Teeth Whitening – Crown Point, IN
Get A Brighter Smile from the Comfort of your Home!
Teeth Whitening
One of the things that tends to make people insecure about their smile is its color. Whether its because you’ve been drinking a little bit too much coffee or you’ve just noticed your teeth change color as you’ve aged, it can sometimes feel like the changes to the color of your smile are irreversible.
Fortunately, that’s far from being the case. When you visit the team here at Ornelas Family Dental of Crown Point, you can get teeth whitening that can give you a brighter smile from the comfort of your home! If you want to learn more, make an appointment for a consultation to us today.
Why Choose Ornelas Family Dental of Crown Point For Teeth Whitening?
- High-Quality Teeth Whitening Tailored to Your Comfort
- Compassionate Dentist Who Will Personalize Treatment to You
- Virtual Smile Design That Allows You To Preview Your Smile
Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a safe and effective option for all kinds of patients; just about anyone who is unhappy with the color of their smile can benefit from what this treatment has to offer.
There are two basic kinds of discoloration: intrinsic and extrinsic. Extrinsic discoloration happens because of the effect of stains, which can come from food, drink, and tobacco use. Intrinsic discoloration comes from the inside of the tooth, and is the result of aging or certain medication.
Professional teeth whitening is best at dealing with extrinsic stains, but can brighten your enamel no matter what is causing your issues.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Professional teeth whitening kits differ from what you’d get from the store or pharmacy because they’re tailored to your unique needs. We offer take-home teeth whitening from Opalescence, a treatment that makes use of whitening solution in thin plastic trays suited to you.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Take-home teeth whitening involves placing whitening gel into well-fitted plastic trays that can be placed onto the smile, gradually whitening it over time. This process generally takes place over the course of several weeks, at which point you’ll be able to enjoy a smile up to eight shades whiter than it was before.
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
While you may want teeth whitening, you should learn its price before you fully commit. You won’t know whether the treatment will fit your current budget otherwise. That said, the cost of teeth whitening varies by patient; you’ll need to consult Dr. Ornelas for a precise estimate. Our team will also work to make your care more affordable, walking you through price factors, dental insurance, and more. Learn other relevant details by reading below or calling our office.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening often has a set price; it won’t change from patient to patient. However, some factors can influence the number of “sessions” needed for ideal results. These include the following:
- Stain Severity – As you’d expect, deeper and darker stains cost more to remove. Patients will often need many whitening visits to clear them up.
- Stain Type(s) – A stain’s type impacts treatment cost as much as its intensity. For example, whitening can clear up extrinsic stains (i.e., those from meals and outside elements) all at once. Intrinsic stains beneath the enamel are harder to remove and need more sessions.
- Preliminary Dental Work – Based on your situation, you may need other services before a whitening treatment; these can include dental crowns, fillings, etc. The cost of care will rise more in that case.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
The reality is that teeth whitening comes in several types, each with its own unique price. They are:
- In-Office Teeth Whitening – Most in-office teeth whitening sessions cost $400-800, though some can reach up to $1,000 in rare cases.
- Take-Home Teeth Whitening – A typical dentist’s take-home whitening kit will charge about a few hundred dollars.
- “Over-the-Counter” Teeth Whitening Trays – Store-bought whitening trays tend to be budget-friendly, as they aren’t customized for each patient. They thus usually cost $100 or less.
- Teeth Whitening Strips/Gels – As it happens, teeth whitening strips and gels are the least costly option. The average pharmacy or supermarket only charges $20-40 per box.
Store-Bought Teeth Whitening vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
That pro whitening is so popular can seem odd at first glance. Wouldn’t most patients prefer the cheaper options that go easy on their budgets? However, there’s a reason for this popularity: dentist-provided whiteners have qualities that justify their higher price.
If you need evidence for this claim, consider how the whitening methods differ. Average store-bought strips and gels don’t cost much, but they also don’t work well. On the other hand, pro-whitening costs more but offers quick and effective results; it’s sure to make your grin six to eight shades whiter!
Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
Sadly, dental insurance normally won’t cover teeth whitening; it sees the treatment as medically needless. The bright side is that our office’s payment options can still make your care affordable! After all, we offer services like:
- In-House Savings Plan – By paying a yearly fee, you can join one of our in-house savings plans. Any of them would give you a 5% discount on whitening.
- CareCredit Financing – Our practice happens to work with CareCredit, a reputable 3rd party financier. They’d let you pay for teeth whitening in easy-to-manage monthly installments.
Here at Ornelas Family Dentistry, we don’t want your bright smile to “break the bank.” Come visit us soon to learn how to finance your whitening treatment!
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
Once you invest in whitening your teeth, you’ll likely want to do what you can to keep the smile as white as possible. Of course you can come in for touch-ups if you’d like, which can do a lot to maintain the results of your treatments. You can also avoid those things that cause your teeth to become discolored, like coffee and wine.
If you’re interested in ever learning more about what this treatment can do for you, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us today!
Teeth Whitening FAQs
What’s the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?
Naturally, you might be wondering how our take-home whitening treatments differ from the ones you can find at your local grocery store or pharmacy. There are actually a few key differences! The first is that we consider your unique smile, including the state of your oral health and your aesthetic goals. We also use powerful (but safe) brightening gels and well-fitted plastic trays to ensure you get the results you desire.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Take?
Typically, our take-home teeth whitening kits deliver results in about two weeks. That said, you’ll start to see improvements before then, which makes the process even more exciting. During this time, it’s important that you avoid doing anything that could lead to dental discoloration as well, like smoking or drinking coffee without a straw.
Important note: If you want a white smile for a special event, like a wedding, don’t wait until the last minute to schedule your consultation! Starting the treatment process sooner will ensure that we have plenty of time for any preliminary treatments that are necessary.
Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
Unfortunately, no, the results of your teeth whitening treatment won’t last forever. You can prolong your results though! The best thing to do is incorporate good oral hygiene habits into your daily routine, like brushing for two full minutes each morning. It’s equally as important that you avoid doing anything that could cause stubborn stains to resurface, like eating BBQ sauce, blackberries, and other dark-colored foods.
Is Teeth Whitening Expensive?
Patients often assume that cosmetic dental treatments, like teeth whitening, are expensive because they aren’t covered by dental insurance providers. However, our take-home brightening products are cost-effective, especially when compared to other smile-enhancing services, like veneers. Plus, we welcome flexible financing with CareCredit, so it’s even easier to make the cost of your care fit into your monthly budget. So, if you are interested in professional teeth whitening, but you’re a bit worried about the price, don’t hesitate to talk to us – we can help!
Is There Anything I Can’t Eat After Whitening My Teeth?
Yes, immediately following your teeth whitening treatment, you should avoid all dark-colored foods and drinks (i.e., tomato soup, coffee, wine). Instead, stick to egg whites, plain yogurt, bananas, and oatmeal. That way, your body gets the nutrients it needs and your teeth don’t get stained in the process!
Tip: Make water your go-to drink! That way, you stay hydrated, your mouth doesn’t get dry, and debris is removed from your teeth.