Many people want to improve their smile, and professional teeth whitening is one of the most popular ways to do that. In fact, research shows that over 90% of people request pro teeth whitening from their dentists to brighten their smiles and their confidence.
If your smile has you feeling a little down these days, professional teeth whitening is a smart and quick solution to get your teeth shining once again.
To learn more about pro teeth whitening, including the costs and benefits, keep reading this guide to learn everything you need to know!
What Are the Causes of Tooth Discoloration?
For the most part, tooth discoloration is unavoidable since your teeth contain tiny grooves that absorb the colors from everything you eat and drink. You can get extrinsic stains that only affect the surface of your tooth and are easier to remove. You’ll get these types of stains from things like:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Dark soda like Coke
On the other hand, you can get intrinsic staining that occurs inside your tooth, which is usually from things like:
- Tooth decay
- Injuries to your teeth
- Poor dental hygiene
- Certain medications like antibiotics
- Using too much fluoride
Intrinsic staining is more difficult to remove, and over-the-counter (OTC) tooth whitening usually isn’t effective.
You’ll also find that tooth discoloration also occurs naturally as you age because your tooth enamel starts to wear away.
Many people also have pro teeth whitening done before they have cosmetic dental procedures like dental implants or veneers to enhance their natural color first, as implants and veneers can’t be colored later on.
Overview of Pro Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening from your dentist contains higher percentages of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide and is much stronger than OTC teeth whitening products. They also have the right equipment to ensure the peroxide doesn’t get onto your gums and cause burns.
You can either get in-office whitening where the whitening product is applied directly onto your teeth in combination with a special heat light or laser.
You can also get prescription strength teeth whitening kits from your dentist to take home. These kits have a mouth guard that holds the whitening product, which you’ll wear at night and for a few hours a day. You’ll have to wear them from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the results you want to achieve.
Zoom Whitening
Dentists like Dr. Rittenberg & Associates use Zoom whitening, which is a professional teeth whitening treatment that can lighten your teeth eight shades in an hour.
With Zoom, it’s best to have teeth cleaning before your actual teeth whitening session. Then your dentist will evaluate your teeth and gums to make sure they’re healthy enough for teeth whitening.
If you’re healthy enough for Zoom, your dentist will first isolate your lips and gums. Next, they’ll apply the Zoom whitening gel onto your teeth and activate it with a low-heat light that’s specially designed to penetrate your teeth.
This allows the Zoom whitening gel to attach to the stains on your teeth and weaken them. Your dentist will repeat this treatment so that you get the desired shade you’re looking for.
Pro Teeth Whitening Benefits
Pro teeth whitening has many advantages over over-the-counter home whitening treatments such as:
- Hides small imperfections in your teeth like chips and cracks
- Removes difficult stains
- Boosts your confidence
- You can get customized whitening based on your dental needs
- You’ll see results in just one session
- It’s safe and doesn’t damage the enamel of your teeth long-term
You’ll also find that the results from pro teeth whitening can last from 1 to 3 years if you maintain good oral hygiene. OTC teeth whitening lasts just 3 to 6 months, and you may need to repeat the process many times.
Hydrogen peroxide is also an antiseptic and can kill bacteria, so teeth whitening actually improves your oral health by reducing the number of bacteria you have in your mouth.
Pro Teeth Whitening Costs
On average, Zoom whitening will cost around $500 to $600, which typically includes take-home trays to maintain your results.
You’ll find other in-office whitening procedures that will cost an average of $600 to $650 per visit, depending on how much whitening you need to get the desired results.
If you go to your dentist for a take-home kit, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $400.
Most dental insurance doesn’t cover cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening because they’re not medically necessary for your health. However, you may find that some dental insurance plans offer a small allowance that goes towards in-office treatments that you can use once a year.
However, many dentists offer payment plans or financing options to help you pay for this procedure. You’ll also find that many dentists offer discounts on teeth whitening or offer whitening sessions along with other treatments.
Get Pro Teeth Whitening Done Today
Pro teeth whitening can change your life in just one day, so it’s time to see the professionals at Dr. Harris Rittenberg & Associates for help.
We can help you with all your dental needs and offer all general dentistry services. We also provide cosmetic dentistry, mini dental implants, emergency dentistry, and comfort dental care services.
Our practice has served the Jacksonville community since 1986, and Dr. Rittenberg has been in practice for over 25 years. Dr. Rittenberg has also been recognized as one of “Jacksonville’s Best Doctors” and one of the “Top Dentists in America.”
Make sure you contact us today to schedule a new visit consultation!
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