Teeth Whitening – Lakeville, MA
Brighter, More Confident Smiles
Teeth whitening is nothing new. The ancient Romans looked for ways to brighten their teeth, as did the Egyptians. Why the interest in teeth whitening? White teeth convey youth, health, and vitality, which are attractive qualities in any era. At Southeastern Dental Care, we offer Lakeville, MA and the surrounding areas Zoom!® Whitening and take-home whitening in order to give patients a spectrum of options.
Teeth whitening has been around for thousands of years. The ancient Romans looked for ways to brighten their teeth, as did the Egyptians. Why the interest in teeth whitening? White teeth convey youth, health, and vitality, which are attractive qualities in any era. At Southeastern Dental Care, we offer Lakeville, MA, and the surrounding areas Zoom!® in-office whitening and take-home whitening kits. Continue reading below how you may be able to achieve brighter, more confident smiles.
Why Choose Southeastern Dental Care for Teeth Whitening?
- Take-Home and In-Office Options Available
- Brighten Teeth by Several Shades
- Skilled Cosmetic Dentist and Team
Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
In many ways, the world is out to get your teeth. Things people love, such as coffee, wine, ripe berries, and (unfortunately) tobacco can all stain the enamel and make it look somewhat yellow. Even the natural aging process and genetics can affect the color of your teeth. If you are bothered by a dull-looking smile, teeth whitening can be a reliable way to address both extrinsic (on the surface of the enamel) and intrinsic (beneath the surface of the enamel) stains. You can look forward to increased confidence in both social and professional settings!
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening works by penetrating the tooth enamel and breaking up pigment molecules. Professional formulas are especially effective because of the concentrated ingredients they use. Here at Southeastern Dental Care, we are proud to feature Zoom! whitening, which is noteworthy for its advanced formula and dramatic results.
When you visit us for a consultation, we may recommend that you either undergo an in-office treatment or purchase a take-home whitening kit.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
If you would prefer to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home, we can provide you with a custom kit. Used as directed, you will likely see optimum results after 14 days or so. This option is popular among individuals with dental sensitivity, as well as those who do not need to see immediate results.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office Zoom! teeth whitening can brighten teeth by several shades in just one hour or so, making it ideal if you are on a tight deadline to achieve a brighter smile. For example, it may be perfect if you are soon going to attend a wedding or job interview. The treatment is designed to produce optimum results while causing minimal post-treatment sensitivity.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
To reduce the occurrence of new stains after your teeth whitening treatment, you should:
- Minimize your consumption of dark-colored foods and beverages. Instead, consume white and neutral-colored items, such as dairy products, oatmeal, and bananas.
- Drink pigmented beverages through a straw so they have minimal contact with your teeth.
- Stick to a good oral hygiene routine.
- Attend dental checkups every six months.
- Periodically perform touch-up whitening treatments to get rid of new stains.
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Are you curious about the cost of teeth whitening? This treatment is usually one of the most affordable cosmetic options, though its price may vary depending on circumstances. Below, we explore some factors that can affect its cost and provide tips on how you may be able to fit it into your budget.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is usually one set price, but there are some factors that may make it more expensive:
- Certain types of stains and discoloration are more difficult to address than others. For example, stains caused by foods are usually simple to remove, whereas discoloration from medication can be more complex. Whether the stains are extrinsic (on the surface of the enamel) or intrinsic (inside the enamel) can also affect price.
- In some cases, preparatory treatment is necessary. You should not get your teeth whitened if you have untreated cavities or gum disease. Treatment of these issues can add to the total cost of your care.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
There are four broad categories of teeth whitening, each of which has its own price range:
- Professional in-office teeth whitening is the fastest, but also the most expensive, option, often costing $400 - $800. In rare cases, its cost may reach $1,000 or more.
- Take-home professional whitening kits from a dentist, which use custom trays and a custom formula, start out at a few hundred dollars.
- Over-the-counter whitening trays, which are not customized, may cost around $100 or less.
- Whitening strips and gels from over-the-counter retailers are the cheapest option. It may cost just $20 - $40 for a box that contains enough product for a two-week whitening course.
Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening
If you focus solely on the above-listed numbers, an obvious question arises: Why would anyone choose professional teeth whitening when less expensive options are readily available? The answer is because professional whitening is superior in at least two big ways:
- You can expect better results. Professional formulas tend to be more powerful and work faster than over-the-counter options. Your teeth are likely to become several shades brighter in a short period of time!
- Treatment may be safer. With the supervision of a qualified dental team, you can avoid teeth whitening mistakes that could damage your tooth enamel or sensitive soft oral tissues.
Options For Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
Most insurance policies do not cover teeth whitening because it is classified as a purely elective service. If you are looking for other ways to make your treatment more affordable, ask our team about financing. We work with CareCredit, a third-party lender, to provide low-interest and no-interest payment plans for our patients. The application process is easy, and the majority of people are quickly approved for credit.
Are you interested in learning more about teeth whitening in Lakeville and its cost? Our team is ready to answer your questions!
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Teeth whitening is non-invasive, so it does not come with significant pain or a long recovery period. However, it is worth noting that many patients experience a temporary increase in dental sensitivity after getting their teeth whitened. This usually wears off within a few days of the completion of the treatment.
In the meantime, you might need to take steps to reduce your discomfort. For example, it would be best to avoid extremely hot or cold foods. Acidic and spicy items should also be avoided.
What Is the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?
Professional and store-bought whitening products have some key differences:
- They sometimes use similar active ingredients, but professional formulas tend to be more concentrated (and therefore more effective).
- Professional treatments can be customized for each unique patient. (For example, your treatment plan can be adjusted if you are prone to dental sensitivity.)
- Professional treatments are performed under the supervision of a highly trained cosmetic dentist in Lakeville, meaning that they have a high level of safety. Some store-bought whitening products, on the other hand, have not been thoroughly vetted by the FDA or ADA.
Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
You might be a candidate for teeth whitening if:
- You feel self-conscious because your teeth are yellow, brownish, or dull-looking.
- Your teeth are healthy enough to be whitened. (You should not have untreated cavities or active gum disease.)
- You do not have any restorations on your front teeth. This is because crowns and veneers do not respond to whitening formulas. If you have these types of restorations, our team can propose alternative options to help you reach your goals for your smile.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Professional teeth whitening is generally very safe. However, there are some important points to keep in mind:
- You should only use whitening products that have a track record of safety and effectiveness. Some over-the-counter options are too abrasive or contain harsh chemicals that might harm your oral tissues.
- You should never over-whiten your teeth. Using whitening products too frequently or leaving them on your teeth for too long can damage your tooth enamel and lead to issues like increased sensitivity and even translucent teeth.
How Can I Find a Teeth Whitening Dentist Near Me?
Most dentists offer teeth whitening; a quick internet search for “teeth whitening dentist near me” can reveal lots of options.
Of course, not all dentists use the same whitening products or methods. If you are interested in a specific approach to whitening, that should be something you take into account during your search. You should also consider a dentist’s reviews.
In our practice, we have a strong reputation for integrity and for providing effective treatments. We offer the popular Zoom! whitening system, with both in-office and take-home options available.