Teeth Whitening – Warsaw, IN
Make Your Pearly Whites Shine
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular dental procedures since the results are obvious and make your teeth look great! East Center Dental offers Zoom! Teeth Whitening in our Warsaw, IN dental office, which is the #1 patient-requested treatment in the nation. Teeth whitening will need to be repeated periodically to maintain bright white teeth.
Why Choose East Center Dental for Teeth Whitening?
- Convenient In-Office & Take-Home Whitening Options
- State-of-the-Art Virtual Smile Design Software
- Remove Several Years’ Worth of Deep-Set Stains
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
The outermost layer of your teeth is made of enamel. The color of your teeth is from light reflecting off of the enamel, and the combination of dentin underneath. Genes determine the smoothness and the thickness of the enamel on your teeth. If the enamel on your teeth is thin, it will allow the color of the dentin to come through. Rough enamel will reflect light differently, which in turn makes your teeth look a different color.
Types of Stains
Stains are caused by a thin coating on your teeth called pellicle that picks up stains as well as pores in the enamel on your teeth. There are many things that can stain your teeth, such as tobacco, drinking dark-colored liquids such as coffee, cola, red wine, and tea. Not taking care of your teeth is also a sure way of getting stains on your teeth. Aging will also make teeth darker since the enamel becomes thinner. Two different types of stains are extrinsic and intrinsic:
Extrinsic Staining
This type of staining is caused by external substances such as dark-colored food and drink, tobacco, etc. These are caused by natural life and generally can be removed. Extrinsic stains sometimes even are removed by good dental hygiene, such as brushing and normal dental checkups. The FDA defines whitening as, “restoring the tooth’s color by removing dirt and debris.”
Intrinsic Staining
Intrinsic staining takes place much deeper in the tooth. These stains actually form inside the teeth. They can be caused by aging, trauma, minerals, during tooth formation, or excessive ingestion of fluoride.
Teeth Whitening Prep
Before you have your teeth whitened, we will make sure your teeth are ready. This includes treating any cavities that you may have. After this is done, one of our hygienists will do a cleaning of your teeth. This is extremely important, as it will remove any film of food, bacteria, and any other substances. Once your teeth are clean, the whitening process can begin.
Zoom! Teeth Whitening
Zoom! teeth whitening can be done at our dental office, or at home. The in-office whitening has the fastest results and offers the largest results. The results we achieve from Zoom! teeth whitening are incredible! It could be a great option for anyone who is wanting whiter teeth. If you are interested in getting your teeth whitened, give us a call and set up a time to go over your options!
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Do your teeth look yellowed or dull? Teeth whitening is an ideal way to enhance the natural beauty of your smile, leaving you with gorgeous results. Since everyone’s treatment looks a little bit different, the cost can vary. During your consultation with us, we will discuss the exact cost of your treatment so you don’t run into any surprises. Until then, here are some things to take into consideration.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
The cost of professional teeth whitening can vary. Here are the most prominent factors that we consider.
- Type of Discoloration: Intrinsic stains are more challenging to lift than extrinsic stains, so they might require other treatments.
- Severity of Discoloration: If your teeth have dark stains, they may need additional whitening sessions to achieve your goals.
- Other Services: If you have existing dental issues, like gum disease and tooth decay, they need to be eliminated ahead of time.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
There are multiple teeth whitening options available. Here is what you can typically expect in terms of cost.
- In-Office Teeth Whitening: This is the costliest option out there. In-office teeth whitening ranges from $400 to $800. In some cases, it is over $1000.
- Take-Home Teeth Whitening: Professional take-home whitening kits usually cost a few hundred dollars.
- Over-the-Counter Trays: Teeth whitening trays that you find over the counter usually go for $100 or less.
- Over-the-Counter Strips/Gels: This is the cheapest teeth whitening option available. These boxes cost between $20 to $40 on average and contain enough product to last about two weeks.
Inexpensive Teeth Whitening vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
When you look at the numbers listed above, you may be wondering why anyone would choose professional teeth whitening when over-the-counter options are much cheaper. With cosmetic dentistry, the results that you receive are clearly reflected in the cost of the treatment you get. If you choose a cheaper strip or gel, you won’t see significant results – especially if you have dark discoloration. Professional teeth whitening treatments give you noticeable results in a fraction of the time. When you choose your treatment, consider the results that you are looking for and how long you are willing to wait.
Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
Dental insurance does not cover teeth whitening because it is an elective procedure, but this doesn’t mean that you are completely out of luck. With our In-House Membership Plan, patients can save on treatments completed at our practice. We are also happy to accept payments through CareCredit – a third-party financing company that can split the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little to no interest.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
There should be no room for blunders when trying to enhance your pearly whites. For this reason, our team utilizes professional and safe products that are specifically meant to address your teeth and gums. If you use products that aren’t FDA or ADA-approved, it means they haven’t undergone thorough testing and have a chance to possibly cause harm to your short- and long-term oral health. Professional teeth whitening is considered incredibly safe as it’s performed by a licensed professional. Even your custom trays will be designed to not spread the bleaching solution to your gums or get accidentally ingested.
Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
If you’re struggling with discoloration or stains on your smile, then you’re likely a good candidate for professional teeth whitening. That said, the best way to know for sure if this treatment is right for you is by scheduling an initial consultation with our team. We can assess your oral health, review your medical history, and discuss your smile goals to see if the procedure will be a viable solution. Before beginning your preferred procedure, your mouth will need to be in good condition and free of any underlying or developing issues, such as cavities and gum disease. We can provide the necessary treatment to get your smile ready for the whitening process.
How Can I Make My Teeth Whitening Results Last?
While your teeth whitening treatment can last about two years, the longevity of your results will only depend on how well you care for them. To make the most of your newly whitened smile, be sure to practice the following measures:
- Practice strict oral hygiene – Brush twice a day, floss daily (or after every meal), and rinse with mouthwash often.
- Minimize dark-colored foods & drinks in your diet – Overexposing your teeth to pigmented meals and beverages, such as blueberries and coffee, can result in needing touchups sooner.
- Visit your dentist routinely – Schedule checkups and cleanings every six months to ensure your mouth is healthy and stain-free.
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Our team will make sure you’re completely comfortable throughout your teeth whitening appointment. Your procedure will be entirely customized to treat your smile, so you’ll be less likely to experience any discomfort or tooth sensitivity. However, be sure to let our team know if your pearly whites tend to be more susceptible to sensitivity during your initial consultation. We may provide you with sedation dentistry to help you relax and have a more pleasant experience throughout your appointment.
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