones we offer), get in touch with our Melbourne dental team – we’re happy to answer any questions you have!
Is Professional Teeth Whitening Worth the Cost?
When patients find out that dental insurance doesn’t cover the cost of teeth whitening, they are often left wondering if it’s really worth the investment. The answer is “yes!” After all, lifting stubborn stains can noticeably improve your self-esteem. Studies show that it can also have a positive impact on your professional success and love life. So, it’s definitely worth the time and money you invest in the process!