Teeth Whitening – Aurora, IL
Eliminating Stains, Brightening Smiles
Teeth whitening from our Buda, TX cosmetic dentist , also called teeth bleaching, is the process of lightening the enamel using a gel designed to penetrate the outer surface to get to deeper stains and discoloration. These professional systems can be applied through in-office treatments and custom-fit take-home trays. The result is often a whiter, brighter smile that can be trusted to last for several months.
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Ridding your smile of stains and discoloration caused by drinking dark-colored beverages, smoking, or taking certain medications requires the help of a trusted professional. While store-bought options may remove some surface stains, the products used by licensed dentists are much more reliable.
To be considered a candidate for professional teeth whitening, you must have visible extrinsic or intrinsic stains. A complete examination of your teeth will be conducted during your consultation; however, we will also recommend additional treatment if we find signs of dental decay or gum disease. Treating these issues first is necessary to avoid problems in the future.
Whether we require further treatment before moving forward with teeth whitening or not, you can expect that we’ll also offer a cost estimate for treatment, complete with information about any special deals we may be offering.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Each dentist’s office is different with regard to the types of professional teeth whitening offered. At Grand Dental – Aurora, we offer take-home whitening kits; however, in this section, we can explain how both in-office and take-home solutions work.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Our Opalescence take-home whitening kits consist of custom-made trays that are built using impressions taken of your teeth. When combined with high-grade bleaching gel, you will be required to wear your trays for a certain amount of time each day. With regular application, you can expect to see a whiter smile in two weeks.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Dentists who provide in-office teeth whitening often apply bleaching agents directly to the tooth enamel, and some use ultraviolet light to activate the solution that targets stains and discoloration. In most cases, these procedures are completed in about one hour.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
Keeping your teeth looking their best requires staying on top of your maintenance routine. Teeth whitening is not a permanent solution, so you will need to take steps to avoid further staining in the future. You can do this by:
- Limiting your exposure to dark-colored foods and beverages
- Giving up smoking or the use of tobacco products
- Minimizing your alcohol consumption
- Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine
- Keeping your six-month checkups and teeth cleanings
- Not using your teeth as tools, as damage can cause discoloration of the dentin layer to show through
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
At Grand Dental – Aurora, we require all patients to undergo a thorough consultation before moving forward with teeth whitening. This allows us to not only develop a plan but also an estimate for treatment. We cannot determine the overall cost without this visit; however, we can provide some additional details to give you an idea of how we build these estimates so that you are better prepared when it comes to paying for a newer, whiter smile.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Your teeth whitening treatment will look different than another person’s. The reason is that your smile is not the same as someone else’s. When meeting with you to discuss your goals and what you want to see removed from your teeth, we will consider the following factors when building your cost estimate:
- Do you need pre-treatment for gum disease or existing tooth decay?
- How severe are your stains? Are they solely intrinsic or extrinsic, or both?
- How committed are you to taking care of your teeth once treatment is complete?
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
Teeth whitening products come in all different forms, and this is evident as you walk down the aisles of your local drugstore. Some of the options you can choose from as well as their price points are as follows:
- Customized Take-Home Kits: $200-$300
- In-Office Treatment: $400-$500
- Store-Bought Trays: $100
- Store-Bought Gels, Pens, or Strips: $20-$30
Fast Teeth Whitening VS Inexpensive Teeth Whitening
It’s hard to dismiss the reality that store-bought products cost less than professional treatment; however, attempting to save money may lead you to spend more in the long run because of the lackluster results you’re likely to experience.
With professional teeth whitening, yes, you will pay more, but the time and attention given to produce customized trays and use high-grade whitening gel will ensure that your smile not only remains safe but also reaps the benefits of a quality whitening solution. In just two weeks, you will see noticeable results that can last months with the right type of care and maintenance.
Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
Grand Dental – Aurora understands that not all patients can easily pay out of pocket for this type of cosmetic treatment. That is why we partner with CareCredit to deliver flexible financing options to anyone looking to pay off their whiter smile over time. There is also the option of enrolling in our Grand Advantage Plan, which makes it easy to pay one low fee and receive discounts on available services provided in-house by our qualified team of cosmetic experts.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does teeth whitening damage enamel?
No, you don’t need to worry about professional whitening gel damaging your healthy tooth enamel. However, if you choose to pursue treatment without first undergoing an examination to check for gum disease or tooth decay, the chemicals within whitening agents can cause problems. Also, if you opt for store-bought solutions or DIY options (i.e., activated charcoal or hydrogen peroxide), you could experience some damage to your smile.
It's important that you do not overuse whitening solutions, so it’s best to always consult with a cosmetic dentist before moving forward with treatment.
Is teeth whitening permanent?
No, teeth whitening is not a permanent cosmetic solution. You will need to conduct touch-ups over time to ensure your results last as long as possible. When choosing professional teeth whitening though, there is the possibility that your brighter smile can last for a few months or even a few years. It ultimately depends on how well you take care of your teeth.
If you want your results to last longer, make sure you’re practicing good oral hygiene at home, attending your six-month checkups and cleanings, and avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking.
Is teeth whitening covered by dental insurance?
It is unlikely that your dental insurance company will cover the cost of teeth whitening. This particular service is usually deemed “not medically necessary.” However, no two dental plans are the same, so it is worth double-checking to make sure.
Should you need help to pay for this type of cosmetic treatment, you can opt for flexible financing through CareCredit or enroll in our Grand Dental Advantage Plan. Our dental team in Aurora will be happy to go over your options with you.
Is professional teeth whitening worth the cost?
Absolutely! Millions of people have safely and quickly left their stubborn intrinsic and extrinsic stains behind with the help of professional teeth whitening. Choosing this type of care allows for the use of effective whitening agents, a safe and non-invasive treatment, and a decreased likelihood of tooth sensitivity.
Researchers have shown that for decades, whiter teeth are often viewed more positively. Patients often look younger and are more likely to be hired – essentially, creating a better first impression. Also, the confidence boost you can expect will ensure you no longer hide your smile when talking to others and smiling for photos.