Teeth Whitening – Des Plaines
Show Off a Brite, White Smile!
Tooth discoloration can happen for a variety of different reasons. Ultimately, teeth tend to become stained as we get older. That being said, it is still one of the most common reasons why people are self-conscious about their smile. At Brite Smiles, we offer professional in-office teeth whitening so you can show off a brighter smile! To learn more or schedule an appointment, give our practice a call!
Why Choose Brite Smiles for Teeth Whitening?
- Show Off Whiter Teeth in Just One Appointment
- Customized for Each Patient
- Flexible Financing Available
Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Teeth can become stained due to a variety of different culprits. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Pigmented foods & beverages
- Using tobacco products
- Sugary & acidic foods
- Aging
- Poor oral hygiene
- Genetics
- Certain medications
Sometimes, stains can be prevented, but other times, they are completely out of your control. There are two different types of discoloration:
- Extrinsic Stains: This type of discoloration occurs on the surface of the teeth and is usually caused by foods, drinks, tobacco products, and poor oral hygiene. This is the type of staining that can be lifted with professional teeth whitening.
- Intrinsic Stains: These stains are a result of health conditions and certain medications, so you should discuss this with your doctor. Other cosmetic options, like veneers, may be better suited to address intrinsic stains.
How Does In-Office Teeth Whitening Work?
The great thing about in-office teeth whitening is that you can see instant results. In just one visit to the dental office, you can achieve a smile that is up to 8 shades whiter. Professional teeth whitening uses whitening products that are much stronger than what you can find over the counter, and your treatment is customized, you are much less likely to experience sensitivity.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
To keep your results for as long as possible, you should take steps to maintain them. Here are some tips to keep your smile bright:
- Practice excellent oral hygiene.
- Avoid dark-colored beverages, like coffee and red wine.
- Don’t use tobacco products.
- Attend your six-month dental cleanings and checkups.
- See us for touch-up treatments as needed.
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
While it’s easy to get excited about achieving a brighter smile, it’s understandable that you’d want to have an idea of what you can expect to pay for teeth whitening before you commit to the treatment. Teeth whitening treatments typically come at one set price, but it’s sometimes necessary to perform multiple treatments to achieve the desired results. Here’s a brief guide to how teeth whitening treatment is priced at Brite Smiles, but don’t be afraid to reach out to our office if you have any questions.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Though teeth whitening procedures are usually performed at a predetermined price, several factors may make your treatment more costly. These may include:
- The need for multiple treatments: Severe cases of staining or discoloration may require more than one teeth whitening treatment to resolve.
- The nature of the discoloration: Some types of stains are more difficult to remove than others. Extrinsic stains located on the surface of the enamel may be easier to lift than intrinsic stains within the tooth, and discoloration caused by age or medication may be more difficult to resolve.
- Preliminary procedures: It may be necessary for you to receive restorative treatments like dental fillings or crowns to eliminate tooth decay before you can safely receive teeth whitening.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
Teeth whitening treatments come in several forms that have different price points. While cheaper whitening options may seem tempting at first, you can always expect to get what you pay for. You can choose from:
- An in-office procedure: Receiving in-office teeth whitening from your dentist can deliver amazing results in a brief timeframe, and these treatments typically cost somewhere between $400 and $800. However, the overall cost of treatment may reach $1,000 in cases of severe stains or discoloration.
- A take-home whitening kit: Your dentist can also provide you with a take-home teeth whitening kit that can be completed in about two weeks. These treatments typically cost a few hundred dollars.
- Store-bought whitening kits: Though similar in function to professional whitening kits, store-bought varieties include one-size-fits-all dental trays and weaker whitening agents. They typically go for about a hundred dollars or less.
- Whitening strips or gels: You can get a two-week supply of these products for $20 to $40 dollars at your local supermarket or pharmacy, making them the cheapest option by far.
Cheap Teeth Whitening vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
While the low price tags of store-bought teeth whitening products may make them seem appealing at first, they often deliver lackluster results. Some people use whitening strips or gels for months without noticing any significant effects, and there are even cases of injury due to user error or a product being poorly manufactured. At Brite Smiles, we offer in-office teeth whitening treatments that are administered using customized dental trays and concentrated whitening gel to ensure maximum safety and optimal results in a brief timeframe.
Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
Since teeth whitening is classified as an elective cosmetic procedure, it isn’t typically covered by most insurance plans. However, we partner with CareCredit to offer patients flexible financing plans that can break a cosmetic dental bill into easy monthly installments. If you’re interested in teeth whitening, we’ll be happy to help you navigate your payment and financing options during your consultation at our office in Des Plaines.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Even if you have your heart set on achieving a brighter smile, you may be hesitant to commit to teeth whitening treatment if you’re worried that it will hurt. Thankfully, our in-office teeth whitening treatments are minimally invasive and use customized appliances to ensure that you remain comfortable during the procedure and experience minimal dental sensitivity afterward. If you are especially prone to dental sensitivity, let us know during your consultation so we can plan your treatment accordingly. You may also be able to reduce this sensation by avoiding hot beverages in the days after treatment, using desensitizing toothpaste, or waiting a while before receiving a touch-up treatment.
How Can I Make My Teeth Whitening Results Last?
The results of your teeth whitening treatment can last anywhere from several months to several years depending on how well you take care of your teeth afterward. In the days immediately following your procedure, your teeth will be especially vulnerable to developing new stains, so it’s best to avoid stain-causing foods and beverages such as berries, coffee, dark sauce, and red wine at that time. The best way to ensure that your teeth stay white for the longest time possible is to practice excellent oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash every day while also attending regular dental exams at our office in Des Plaines. You can also reduce the incidence of new stains by using a straw when enjoying a dark beverage such as coffee, tea, wine, or cola and refraining from bad habits like smoking.
Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a minimally invasive procedure that can be administered comfortably without anesthesia in most cases, making it a safe and effective option for almost everyone who is bothered by stains or discoloration in their smile. The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for treatment is to schedule a consultation at our Des Plaines office so our dentist can evaluate your oral health and discuss your goals for the procedure. It may be necessary to perform restorative work to eliminate tooth decay and gum disease before you can safely receive teeth whitening. Once your teeth are in great shape, we’ll be ready to design your customized treatment plan.
Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
The effects of teeth whitening are not permanent, and they can last for anywhere from a few months to several years. The ultimate determinate of how long your results will last is how well you take care of your teeth, so the best way to keep your smile shiny is to keep up with your oral hygiene at home, attend regular dental checkups at our office, and avoid bad habits like smoking and excessive drinking. If you’ve received teeth whitening in the past and find that your teeth are no longer as bright as they used to be, we can perform a touch-up treatment to lift new stains and keep your teeth pearly and white.
