Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental solutions available. While many patients turn to over-the-counter kits that promise brighter smiles in less time, the reality is countless dollars are spent on lackluster results. Fortunately, our team at McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice is here to deliver effective take-home whitening kits that boost smiles by several shades, allowing patients to embrace a whiter, brighter smile for the future. Call us today to find out how you can get started.
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Patients who struggle with intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic (external) stains and discoloration are considered good candidates for teeth whitening. However, there are considerations our team must factor in when completing a thorough consultation.
If we discover that you have signs of tooth decay, cavities, or gum disease, it will be necessary to address those with proper treatment options before moving forward with teeth whitening. Neglecting these problems can result in worsening oral health issues and costlier care.
Once you are cleared to receive teeth whitening, we will discuss brightening your smile with whitening options.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
When meeting with your cosmetic dentist to discuss your candidacy for treatment, we will go over how teeth whitening works. While we only offer take-home whitening kits at our Millersville office, you can expect outstanding results that will help to boost your confidence.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Our team will equip you with Whitening kits that make it easy to brighten your smile on your own time. From the comfort of your home, you can improve the shade of your smile in just a few short days.
By wearing customized trays filled with high-grade bleaching gel for 30 minutes each day, the whitening mixture penetrates the enamel to eliminate surface and deep-down stains over the course of about two weeks. When finished, you will see noticeably dramatic results that allow for a beautiful, healthy-looking smile.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
While teeth whitening is not a permanent cosmetic solution, you can extend the lifespan of your results by committing to these helpful tips:
Maintaining good oral hygiene at home by brushing, flossing, and rinsing
Avoiding dark-colored staining beverages and foods or limiting them as much as possible
Keeping your regular dental checkups and cleanings with our dental team
Giving up unhealthy habits like smoking and using tobacco products as well as biting your fingernails or using your teeth as tools
Asking about follow-up treatments that can be used at home to better maintain results
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
The best way to learn about teeth whitening options and cost is to schedule a consultation with a member of our
dental team in Millersville, Maryland. This visit will encompass more than just whether you are a good candidate for
this type of treatment but also the expected cost to whiten your smile. Using various factors that will be compiled
during an initial examination of your smile, our team will gather the necessary information to create an estimate
you can review. We’ll also help to identify alternative payment options so that you can move forward with treatment
and feel more confident.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
To create a comprehensive cost estimate for you to review, our team must first examine your smile to
determine the following:
The severity of your tooth stains or discoloration
Whether your stains are intrinsic or extrinsic
If you require preparatory treatments before undergoing teeth whitening (i.e., gum disease treatment,
tooth-colored fillings, etc.)
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
You will find as you learn more about teeth whitening that there are various kinds available, and each has
its own price point. While there are cheaper options available, it’s important that you consider the
type of results you can expect, as the saying, “you get what you pay for” is often used when
purchasing do-it-yourself solutions:
In-Office: In-office teeth whitening is known to produce results in as little as one
hour. On average, it can cost $400-$500, but it can reach as high as $1,000 depending on the severity of
a person’s tooth stains.
At-Home: With results appearing in two weeks, take-home whitening is a preferred option
for many patients. Not only does it consist of customized trays and high-grade bleaching gel, but it
costs less than in-office care. The normal rate can run between $200-$300.
Store-Bought Trays: Visiting your local drugstore for store-bought trays may cost you
around $100 if you would rather do it yourself.
Whitening Strips, Gels: The least expensive options are whitening strips or gels that
you can buy over the counter. Typically running $20-$30, you might spend less, but you may not achieve
the results you desire.
Fast Teeth Whitening vs. Inexpensive Teeth Whitening
Drugstore shelves are often stocked with all types of products that promise whiter, brighter smiles in less
time, but many patients walk away feeling unsatisfied with their results. Although the cost might be more
appealing with these solutions, you will find that by choosing professional teeth whitening, your investment
goes much further.
At McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice, we oversee the process even though our service requires
that patients use take-home whitening. Consisting of customized trays that are created using dental
impressions of your smile, you use them in combination with a high-grade bleaching gel provided by our team.
Following the instructions that we will provide, you can expect to see results in just two weeks.
Not only is it safer and less likely to cause sensitivity, but you’ll be pleased with the improvement
you see and how long your results will last.
Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
Dental insurance will not cover the cost of teeth whitening, but CareCredit financing can help. As a flexible
financing solution that is designed to allow patients to pay off their treatment over time, you can enroll
in a low-interest or no-interest payment plan with no surprise fees. This option makes it easy to stay
within your budget while pursuing a brighter smile.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Do you still have questions about teeth whitening in Millersville? If so, do not worry. Our team at McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice is here to offer clarity and further explanation regarding the results you can expect to receive from our professional solutions. Having a clear understanding of how this cosmetic treatment works is imperative if you want to feel confident about undergoing treatment, so feel free to review the frequently asked questions below and call our office if you would like to discuss any concerns you might have.
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
It’s natural to be someone hesitant about teeth whitening, especially if you’ve tried the many do-it-yourself solutions that left your teeth hurting for days or even weeks. The good news is that the kind of teeth whitening products we provide are less likely to cause tooth sensitivity. The reason is that the bleaching gel that is used is customized.
Should you be more prone to tooth sensitivity, you’ll want to make sure to let us know so that we can properly adjust how often you receive treatment and how to minimize any discomfort after your whitening is complete.
How Can I Make My Teeth Whitening Results Last?
Whether it is a few months or a few years, maintaining your teeth whitening results for as long as possible is important. However, it depends on you and how well you take care of your smile. A few things you can do include:
Practice good at-home oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash.
Keep up with your six-month dental checkups and teeth cleanings with our team. We’ll work to minimize any stains and remove those that appear on the surface. We can also reduce the chances of gum disease or cavities that may form over time.
Limit your exposure to dark-colored beverages like coffee or soda, as these can cause stains to form. You can use a straw to help keep your teeth looking whiter and brighter.
Avoid unhealthy habits such as smoking or teeth grinding, as these can damage and discolor your teeth.
Is It Safe to Undergo Teeth Whitening?
There are so many do-it-yourself whitening solutions on the market these days that it’s easy to damage your teeth. From social media trends like activated charcoal to various DIY kits found on drugstore shelves, the process of whitening your teeth can be a dangerous one if you’re not careful. This is why it’s strongly recommended that you seek professional treatment.
The products our team uses at McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice are FDA and ADA-approved, which means they have undergone rigorous testing to ensure their safety for the long- and short-term. Not only will you receive treatment from a trusted and licensed professional, but you can rest assured that any kits used at home (provided by our team) will include detailed instructions to ensure your safety.
Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
No, teeth whitening is not a permanent cosmetic solution. Instead, you will be required to receive touch-ups if you want to keep your results lasting as long as possible. Your results will likely last a few months, but they can remain in place longer if you commit to taking proper care of your teeth.
Typically, many patients whiten their teeth in advance of a big event, but you can certainly work with your dentist to create a plan that allows you to keep up with your brighter smile for longer.
