Teeth Whitening – Waterford, PA

How Does Whitening Work?

Tooth enamel stains much in the same way that clothing stains. This is mainly because enamel is not smooth, but in fact porous. This means that it carries many holes and crevices for foods and beverages to seep into, which is why richly pigmentated beverages like wine or grape juice stay on teeth after drinking. To prevent these stains from becoming permanent, they need to be promptly removed. Without removal, they will begin to seep deeper inside of enamel and eventually the dentin layer of teeth.

The only way to effectively address these stains (also known as intrinsic stains) is by using powerful bleaching solutions that can permeate through the surface of teeth. These gels work to break apart stains deeply embedded inside the inner layers of enamel and dentin.

The Teeth Whitening Process

You can choose to whiten just your top teeth or do your top and bottom for the brightest results. To set you up for your customized treatment, Dr. Patel will have trays created specifically for your teeth. You will fill these trays, which fit tightly around your teeth, with a powerful bleaching solution and wear them for approximately half an hour before you go to bed. We advise doing your whitening at night after you brush your teeth because your teeth will be more prone to absorbing stains from what you eat and drink immediately after treatment.

Perform your whitening as directed and you should see a difference almost immediately. Continue through the entire treatment, usually about 2 weeks, to get the most dramatic results. Most people can enjoy their new, dazzling white smiles for many months — or maybe even years if they are able to stay away from highly pigmented foods and beverages and maintain consistent oral hygiene practices.

Benefits of Professional Whitening

Since this treatment allows you to take your whitening home, you don’t have to be available during our office hours just to give your smile the touch-up it needs to stay bright. You have the freedom to whiten teeth whenever you want, wherever you want. In many cases, patients will whiten teeth before bed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do so during your morning commute or on a flight during your vacation!

Furthermore, only professional whitening solutions use custom-made trays. You cannot get this option from store-bought aligners since they are mass-produced. Utilizing custom-trays ensures that you’re getting even coverage and prevents bleaching gel from leaking. Exposure to oxygen reduces the gel’s ability to bleach teeth properly, which is just another reason why professional solutions often provide better results.

Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening

The best way to determine a precise cost for your treatment is to schedule a consultation with our office. During this appointment, you’ll get a chance to discuss your smile goals with Dr. Patel. He’ll go over the details of your treatment, the cost of the gels used and the cost of future supplies of whitening solution. The amount you spend on future gel vials can vary on your eating and drinking habits as well as your oral care.

Are you interested in getting a professional teeth whitening treatment? If so, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Summit Family Dentistry. Most adult patients are eligible for this treatment, and many teens can undergo it as well. We can’t wait to help our friends and neighbors smile with dazzling confidence thanks to professional teeth whitening!

Teeth Whitening FAQs

Having teeth that are stained or discolored can really take a toll on your self-esteem. You may not have the confidence to smile as often as you should, which can negatively impact both your personal and professional life. That’s why we at Summit Family Dentistry offer a teeth whitening solution that you can use in the comfort of your own home. Below, we have chosen to answer some of the most frequently asked questions that we get regarding our teeth whitening treatment.

How Long Will My Results Last?

It’s worth mentioning that no teeth whitening treatment, even one from your dentist, is designed to be permanent. As you consume more stain-causing foods and drinks, your enamel will absorb those particles and gradually become discolored again. However, there are a few things you can do to prolong your results for as long as possible:

• Brush your teeth before consuming products that contain tannins. Tannins are a compound that give colored foods and drinks their shade, but they also stain teeth. Because they bind to dental plaque, it’s a good idea to have as little plaque on your teeth as possible before eating or drinking these items.
• Floss at least once daily to prevent plaque buildup.
• Either brush or rinse your mouth with water after consuming discoloring foods and beverages.
• Use a whitening toothpaste at least a couple days a week.
• Eat a diet rich in fibrous fruits and vegetables. They help you produce more saliva, which washes away staining particles.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Some patients are concerned that the ingredients in teeth whitening products will damage the nerves of their teeth. While over-the-counter whitening products may contain chemicals that erode tooth enamel, rest assured that our treatment only contains ingredients that have been proven to be teeth-friendly. You can trust that we’ll help you achieve your dream smile without compromising your oral health!

Can I Use My Insurance to Pay for Teeth Whitening?

In general, cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening are not covered by insurance since they’re not deemed necessary to restore or improve your oral health. However, the best way to find out if you qualify for coverage is by calling your provider directly.

In addition to accepting most major insurance plans, we also partner with CareCredit. This program allows you to receive the funds you need for your dental treatment and create a manageable payment plan with low interest.

Am I a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

Typically, anyone who wants to brighten their smile would be a good candidate for teeth whitening. Because it is a cosmetic procedure, though, we recommend your smile be infection-free before undergoing whitening. We suggest attending a checkup first to detect whether there are any problems like cavities or gum disease that need treatment.

We also don’t recommend teeth whitening for patients with dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, or veneers. Since these restorations are not porous like enamel, they won’t absorb the bleaching gel. Instead, they will remain the same color, standing out in your newly brightened smile. We can discuss getting your restorations replaced after whitening so that your smile is all the same beautiful shade.