Glo Teeth Whitening

Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening

Although teeth whitening typically does have a set pricing structure, you might not pay the same amount as someone else because it can depend on your unique circumstances. Some factors that can influence the final price include:

• The severity of your condition. If you have more severe or stubborn stains, you may require multiple treatments to achieve the ideal shade, which increases the cost.
• The type of discoloration. Extrinsic stains are on the outermost layer of your enamel and can be more easily bleached away. However, intrinsic stains are in the dentin underneath and might require different procedures, which increases the total owed.
• Whether other services are necessary. Our team will examine your mouth to ensure there are no cavities or gum disease that must be addressed first. Any additional treatments will be included in your final invoice.

Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?

There are several ways to lighten your grin, each with associated fees. It can vary, but for a general idea of what the different types will cost, see the outline below:

• In-office procedures. These usually run you anywhere from $400 to $800, although in more extreme cases may reach up to $1,000 or more.
• Take-home kits with customized trays. Some dentists offer kits that have professional-grade gels with trays created just for you to maximize results from your living room. These tend to cost a few hundred dollars.
• Over-the-counter trays. These one-size-fits-all materials can be purchased for around $100 or less.
• Whitening strips. Store-bought strips or gels can be found for $20 to $40.

Commercial Products vs. Professional Teeth Whitening

You might wonder why you should invest in professional services with our team when it’s much more cost-effective to purchase whitening strips or gels from your local store or pharmacy. The truth is that when it comes to dental products, you often get what you pay for. Many commercially available products contain more abrasive ingredients that can cause sensitivity. Plus, it’s harder to apply with enough accuracy to achieve your desired results.

Although you may pay more to have your teeth lightened at our office, we can safely lighten your smile by up to 12 shades in a single, hour-long appointment. We can give you a brighter grin but without the same potential for discomfort.   

Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable

Teeth whitening is an elective cosmetic service that’s intended to enhance your appearance but isn’t necessary for your dental well-being. For that reason, it’s not usually covered by dental insurance policies. However, we don’t want your budget to hold you back from having the sparkling smile that you deserve. If you’re worried about the cost of your procedure, you can apply for the following:

• Flexible financing. We’ve partnered with a third-party financer, CareCredit, so that if you’re approved, you can break down your total invoice into more manageable installments.
• In-house memberships. We offer several tiers at varying price points, so you can find one that works for you. Each level includes one or two annual exams, X-rays, and a 15% discount on other services.

Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

In truth, the requirements for teeth whitening aren’t stringent. You’re likely a good candidate if you can’t smile boldly due to stubborn stains. Once that fact is settled, most can proceed with the procedure.

Still, the best way to confirm candidacy is with a consultation visit. This appointment would let our dentists perform an oral exam and learn your smile goals. If they find your teeth and gums healthy, they’ll begin working on your custom treatment plan. Should you have an untreated dental issue, our office will perform preparatory services first.

Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?

Pain is a big concern for dental patients, whether in preventive care or cosmetic upgrades. That said, professional teeth whitening is typically comfortable. Dentists customize the procedure for your mouth, so it’s unlikely to cause tooth sensitivity.

Of course, do let our team know if your teeth tend to be sensitive. We can adjust the whitening process accordingly. For example, we could do spaced-out treatments to avoid unpleasant sensations. Our dentists can also suggest specialty toothpastes that would numb your teeth beforehand.

Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?

Teeth whitening doesn’t harm healthy enamel. If it did, dentists wouldn’t offer the service in the first place. After all, they’re committed to your oral health!

Things change, however, when the teeth in question suffer decay or gum disease. In that case, whitening chemicals may cause problems. It’s thus essential that you receive a thorough oral exam before treatment. By getting one, a dentist sees if your teeth are well enough for the bleaching process.

Even if a dentist discourages whitening, don’t worry. They can still provide valuable tips on products and oral hygiene habits. That way, you’ll be closer to a safe, white smile.

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?

Unfortunately, no – teeth whitening’s effects aren’t permanent. The results typically last from a few months to a few years, depending on how you care for your teeth.

Thankfully, though, there are ways to prolong the whitening effect. To that end, consider the following tips:

• Practice Good Oral Hygiene – If you keep your teeth clean, you’ll prevent future tooth stains. So, remember to brush twice daily, floss once daily, and rinse with mouthwash often.
• See Your Dentist Often – Six-month checkups and cleanings help whitening last. These visits, you see, allow dentists to treat minor staining before it gets more severe.
• Avoid Poor Dental Habits – Using cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco will discolor your teeth.

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

Perhaps the biggest difference between professional whitening treatments and store-bought kits is that the latter contains diluted brightening agents and one-size-fits-all applicators. Of course, there are other noteworthy differences as well, like the fact that professional treatments take into account your oral health and the cause of your discoloration. If you are interested in learning more about the differences (and why they matter), don’t hesitate to get in touch with us; we’d be happy to answer any questions you have!

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Take?

If you choose an in-office treatment, your smile makeover may be complete in a single, one-hour appointment! That said, the best way to find out how long the transformation process will take is by scheduling a consultation with us. That way, we can determine if any preliminary treatments are needed, if the stains can be lifted with a whitening treatment, and, if they can, how many whitening appointments are needed to achieve the results you desire.

Is Teeth Whitening Expensive?

There’s a common misconception that teeth whitening treatments are expensive. This largely stems from the fact that they usually aren’t covered by dental insurance. However, this cosmetic dental service is considerably more affordable than some of the other smile-enhancing services we offer, like veneers. Plus, in-office treatments only require an hour of your time, and the results can last for six months or more with proper care. So, don’t let fear of the price stop you from scheduling a consultation with us; we can provide you with an estimate and review all of the financial solutions we offer at that time too.

What Should I Eat After Having My Teeth Whitened?

Immediately following your teeth whitening treatment, there are some foods you should avoid, like marinara sauce, blackberries, and tomato soup. Instead, you should stick to light-colored foods, like white fish, oatmeal, bananas, and egg whites. You should also drink lots of water; this will help prevent residue from your food from clinging to your teeth!

Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?

Teeth whitening treatments do not work on dental crowns because they are crafted from materials like porcelain, not enamel. That’s why it’s so important to talk to us about your smile goals and aesthetic desires; we want to make sure you leave our office with a smile that’s as healthy as it is beautiful!

Note: If you’ve had a dental crown for several months or years and you are no longer happy with how it looks, don’t hesitate to let us know! Our Southlake dental team will learn a little more about your preferences, review your treatment options, and help you take the necessary next steps!