Teeth Whitening – Needham, MA
Say Goodbye to Stubborn Stains
Have your teeth started to look a little dull or yellow lately? That is perfectly natural, and it happens to everyone over time. However, you may still wonder if there is a way to brighten your smile. Over the counter whitening products might be somewhat effective, but to enjoy truly stunning results, you should partner with a cosmetic dentist for professional teeth whitening in Needham. Below, you will find more information about this service.
Why Choose Gillis Dental for Teeth Whitening?
- Experienced Dentists
- In-Office and Take-Home Whitening Available
- Noticeable Results in a Short Time
Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Most people whose teeth have been stained by things like coffee, tea, and other dark foods are eligible for teeth whitening. This treatment can effectively address most intrinsic (inside of teeth) as well as extrinsic (on the surface) stains. It is wonderful for people who want to brighten their smile for a special event or who just want to treat themselves to a bit of aesthetic enhancement. Of course, teeth whitening is not right for everyone. We will assess your candidacy during your consultation with your cosmetic dentist in Needham.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening works by penetrating the tooth enamel to break up the pigment molecules that discolor teeth. The specific ingredients and concentration of whitening agents can vary from product to product, but all professional systems have been proven to be effective. Most of them contain peroxide or similar substances.
Here at Gillis dental, we offer two types of teeth whitening: in-office treatments and customized take-home kits. During your consultation, we will help you determine which option is right for you.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Take-home teeth whitening is perfect for those who want to achieve a brighter smile in the comfort of their own home. The professional kits we offer are more effective than ones you can buy over the counter because they have a higher concentration of whitening ingredients. All you have to do to see results is follow the simple instructions that come with your kit. Most people notice a difference after a few days, but final results typically take two weeks.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
If you would like to see results as soon as possible, opt for in-office teeth whitening. In as little as an hour or so, we will use safe and effective whitening products to make your teeth become significantly brighter. This service is ideal if you have a special event coming up, such as a job interview or wedding.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
After your whitening treatment, you should take steps to maintain your results. Here are a few tips:
- Limit your intake of staining foods and beverages. You may have to cut back on tea, coffee, red wine, and other highly pigmented substances.
- Stick to a good oral hygiene routine. Daily brushing and flossing can slow down the development of new stains.
- Visit us regularly for checkups and cleanings. Professional dental care is one of the best ways to keep your smile looking and feeling its best. If you ever want a whitening touch-up, let us know.
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the most affordable cosmetic dentistry options. Our team will be happy to explain the price of your recommended whitening plan and help you explore payment possibilities. We welcome financing, have an in-house discount plan, and even periodically offer special pricing on this powerful aesthetic service.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is usually one set price, but certain factors can drive up its cost:
- Severe or complex discoloration may require special efforts to correct. For example, some types of stains caused by medication do not readily respond to traditional whitening formulas. We may need to use other means to brighten your smile.
- Preparatory care is important for some patients. You should not get your teeth whitened if you have untreated cavities or gum disease.
- The type of teeth whitening you choose can significantly affect your financial obligation.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
There are four main categories of teeth whitening, and each comes with its own price range:
- In-office teeth whitening is the fastest way to get rid of dental stains, but it is also the most expensive option. It can cost between $400 and $800 or more in some cases.
- Professional whitening kits allow you to brighten your smile with professional products, which have been customized to your unique situation, in your own home. This service usually starts at a few hundred dollars
- Over-the-counter whitening trays lack customization and often cost $100 or less.
- Whitening strips and gels are the lowest-priced option. They may cost just $20 - $40 per box. They typically include enough product for a two-week whitening course.
Inexpensive Teeth Whitening Vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
When you review the numbers listed above, an obvious question arises: Why should you choose professional teeth whitening when much cheaper options are available? There are a few big reasons:
- Professional formulas are more concentrated, which means they can produce more noticeable results in a shorter period of time.
- Professional treatment is customized to your needs. For example, it can be adjusted if you are prone to dental sensitivity or have particularly stubborn types of discoloration.
- Professional treatment prioritizes safety. Not only does it use proven formulas, but we also take precautions to minimize the risk that the whitening formula will irritate your soft oral tissues. In contrast, some over-the-counter whitening methods use harsh ingredients that might cause significant discomfort or even damage your enamel.
Options For Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
Teeth whitening is an elective service, so you should not expect your dental insurance plan to cover it. However, there are other provisions that could make it easier to afford your brighter smile:
- Essential Dental plan: This in-house savings plan provides reduced fees for most of the services available in our Needham office.
- Financing: CareCredit or Sunbit can allow you to pay for your teeth whitening across a few monthly payments.
- Specials: We periodically offer specials on teeth whitening. Give us a call to learn if we currently have any deals.
Are you ready to learn more about teeth whitening and its cost? Contact our team to schedule your cosmetic dentistry consultation!
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Teeth whitening in Needham is non-invasive, and the formulas we use have agents that are meant to reduce post-treatment sensitivity. However, it is important to note that, even with appropriate precautions, teeth whitening can cause a temporary increase in dental sensitivity, but most patients describe it as mild and temporary. It typically wears off after a few days. In the meantime, you can reduce discomfort by consuming a mild diet that does not include extremely hot, cold, or acidic foods. Sensitivity-reducing toothpaste may also help.
Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Many patients qualify for teeth whitening, especially if stains from coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco have changed the color of your natural teeth. However, certain other types of stains are particularly stubborn and might need care that goes beyond regular teeth whitening. Things like your dental health, the presence of restorations, and other factors can also play a role in determining if teeth whitening is right for you.
The best way to know for sure whether teeth whitening is a good fit for you is to visit us for an exam. If whitening is not the best option, we can recommend other cosmetic or restorative treatments that better match your unique situation.
Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?
No, teeth whitening is not effective on dental crowns and other types of restorations. That is simply because whitening formulas penetrate the tiny pores in natural enamel, so they can break up pigment molecules. Restorations are typically nonporous and do not absorb whitening gels like real teeth.
If you have a crown toward the front of your mouth, we will consider your options for brightening your smile. Sometimes, we can polish away minor surface stains on a crown. Or, if your crown is badly stained, we may remove it and create a new one that is shade-matched to the surrounding teeth.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Teeth whitening is safe for most healthy smiles when it takes place under professional supervision. Professional products use trustworthy, proven ingredients, and we will guide the timing and strength of treatment based on your needs. That approach helps protect your gums and gives you predictable results.
Teeth whitening is only unsafe if it uses overly harsh ingredients, is done too often, or is performed on unhealthy teeth. That is why we advise extreme caution when it comes to DIY teeth whitening hacks and trendy products that have not been approved by the American Dental Association.
What Is the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?
Professional whitening gives you stronger whitening agents, a treatment plan based on your smile, and close supervision from our team. Store-bought products can help with mild surface stains, but they often use lower-strength ingredients and one-size-fits-all trays or strips. That can lead to uneven results or gum irritation. Therefore, although professional treatment costs more, it is a worthwhile investment if you want to achieve your best smile.