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(518) 374-0317 1541 Union St
Schenectady, NY 12309

Teeth Whitening – Schenectady, NY

Brighter, Whiter Smiles

Woman with brilliant white smile

After listening to your smile goals and expectations for teeth whitening, Dr. Erin Page will conduct a thorough dental exam. She'll craft a personalized teeth whitening treatment plan based on your unique needs, situation, schedule, and budget. As a cosmetic dentist experienced in bleaching teeth, Dr. Page uses the Philips ZOOM! whitening system to safely and effectively lighten and brighten your smile. Both in-office and at-home teeth whitening options are available.

Why Choose Capital Smiles for Teeth Whitening? 

  • State-of-the-Art Zoom! Whitening
  • In-Office and Take-Home Options Available
  • Get Rid of Stubborn Dental Stains

Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

Close-up of patient’s teeth before and after whitening treatment

Teeth can get stained in numerous ways, such as by smoking, eating and drinking, medications, natural aging, and more. Some discoloration is inside the teeth (intrinsic), whereas other cases are more extrinsic.

If you are not satisfied with the color of your teeth for any reason, our team is ready to assist you. After a professional whitening treatment, many patients enjoy enhanced confidence.

Teeth whitening is safe for most patients. We will let you know if there are any factors in your case that could make the treatment risky or ineffective.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Dentist using shade guide to match patient’s white teeth

There are many toothpastes, rinses, strips, gels, and even DIY methods that claim to be able to whiten teeth. Some of them are effective. Professional whitening, though, is the best option. It uses specialized formulas to penetrate the tooth enamel and break up unwanted pigment molecules.

Here at Capital Smiles, we use the advanced ZOOM! whitening system to help patients brighten their teeth by several shades. Both in-office and take-home treatments are available.

Take-Home Teeth Whitening

At-Home Teeth Whitening

With a take-home whitening kit, all you have to do is use the tools provided according to our instructions. You simply have to place the ZOOM! whitening gel into custom-made trays and wear the trays for the prescribed amount of time. Within two weeks or so, you should have a noticeably brighter smile.

In-Office Teeth Whitening 

In-Office Teeth Whitening

In-office whitening is ideal for patients who want to achieve results ASAP. We apply a bleaching gel to your teeth and activate it with a special light. In as little as one hour, you could have the glowing grin that you have always wanted.

Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile

Woman smiling and holding toothbrush

Teeth naturally incur stains over time, so you will need to take some steps to maintain the results of your whitening treatment. Here are some tips to that end:

  • For the first 48 hours after an in-office whitening treatment, consume only white and un-pigmented foods.
  • Minimize your intake of foods and drinks that could cause stains, such as coffee, red wine, and berries.
  • Stick to an excellent oral hygiene routine.
  • Do not smoke or chew tobacco.
  • Visit our team periodically for whitening touch-ups and preventive dental care.

Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening

Woman in pink sweater pointing at her teeth

The cost of teeth whitening depends on a few factors. It is one of the more affordable cosmetic treatments, and most patients are able to work it into their budget. If you want to talk about specific numbers, give our team a call. We can also inform you about your payment options.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening

Woman’s smile before and after 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? 

Man preparing to apply whitening strip to his teeth

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 

Woman undergoing professional whitening treatment

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

Dental team member, ready to accept payment

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.

Teeth Whitening FAQs

Close-up of woman’s bright smile after teeth whitening in Schenectady

 

Thanks to professional teeth whitening in Schenectady, a brighter smile is within your reach! Of course, we understand if you want to learn more before you contact us to schedule your cosmetic consultation. To help you out, we have put together a brief list of frequently asked questions about teeth whitening, along with succinct answers. If your specific question isn’t covered here, give us a call — we will be happy to share our knowledge with you.

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!