Teeth Whitening – Rocky Hill, CT
Show Off a
Brighter Smile!
Do your teeth seem to be more dull as time goes by? Discoloration naturally occurs as we age, but it’s still one of the most common reasons why people are insecure about the appearance of their smiles. Fortunately, if you want to say goodbye to yellow stains in your teeth, we offer in-office and take-home teeth whitening options. Both options offer you a brighter smile in a short period of time with products stronger than anything you can find in stores! To learn more about teeth whitening or schedule a consultation, give us a call .
Why Choose Dental Essentials for Teeth Whitening?
- Quick, Noticeable Results
- In-Office and Take-Home Options
- Dental Financing Available
Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Tooth stains can be caused by a variety of different factors. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Aging
- Poor oral hygiene
- Tobacco use
- Pigmented foods/beverages
- Sugary and acidic foods
- Some medications
- Genetic factors
Some types of discoloration can be prevented with excellent oral hygiene habits, but others are completely out of your control. There are two different types of staining: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains occur on the surface of the teeth and are usually caused by food, beverages, and tobacco products. Intrinsic stains are the result of medications, so you should discuss this with your doctor if it is something you are concerned about.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
We offer two different types of teeth whitening. Here is how each of them works:
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
If you would prefer to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home, take-home teeth whitening is a great option. We will provide you with a kit that contains custom-made trays that you will fill with a whitening solution and wear on your teeth every day as you are instructed. You will see your beautiful final results in 2-3 weeks!
In-Office Teeth Whitening
If you’re hoping for quick, dramatic results, in-office teeth whitening is a great option. We can use the Ultradent or KOR in-house whitening symptoms to break up stains using powerful, professional-grade bleaching solutions. In as little as an hour, you can walk out of the dental office with teeth that are several shades whiter. This is a great solution for those who are looking forward to an upcoming event where they want to look their best.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
The results of your treatment will last much longer if you take the time to maintain them. Here are some tips to help you keep your smile looking bright:
- Brush twice and floss daily
- Limit dark-colored beverages
- Avoid tobacco products
- Attend cleanings and checkups
- Consider touch-up treatments
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
It’s easy to see why teeth whitening is an appealing cosmetic procedure to a lot of people. However, you may have reservations about having the treatment performed yourself until you have an idea of how much it will cost. Our team will gladly explain the factors that need to be taken into account to determine the overall cost of the teeth whitening process; don’t be afraid to reach out to us if you have any questions.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Some patients only need to pay for a single whitening treatment in order to achieve the shade they want for their teeth. However, if you have a particularly extensive case of discoloration, more than one whitening treatment may be required, thus adding to the overall cost.
Additionally, you may need to pay for more than just the whitening procedure. Any tooth decay or gum disease that’s present in your mouth will need to be treated before the whitening process can begin. On top of that, if you currently have a dental crown and want it to blend in with the rest of your grin, you will likely need to have it replaced with a restoration that has been specifically shaded to match your newly whitened teeth.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
As you can probably guess, the different forms of teeth whitening each come with their own costs to consider:
- The average cost of an in-office whitening procedure is in the range of $400 to $800.
- The cost of a take-home whitening kit can vary depending on the brand, but you can usually expect it to be a few hundred dollars.
- Store-bought whitening trays (which you may be able to find at your local pharmacy) may cost around $100, although some might have lower price tags.
- There are various over-the-counter whitening methods (such as whitening strips and certain kinds of toothpaste) that tend to be cheaper than other options. Some might cost as little as $20.
Inexpensive Teeth Whitening vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
You shouldn’t base your choice of whitening method solely on the price. While over-the-counter products are cheaper, they may not necessarily yield the results you want. Meanwhile, professional whitening is quite reliable due to the high-quality products involved. On top of that, with professional whitening treatment, it generally won’t be long before you see an improvement; patients who use take-home whitening kits provided by their dentists often start noticing significant changes after just one or two weeks.
Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
You generally can’t count on dental insurance to pay for cosmetic treatments such as whitening. However, you may still be able to apply for CareCredit financing. With this option, you can sign up for a plan that fits your budget, often with low-to-no interest. You will then be able to pay for teeth whitening in manageable monthly installments. If you get in touch with our team, we can answer any questions that you might have about CareCredit and how you can apply for it.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Teeth whitening in Rocky Hill can reveal a youthful, vibrant smile. It's normal to have a few questions about whitening treatments. Dr. Julia Karpman will explain everything during your initial consultation. You can contact our office to speak with a member of our dental team and here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Does Teeth Whitening Cause Tooth Sensitivity?
Whitening treatments should not cause tooth sensitivity. However, if you overuse whitening products or have untreated dental problems, you can experience discomfort. Dr. Karpman will ensure your teeth and gums are healthy before creating a personalized treatment plan. Let her know if you are prone to sensitivity during your consultation. She can cater the whitening treatment to reduce discomfort and may recommend desensitizing toothpaste. You can avoid sensitivity by spacing out whitening treatments, including OTC products.
Does Teeth Whitening Ruin Your Enamel?
When used under the supervision of a dentist and according to the manufacturer's guidelines, teeth whitening won't harm your enamel. However, using whitening products too often can damage your teeth, especially many of those available OTC. Many are abrasive, which can wear down your enamel over time. Not only can this lead to tooth sensitivity, but it can worsen discoloration. Enamel Loss will make more of your yellowish dentin visible and increase your risk of decay.
Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?
Your cosmetic dentist in Rocky Hill will advise against using whitening products on dental restorations. Not only can the ingredients weaken the bonding materials holding your restoration in place, but they won't have any effect on the color of your crown because they aren't porous. Although your teeth will get whiter, your crown will remain unchanged, which may cause it to stand out. Instead, your dentist can create a personalized plan to brighten your smile while ensuring consistent results.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
Your results can last for many months or years with the correct aftercare. You can ensure your teeth stay their brightest with good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice daily for 2 minutes and floss every day. Limit sugars and starches to protect your enamel from decay. Moderate your consumption of any foods or drinks that can stain your teeth, like coffee, blackberries, and tea. Don’t smoke or use tobacco to prevent nicotine stains. Visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. Dr. Karpman will keep your mouth clean and healthy. She can also provide you with a touch-up whitening kit.