Teeth Whitening – East Longmeadow & Northampton, MA

Factors that Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is generally one set price, but there are factors that can affect how many treatments you need before you reach your desired results. Here are some of the most prominent ones:

• The severity of your staining and discoloration.
• The type of discoloration you’ve experienced (intrinsic vs. extrinsic).
• Whether you need to have other treatments ahead of time, like a filling or dental crown.

Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?

There are a few different types of teeth whitening, and they all go for different price points. Here is what you can usually expect in terms of cost:

• In-office teeth whitening will typically cost anywhere between $400 and $800. However, the cost can be up to $1,000 or more in rare cases.
• As for take-home teeth whitening kits, the cost will usually be around a few hundred dollars.
• Over-the-counter teeth whitening trays will generally go for less than $100.
• Over-the-counter teeth whitening strips and gels are the most affordable. Each box costs somewhere between $20 and $40 and contains enough to last up to two weeks.

Fast Teeth Whitening VS Inexpensive Teeth Whitening

You may be wondering why professional teeth whitening from dentists is so popular when it costs quite a bit more than what you can get from your local drug store. However, you should remember that when it comes to cosmetic dentistry, the quality of the work is clearly reflected in the amount that you pay. When using cheaper strips and gels, many people see little-to-no results. On the other hand, professional treatments are designed to whiten teeth quickly and dramatically. As for in-office teeth whitening, you can walk out of the practice with a smile several shades lighter in as little as an hour. When choosing the type of teeth whitening that’s right for you, it’s important to consider what kinds of results you’re looking for and how fast you want them.

Options For Making Teeth Whitening Affordable

Teeth whitening is not covered by dental insurance since it is considered to be an elective procedure. However, this doesn’t mean that you’re left completely on your own. We work with CareCredit – a third-party financing company that can break the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little-to-no interest. Talk to one of our friendly team members to learn more.

To learn exactly how much you can expect to pay for your teeth whitening treatment, give us a call ! We’re eager to help you achieve a brighter, whiter smile!

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

It’s true that both store-bought whitening products and the materials used in professional-grade whitening are designed to lift stains and brighten teeth, but the two couldn’t be more different in terms of their effectiveness. For one, over-the-counter kits are mass-produced and designed to be one-size-fits-all. The bleaching ingredients also tend to be diluted, making them less able to remove long-term stains. In contrast, professional whitening is not only more powerful, but customized to your exact needs. This ensures your whitening is safe, uniform, and long-lasting, something that cannot be promised for store-bought solutions.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

There’s no room for mistakes when it comes to your smile. We only use products we know are completely safe and specifically designed for the teeth and gums. Additionally, if the product is not approved by the FDA and ADA as well as undergone rigorous testing to prove its safety and efficacy, we don’t use it. Unlike certain over-the-counter products, professional whitening options are deemed extremely safe and administered by a professional, which is sure to give you more confidence in your future cosmetic treatment. We take multiple precautions to prevent the gel from touching areas of the mouth it shouldn’t.

Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?

One of the exceptions to keep in mind when considering teeth whitening is dental restorations, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. Not only are bleaching gels not effective at whitening ceramic or acrylic materials, but they can actually weaken the bond between your tooth and restoration, creating the risk for complications. For this reason, you’ll want to tell us if you have any restorations so we know to keep them in mind when whitening your tooth enamel. During your consultation, we’ll make sure our bleaching materials work to whiten your teeth in a way that looks natural, rather than making any restorations stand out. If needed, we can also discuss cosmetic options to remove stains from restorations to ensure a uniform appearance.

Is Professional Teeth Whitening Worth the Cost?

Teeth whitening is widely considered to be the most popular cosmetic treatment in dentistry to date and for good reason. Not only is it relatively affordable for many, but it’s proven to remove even the most stubborn stains from teeth. Furthermore, teeth whitening technology is better than ever and designed to last longer and be usable for those who have teeth sensitivity. Whether you want to look younger or make it easier to socialize with others because you feel confident with your appearance, teeth whitening is a fantastic option for enhancing the look of your smile.

Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

Are you 100% pleased with the color of your enamel when you catch a glimpse of yourself smiling in the mirror? If not, you can potentially benefit from teeth whitening. However, before proceeding, you must consult one of our providers to ensure you’re a good candidate.

Our team will examine your teeth and gums to address any pre-existing concerns, such as cavities or gum disease, that can interfere with the results. They can also help identify the types of stains present to determine whether topical treatments will be effective. For instance, extrinsic stains in your enamel, caused by consuming darkly toned foods, tend to respond better to bleaching than deeper intrinsic stains in the lower layer of dentin.

Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?

Many people feel anxious about sitting in the dentist’s chair, even for an elective treatment that enhances their appearance. If you’re worried that this procedure will hurt, you can thankfully set your concerns aside. It’s considered a non-invasive service because it’s straightforward and doesn’t require numbing or needles.

That said, you might develop temporary sensitivity after teeth whitening because the bleach widens the microscopic pores in your enamel. This allows sensations, such as overly hot or cold temperatures, to travel more easily to the tender roots inside. This condition tends to resolve itself after a few days, and can often be safely mitigated with over-the-counter pain medications.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Take?

The time it takes to achieve the perfect hue can vary significantly depending on your unique circumstances and the type of whitening you choose. Our team offers two options: in-office services and customized take-home kits.

For example, our in-office procedures can potentially lighten your enamel by several shades in a single hour-long visit. It typically takes closer to a couple of weeks to see similar changes from the professional-strength gels and custom-fitted at-home applicator trays we provide.

How Can I Maintain My Brighter Smile?

Although you can generally expect your results to last anywhere from six months to a few years, it’s natural to want to do everything you can to help your smile sparkle for longer. Thankfully, you can help preserve your recent aesthetic upgrade by:

• Avoiding darkly pigmented foods. Common culprits like coffee, tea, wine, berries, and tomatoes can leave your enamel looking worse for wear, so you may want to minimize your consumption.
• Brushing your teeth regularly. Brushing and flossing twice daily removes plaque and bacteria that give deeply colored particles something to cling to.
• Having periodic touch-ups. You might need to repeat your treatment periodically to maintain your dream shade.
• Scheduling routine visits. Visiting our office every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning allows us to monitor your oral health and polish away more recent surface stains.