Teeth Whitening – Jacksonville, FL
Goodbye Stains, Hello Brighter Smile!
White teeth are everywhere you look, whether it’s on TV or in magazine advertisements. Unfortunately, stains on the enamel can cause your pearly whites to dull over time, and the solution isn’t always as simple as brushing. At North Jacksonville Complete Dentistry, we can offer both in-office treatments and take-home kits that can get rid of staining particles and give you a more dazzling grin. If you’ve been thinking of making cosmetic improvements to your teeth, contact us to schedule a consultation today!
Why Do Teeth Stain?
If you enjoy a hot cup of coffee every morning or regularly indulge in some red wine, over time they’ll leave stains on the surface of your teeth; other dark-colored beverages as well as certain foods (such as tomato sauce) can also have this effect. The tar and nicotine in tobacco are also prone to causing discoloration. Patients who were exposed to certain medications as children (such as tetracycline) will also experience staining.
Sometimes a change in color can be caused by the dentin layer underneath the enamel becoming more visible, whether it’s due to physical trauma or simple age-related wear.
What is Teeth Whitening?
For discoloration caused by stains, teeth whitening can be used to improve the appearance of your teeth. While there are many over-the-counter whitening products, the gels used in professional treatments can bleach the inside of the enamel, removing intrinsic stains as well as those on the surface. At our practice, you have two options for teeth whitening: an in-office treatment or a take-home kit.
In-Office Whitening
We use the Zoom bleaching treatment for patients who want to enjoy a whiter smile as soon as possible. The procedure lasts about an hour. After the lips and gums are covered, a gel containing hydrogen peroxide is applied to the teeth and activated with a special light. The hydrogen peroxide penetrates the enamel to break up any stains. After just one visit, your teeth can become several shades brighter!
Take-Home Whitening
A take-home whitening kit provided by a dentist will contain custom-made trays made to fit the contour of your teeth for improved comfort. For a certain amount of time each day, you’ll fill the trays with the provided whitening gel and simply wear them while reading, watching TV, or otherwise relaxing in the comfort of your own home. After about two weeks, the results will speak for themselves!
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Usually Last?
The effects of teeth whitening won’t last forever, but the exact amount of time depends on how well you take care of them afterwards. You’ll want to avoid staining beverages (or at the very least drink them through a straw to reduce tooth contact) and remember to brush after every meal. In many cases, you’ll enjoy a brighter smile for 12 to 24 months. We may recommend using a maintenance kit to help preserve the results as long as possible.
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
You don’t have to be rich to afford a stunning smile. Teeth whitening is an affordable solution to take years off your appearance. Many factors affect the cost of teeth whitening, but North Jacksonville Complete Dentistry has the financial solutions you need to revamp your smile without breaking the bank.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
No two situations are identical and many things can cause tooth discoloration. Therefore, there’s no flat rate for teeth whitening. You’ll require a consultation with a cosmetic dentist to ensure your mouth is healthy. It’s not uncommon to need a little prep work, like a filling, which can increase the cost. They must also determine the source of your staining to ensure teeth whitening is the best treatment for you. You have multiple options to reverse stains. We will provide you with an estimate and explain the fees, so you’ll know exactly how much you’ll have to pay before committing to anything.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
Your cosmetic dentist will discuss your options to treat your tooth stains, which include:
- In-Office Whitening: Your teeth can get up to 8 shades whiter over your lunch break. A protective barrier is placed over your gums and lips before a whitening gel is applied to your teeth. A special light is used for three 15-minute intervals to lift stains.
- At-Home Whitening: You can achieve in-office results from the comfort of your home. Your dentist will give you professional-strength whitening gel and trays to use daily for 2 weeks.
Your results can last for several months or years with the right aftercare, like brushing and flossing.
Inexpensive Teeth Whitening vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
OTC whitening products are convenient, but they aren’t worth the risk. Not everyone is a candidate for teeth whitening, which can result in damage to your teeth and gums. Not to mention, they don’t contain professional-grade whitening ingredients, so any results will be minimal and won’t last. This can lead to overusing them, which can damage your enamel.
A dentist can provide the noticeable results you desire safely. They’ll create a personalized treatment plan to get your smile significantly whiter without harming your dental health.
Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
You have several options to keep teeth whitening affordable, including:
- Traditional Payments: North Jacksonville Complete Dentistry accepts cash, personal checks, and credit cards for your convenience.
- Dental Insurance: Dental insurance won’t cover the cost of teeth whitening, but your benefits may pay some of the expenses for your consultation, diagnostic services, or preparatory procedures.
- Monthly Payments: You can pay any out-of-pocket expenses using a monthly payment plan through a third-party financing company, like CareCredit.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
You might have watched a video or read an article online that said whitening your teeth will hurt. This sentiment often stems from the sensitivity that can occur following the brightening treatment. The good news is that our Jacksonville dental team goes the extra mile to ensure you don’t feel any discomfort during the smile makeover process. We can even take certain measures to prevent dental sensitivity if you’ve struggled with it in the past, like spacing out your treatments. We can also provide you with some aftercare instructions, including avoiding hot foods and using a desensitizing toothpaste.
How Can I Make My Teeth Whitening Results Last?
We mentioned above the importance of using a straw when drinking dark-colored beverages and brushing your teeth after each meal. Of course, those are just two of the many habits we recommend adopting to keep your teeth nice and bright. You also should floss and rinse with mouthwash each evening, get a dental checkup and cleaning twice a year, and avoid smoking and other unhealthy dental habits entirely.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Take?
The length of your teeth whitening treatment depends heavily on two factors. The first is the severity of your dental discoloration. While light stains can be lifted quickly, severe stains may require several treatments. The second is the type of teeth whitening treatment you choose. After all, take-home kits usually take two weeks and in-office treatments only take an hour or so.
Note: If you have a timeframe in mind, like you want a white smile for your upcoming wedding, don’t hesitate to let us know during your consultation! That way, we can keep that in mind when creating your treatment plan.
Is Teeth Whitening Covered By Dental Insurance?
Usually, dental insurance providers don’t cover treatments that aren’t “medically necessary.” So, it’s not likely that your benefits will cover teeth whitening. If you want to learn more about the financial solutions we offer outside of dental insurance, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Remember, we want you to achieve your dream smile without stressing about the price!
Can I Drink Coffee Following My Teeth Whitening Treatment?
You should definitely avoid drinking coffee – or any other dark-colored beverages – immediately following your teeth whitening treatment. However, you won’t have to give up this caffeinated beverage forever. To prevent your bright, white results, we strongly recommend using a straw and sipping on water simultaneously (this will help prevent the residue from lingering on your teeth).