Teeth Whitening – Royal Palm Beach, FL
A Brighter Smile Awaits
Having a healthy smile is a great benefit; however, if you are unhappy with the imperfections you see when you look in the mirror, like stains, cracks, chips, or even small gaps, you may wonder if you’ll ever feel confident showing off your pearly whites to others. At Pearl Palm Beach Dental, our team is here to make sure you embrace a brighter, more beautiful smile with the help of professional teeth whitening. Offering both in-office and take-home whitening kits, we invite you to call our office to inquire about which one might be right for you.
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
When it comes to teeth whitening, most people who are displeased with their tooth stains or discoloration can receive professional treatment. However, it is necessary to undergo a scheduled consultation with your cosmetic dentist to identify if your oral health is in ideal shape. Cases of gum disease and tooth decay must be treated before moving forward, as failing to do so can put you at risk of spending additional time and money in the long run.
The good news is that we can take care of all the necessary pre-treatment services so that your teeth are primed and ready for a successful whitening experience.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Our cosmetic dentist near you will go over all the details associated with your whitening treatment. Whether you choose in-office care or a take-home kit, you can expect to see beautiful results.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Using the KoR whitening system, our take-home trays are custom-made to fit your smile comfortably. When used in combination with the high-grade bleaching gel, you will see noticeably whiter results in about two weeks. This professional solution, when worn for the appropriate duration, will produce the kind of brighter smile you truly desire.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
If you have a wedding, high school reunion, or another big event in the weeks or months ahead, you can opt for in-office teeth whitening for faster results. Using the same KoR system, we will treat your intrinsic and extrinsic stains, removing them with the stain-fighting bleaching gel so that you will see a smile that is multiple shades brighter in just one hour.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
To keep your brighter smile looking its best for the maximum amount of time, you’ll need to adopt these helpful tips:
- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and rinsing regularly.
- Keep your regularly scheduled dental checkups and cleanings every six months.
- Stay away or limit your consumption of dark-colored beverages and food.
- Stop smoking and using tobacco products.
- Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
- Eat calcium-enriched foods, like yogurt, cheese, and milk.
- Inquire about touch-ups as needed.
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
While professional teeth whitening treatment is an incredible and affordable way to enhance your smile, it’s normal to want to know how much you’ll have to pay for the service. Our team offers two types of methods for brightening your grin, and we’ll walk you through what you can expect from either option. During your consultation, we’ll provide an estimate of the cost of teeth whitening as well as your financing options.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
The majority of the time, this cosmetic dental service comes with a set fee. That said, certain factors can impact how much you’ll have to pay in the end, such as how many times you might require the treatment to achieve your dental goals. Some of these include:
- The type of discoloration: Extrinsic (outer) stains are easier to resolve compared to intrinsic (inner) stains.
- Severity of discoloration: Teeth that are heavily stained may need multiple treatments to accomplish your cosmetic needs.
- Additional services: Those with underlying oral health problems, like tooth decay or gum disease, will need to resolve those issues first before undergoing teeth whitening.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
You might be looking through various kinds of teeth whitening methods, which all come with different prices. Here’s what to expect with some of the most common types:
- In-Office Teeth Whitening: This procedure typically goes for $400 to $800, or even over $1,000 in certain instances.
- Take-Home Teeth Whitening: Professional at-home teeth whitening kits can cost about several hundred dollars.
- Over-the-Counter Trays: These store-bought teeth whitening products can be found at a local drugstore and go for $100 or less.
- Over-the-Counter Gels/Strips: This option is the most affordable, going for $20 and $40 on average, and having enough to last around two weeks in each box.
Inexpensive Teeth Whitening vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
Even if certain options can be easier on your wallet initially, you don’t want to overlook the importance of quality in your treatment. Many OTC teeth whitening products cost less than professional options but their results won’t always meet your dental goals. In some cases, you might even require multiple treatments, which can raise the total cost in the long run. With professional teeth whitening, you can get more bang for your buck due to the quality of your results as well as the safety you can expect for both your teeth and gums. Additionally, professional treatment usually offers longer-lasting cosmetic effects compared to store-bought products!
Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
Cosmetic dentistry is generally not covered by dental insurance, so you’ll need to find an alternative way to help minimize your out-of-pocket expenses. Fortunately, our dental office is happy to offer alternative flexible financing through third-party financiers like Alphaeon and CareCredit. These companies can turn the entire cost of your treatment into monthly installments. Furthermore, their plans often come with low to no interest, so you can save more while improving your pearly whites!
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Even if you’re eager to lighten your teeth by several shades, it’s understandable that you might be hesitant to commit to teeth whitening if you are worried that the procedure will hurt. Luckily teeth whitening is a noninvasive procedure that is so painless that it generally requires no anesthesia. Since each of our teeth whitening treatments is customized to address the individual patient’s needs, you are far less likely to develop dental sensitivity or experience oral injuries during the process than you would be with store-bought whitening products. If your teeth are especially prone to sensitivity, let our team know during your consultation so we can plan your cosmetic treatment accordingly. You can also reduce the possibility of dental sensitivity by spacing out your teeth whitening retreatments, avoiding hot beverages, and using desensitizing toothpaste if necessary.
How Can I Make My Teeth Whitening Results Last?
The results of teeth whitening from our office in Royal Palm Beach can last anywhere from a few months to a few years depending on how well you take care of your teeth. The most important thing for preserving your results is to practice excellent oral hygiene at home by brushing twice and flossing daily and using antibacterial mouthwash regularly. The next most important thing is to keep up with regular dental checkups at our office so we can address issues like infections and plaque accumulation in their early stages. You should also limit your consumption of dark foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, soy sauce, barbeque sauce, and berries. Tobacco use is infamous for causing dental stains and horrible for your oral health in general, so quitting this habit is an excellent idea.
Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?
While professional teeth whitening from our Palm Beach office does not damage healthy enamel, the strong bleaching agents used can cause injuries and significant discomfort if they reach the pulp at the center of your tooth due to tooth decay or dental injuries. To prevent this, we’ll be sure to check your mouth for any problems that can complicate the procedure during your consultation.
It’s important to remember that many at-home whitening methods such as using lemon juice can wear down your enamel, especially with repeated use. If you are interested in brightening your smile, it’s best to consult with Dr. Civetti first so she can recommend a safe and effective method.
Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?
The whitening agents we use in our treatments are designed to treat natural dental enamel, so they will not whiten dental crowns. In fact, these substances may actually weaken the cement holding the restoration on your tooth, which can cause it to fail. To prevent this, be sure to mention any dental restorations you have to Dr. Civetti during your consultation so she can design your treatment appropriately. The best ways to keep your dental crowns shiny and bright are to practice excellent oral hygiene, quit smoking, and limit your intake of dark-colored foods and beverages. If your crown has been severely stained, we can replace it after your teeth whitening treatment to give you a consistently bright smile.