Teeth Whitening – East Hartford, CT
A Brighter Smile Is Within Reach
Bright, white teeth are often associated with youth, beauty, and success. Unfortunately, though, most people suffer from a degree of dental staining. If your smile is looking a little lackluster, we invite you to visit us for a cosmetic consultation. After we examine your teeth and learn about your goals for treatment, we might recommend that you undergo professional teeth whitening in East Hartford. In just a couple of weeks, your teeth could be several shades brighter!
Why Choose Comprehensive Dental Associates of Central Connecticut for Teeth Whitening?
- Convenient take-home kits
- Whiten teeth by several shades
- Safe and effective
Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Dental stains are usually due to the consumption of dark foods and beverages, but they may also be the result of certain medications, genetics, or other factors. Whatever is causing your discoloration, we may be able to help.
Teeth whitening is a great option for most people whose teeth are stained and who want to feel more confident in social and professional settings. The treatment is able to address both intrinsic and extrinsic stains (stains within teeth and on their surface).
Of course, teeth whitening is not ideal for everyone. Our team will carefully examine your mouth before we recommend any specific treatment.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Chemical teeth whitening agents work by penetrating the outer layer of teeth (the enamel) and breaking up pigment molecules. As a result, the teeth look significantly brighter.
There are quite a few different teeth whitening products on the market, from low-price over-the-counter options to high-end professional treatments. While OTC products can be moderately effective, we generally recommend professional whitening as the superior option. It typically provides better results in a shorter period of time. It may also be safer and cause less irritation for sensitive oral tissues.
In our office, we are proud to offer convenient, custom take-home teeth whitening kits.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
If you are a candidate for teeth whitening, we will take impressions of your teeth and use those to order custom teeth whitening trays for you. The custom trays ensure a good fit that reduces the risk that the whitening agent will irritate your gums. You simply use the trays and the whitening gel according to the instructions that come with the kit. You may notice a difference in your teeth after a few days, but on average, it takes two weeks to achieve optimum results.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
The results of your teeth whitening treatment can last for years with proper maintenance. Here are a few tips to help you protect your smile’s brilliance:
- Limit your consumption of staining foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, and red wine.
- Ask your cosmetic dentist in East Hartford about touch-up whitening treatments when necessary.
- Stick to a thorough daily oral hygiene routine, and visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.
- Avoid smoking and other habits with the potential to discolor your teeth.
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Some people are reluctant to commit to a professional teeth whitening treatment due to concerns about cost. The good news is that whitening is one of the more affordable cosmetic treatments! When you visit us, we can discuss specific numbers and familiarize you with your payment options. You may be surprised by how easy it is to afford a brighter smile.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is usually one flat fee, but some factors can increase its cost, including:
- Severe discoloration. Very severe stains might take longer to remove and require specialized care.
- The type of discoloration. Dental stains can be caused by aging, foods and beverages, certain medications, smoking, and more. Some stains are intrinsic (inside the enamel), whereas others are extrinsic (on the surface of the enamel). Because some types of discoloration are more difficult to remove, they may incur higher fees.
- Preparatory treatment. In some cases, patients must get fillings or other restorative treatments before they qualify for cosmetic procedures.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
There are four basic types of teeth whitening, each of which comes with its own price range:
- In-office teeth whitening. This tends to be the most expensive option, with prices ranging from about $400 to well over $1,000.
- Take-home professional whitening kits. Take-home kits from a dentist typically cost a few hundred dollars. Our practice favors this option for its combination of effectiveness and convenience.
- Over-the-counter whitening trays. Unlike professional kits, these are not customized. They often cost $100 or less.
- Whitening strips and gels. This is the lowest-priced whitening option. You can usually get a box of whitening strips for $20 - $40. Each box may contain enough product to last for a two-week course of treatment.
Professional Teeth Whitening vs Inexpensive Teeth Whitening
When you look at the numbers listed above, you might wonder why anyone would choose to get professional teeth whitening when cheaper options are available. There are a few reasons:
- Professional whitening usually works faster and produces more dramatic results. Over-the-counter options tend to be hit-and-miss when it comes to effectiveness.
- Professional whitening is often It is customized to the needs of each patient, and we only recommend it in cases where there is little to no risk involved.
- Professional whitening can be adapted for sensitive teeth. We do all we can to minimize the sensitivity that is often associated with whitening treatments.
Options For Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
Insurance does not usually cover teeth whitening, but there are other provisions that might make it easier to afford your treatment:
- We accept CareCredit and Sunbit, both of which can allow you to pay for your treatment in convenient monthly installments.
- Essential Dental plan. This discount plan provides reduced fees on most of the services available in our office. Signing up is easy, and you can start to use your benefits right away!
Would you like to learn more about teeth whitening and its cost? Get in touch with Comprehensive Dental Associates of Central Connecticut today. We look forward to answering your questions.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Are you eager to achieve a brighter, more confident smile? Our East Hartford dental team would love to help you reach your goal! In the meantime, though, you may want to learn more about teeth whitening and what to expect from it. Below, you will find answers to some relevant FAQs. If your specific questions are not included here, give us a call — we will do all we can to satisfy your curiosity and help you make a well-informed decision about your treatment.
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Teeth whitening is non-invasive, so you will not need to worry about drilling or any other invasive measures. However, it is common for patients to experience a degree of increased dental sensitivity after a whitening treatment. We strive to customize the bleaching experience to minimize discomfort. If you notice increased sensitivity, it is likely to wear off after a few days.
In the meantime, you can reduce your discomfort by avoiding extremely hot or cold foods. You might also benefit from using sensitivity-reducing toothpaste.
What Is the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?
Both professional and store-bought whitening formulas can break up pigment molecules in the teeth and result in a brighter smile. However, there are some important differences:
- Professional formulas tend to be more powerful and produce faster results.
- Professional treatments are customized, which makes them safer and more effective overall.
- Because professional whitening is supervised by a dentist, you can be confident that it is right for you if your dental team approves you for it.
- Professional whitening trays are customized for each patient, so there is little risk of the trays or the bleaching formula irritating the sensitive soft tissues in your mouth.
How Can I Make My Teeth Whitening Results Last?
You can extend the results of your whitening treatment by taking a few simple steps:
- Do not smoke or chew tobacco.
- Limit your consumption of staining foods and beverages, such as coffee and red wine.
- When you do drink highly pigmented beverages, do so through a straw so the liquid has minimal contact with your teeth.
- Stick to a thorough daily oral hygiene routine.
- Attend regular dental cleanings.
- Perform periodic whitening touch-up treatments.
Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Almost anyone who is dissatisfied with the color of their teeth can be a candidate for teeth whitening. This treatment can address a wide variety of stains and is effective for most people.
Of course, our team should examine your teeth before you move forward with whitening. If you have any untreated cavities or other oral health issues, they should be addressed prior to your cosmetic treatment.