Teeth Whitening – Schenectady, NY

Factors that Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening

There is usually a set price for each teeth whitening service. However, there are a few factors that could influence your total financial obligation:

• The severity of your discoloration. Some stains are more serious than others and might require special measures to remove.
• The type of discoloration present. Some stains are on the surface of teeth, whereas others are inside the teeth. The source of the discoloration is also important. Food and drink stains are treated differently than the stains that result from certain medications.
• Additional care. Some patients require fillings or other minor restorative care in addition to their whitening service.

Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost? 

There are a few different types of teeth whitening:

• In-office whitening may cost $400 - $800, though some cases may run $1,000 or more if special circumstances are involved. This is the fastest way to achieve a brighter smile.
• Professional whitening kits from a dentist are usually a few hundred dollars. They include custom trays and a whitening formula that is tailored to a patient’s unique needs. They can be used as a standalone treatment or as a touch-up method after an in-office whitening session.
• Over-the-counter whitening kits use non-custom trays. They often cost less than $100.
• Whitening strips and gels are the cheapest whitening option. They frequently cost less than $50.

Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Inexpensive Teeth Whitening 

If you focus purely on the numbers listed above, you might wonder why anyone would choose professional whitening when cheaper options are available. There are a few reasons:

• You can get faster and more dramatic results with professional whitening.
• Professional whitening is often safer than over-the-counter methods, particularly DIY “hacks” that have not undergone scientific scrutiny.
• A dentist can help you address types of discoloration that do not respond to regular bleaching formulas.
• If you have dental sensitivity or other oral health considerations, your dentist can take those into account as part of your cosmetic treatment plan.

Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable

Teeth whitening is classified as a purely cosmetic procedure. As such, it is highly unlikely that your dental insurance offers coverage for it. However, there may be other ways to make it more affordable:

• We offer a FREE smile makeover consultation. Teeth whitening is often an integral part of smile makeover services.
• Many patients are eligible for low-interest financing. You may be able to pay for your whitening treatment over time in reasonable monthly installments.

Are you eager to learn more about teeth whitening and its cost? Get in touch with us today so we can answer all of your questions.

Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?

Teeth whitening temporarily makes tooth enamel more permeable, which can lead to increased sensitivity. However, we carefully design professional whitening services with the goal of causing as little sensitivity as possible. For example, we may adjust the potency of the whitening solution or change the amount of time that your teeth are exposed to it. If you are prone to dental sensitivity, let your cosmetic dentist in Schenectady know so we can take appropriate precautions.

If your treatment causes some discomfort, you can expect the worst sensitivity to wear off within a few days of completing your whitening service. In the meantime, you may find it beneficial to avoid hot and cold beverages, spicy foods, and anything else that might exacerbate the sensitivity.

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

Professional whitening products are more powerful than anything you can buy over the counter. The treatments are also tailored to you. For example, if you have a take-home whitening kit, the trays you use may be specifically designed for your unique teeth, which reduces the chances that the whitening solution will irritate your gums. Additionally, professional whitening takes place after a thorough oral exam, which ensures that brightening your teeth will be safe.

Over the counter products use one-size-fits-all strips and trays, and their whitening agents are often diluted. They can be moderately effective, but many people who use them are disappointed by the results. Plus, while most of them are safe, there are some items out there that could harm your teeth.

How Can I Make My Teeth Whitening Results Last?

Your results may last for years if you take the proper precautions, including:

• Keep up with a thorough oral hygiene routine. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day can remove new surface stains and keep your teeth looking bright.
• Attend dental checkups and cleanings. Professional dental cleanings remove plaque and tarter from your smile. Your teeth also get polished, which can add to their beauty.
• Watch what you eat. It is best to enjoy highly pigmented foods and beverages in moderation. When you drink coffee, tea, or red wine, you can minimize the liquid’s contact with your teeth by drinking it through a straw.

Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

Most people who want to achieve a brighter smile are candidates for teeth whitening. However, if you have restorations on your front teeth, or you have significant oral health issues, these might affect your candidacy. Our team will thoroughly evaluate your mouth before we approve you for any cosmetic treatment — your safety and satisfaction are some of our top priorities!

How Can I Find a Teeth Whitening Dentist Near Me?

Most general and cosmetic dentists offer teeth whitening services. However, they may prefer different whitening systems/products, so it is a good idea to consider a few different options before you make your final choice. For example, here at Capital Smiles, we use the popular ZOOM! whitening system, which is highly effective and designed to keep sensitivity to a minimum. Both in-office and take-home whitening kits are available.

Another thing you should consider when looking for a nearby teeth whitening dentist is their online reviews. The opinions of previous patients can tell you a lot about how a dental team interacts with their patients.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

When it is done in the right way, teeth whitening is generally very safe. Our team takes precautions to minimize the risks involved. For example, we do not recommend whitening for anyone who has gum disease, untreated cavities, or other significant oral health concerns. We also use high-quality whitening products that have a track record of safety.

With that being said, a degree of caution is in order when you are whitening your teeth. You should not visit any unlicensed professional for whitening services, nor should you use any products that have not been approved by the FDA or ADA. It is also important to avoid potentially harmful whitening trends, such as the use of extremely abrasive or acidic substances.

Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?

Although some dental crowns look like natural tooth enamel, they have a very different structure. Therefore, crowns and other types of restorations do not respond to regular whitening products.

If you have a discolored crown or one that does not match the surrounding dentition, talk to our team about your options. You might need to get the restoration replaced.

Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?

When used in moderation, teeth whitening products do not damage enamel. They simply open the pores in the teeth and destroy unwanted pigment molecules.

Of course, overuse of whitening products can be harmful. Whitening your teeth too often or leaving bleaching formulas on them for too long may cause your enamel to become thinner and even cause your teeth to take on a translucent appearance.

Also, some home remedies for teeth whitening might damage enamel. For example, activated charcoal products are abrasive and may be unsafe to use.

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?

The results of teeth whitening are not permanent. Over time, as you do things like drink coffee and eat pigmented foods, new stains will develop.

However, you can keep staining to a minimum by taking some precautions, such as sticking to a good oral hygiene routine and attending regular professional dental cleanings.

Depending on your circumstances, you may also choose to re-whiten your teeth once every 6 – 12 months.