Teeth Whitening – Fort Worth, TX
Brighten Your Smile with Personalized Teeth Whitening
Is your smile lustrous or lackluster? If you’re like a lot of people, your teeth could use a boost. With in-house or take-home teeth whitening from our Fort Worth, TX cosmetic dentist, we can give you the bright, sparkling smile you desire.
The things you eat and drink (and even the medications you take) can leave your teeth dull and discolored. To erase stains and return a youthful glow, we offer safe, effective in-house and take-home teeth whitening kits. No matter what option you choose, you can expect powerful whitening gel combined with custom trays for an even result. Both methods are quite effective, though the home system requires about two weeks of daily use for optimal outcomes.
Call today to schedule your in-office or take-home teeth-whitening appointment with Dr. Cheng, Dr. Thorburn, Dr. Luk, or Dr. Cox. Our Fort Worth dental office is located near Weatherford, Benbrook, Burleson, and surrounding areas.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
There are numerous ways that teeth can become stained and discolored. Here are some of the most prominent causes:
- Pigmented foods & beverages
- Tobacco products
- Sugary & acidic foods
- Aging
- Poor oral hygiene
- Genetics
- Certain medications
Some causes of staining can be prevented, but others may be completely out of your control. Typically, this depends on the type of discoloration you have – extrinsic or intrinsic. Extrinsic stains occur on the surface of the tooth enamel and are usually caused by foods, beverages, and tobacco products. Intrinsic stains are usually a result of certain medications, so this is something you will need to discuss with your doctor.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
We offer two different types of teeth whitening depending on your desires. Here is how each one works:
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
If you want to lift stains from your own home, a take-home whitening kit is likely the best option for you. First, we will examine your smile to ensure that you don’t have any existing oral health issues that could be aggravated or worsened by teeth whitening. If you are in the clear, you will be provided with custom whitening trays to wear along with a powerful whitening gel. In just a couple of weeks, you will see beautiful results!
In-Office Teeth Whitening
If you’re hoping for faster results, in-office teeth whitening can be done. If you have a wedding or another event coming up and want to look your best, this could be a better option for you. In just a single appointment, you can leave the practice with teeth that are several shades lighter!
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
The results of your teeth whitening treatment will last a lot longer if you take the time to maintain them. Here are a handful of tips to help you keep your smile looking bright:
- Brush Twice & Floss Daily
- Limit Dark-Colored Beverages
- Avoid Tobacco Products
- Attend Cleanings & Checkups
- Consider Touch-Up Treatments
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a great way to enhance the natural beauty of your smile. However, many patients are worried about committing to teeth whitening treatment because they are worried about the cost. During your consultation, we will discuss the estimated cost of your treatment in detail. Until then, here are some things to consider.
Read MoreFactors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
The cost of professional teeth whitening can vary based on multiple factors. Here are the most prominent ones.
- Type of Discoloration: Intrinsic stains are more challenging to lift than extrinsic stains, so they may require other treatments.
- Severity of Discoloration: If your teeth are darkly stained, they may require additional whitening sessions to achieve your goals.
- Other Services: If you have existing dental problems, like gum disease and tooth decay, they will need to be eliminated ahead of time.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
There are multiple teeth whitening options out there that range in price. Here is what you can typically expect from each one.
- In-Office Teeth Whitening: This is the costliest option out there. In-office teeth whitening can range from $400 to $800. In some cases, it costs over $1000.
- Take-Home Teeth Whitening: Professional take-home whitening kits usually cost a few hundred dollars.
- Over-the-Counter Trays: Teeth whitening trays that you find over the counter usually go for $100 or less.
- Over-the-Counter Strips/Gels: This is the cheapest teeth whitening options available. These boxes cost between $20 and $40 on average and contain enough product to last about two weeks.
Inexpensive Teeth Whitening vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
When you look at the costs above, you might be wondering why anyone would choose professional teeth whitening over the more affordable over-the-counter options. With cosmetic dentistry, the results that you receive are clearly reflected in the cost of the treatment that you get. If you choose cheaper strips or gel, you won’t see significant results. Professional teeth whitening gives you dramatic results in a fraction of the time. When you choose your treatment, consider the results you are looking for and how long you are willing to wait!
Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
Teeth whitening is not covered by dental insurance because it is considered to be elective. However, this doesn’t mean that you are completely out of luck. We are happy to accept payments through CareCredit – a third-party financing company that can split the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little to no interest. If you have questions or need help applying, give us a call!
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
While teeth whitening is not permanent, the results can last for 6+ months if you take good care of your smile. That starts with avoiding poor dental habits, like smoking, and extends to using a straw when drinking dark-colored beverages, like coffee. If you do start to notice stains resurfacing, then give us a call to schedule a touch-up whitening treatment. That way, we can ensure you continue to have a smile that you absolutely love!
What’s the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?
There are several key differences, starting with the fact that store-bought products don’t take into account any dental work you have, the health of your smile, or your unique smile goals. They also use one-size-fits-all applicators and diluted whitening gels, which make it difficult to lighten your teeth by more than a shade or two. For all of those reasons, it’s best to invest your valuable time and money on professional treatments. In fact, with our take-home kits, you can enjoy the same convenience with considerably better results.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Take?
The length of your smile makeover will depend largely on whether you choose an in-office or take-home whitening treatment. After all, in-office solutions can deliver gorgeous results in just an hour while take-home products typically require two weeks of consistent use.
Of course, your aesthetic goals also play a crucial role. If you’re looking to address light stains, then a take-home whitening treatment may deliver the results you desire. If, on the other hand, you want to lighten your teeth by eight shades or more, more than one in-office visit may be necessary.
Can I Drink Coffee After My Teeth Whitening Treatment?
Following your teeth whitening treatment in Fort Worth, it’s best to avoid dark-colored foods and beverages, including coffee. If you really enjoy starting your morning with this caffeinated beverage, then make sure to use a straw to prevent the liquid from coming in contact with your teeth. You should also rinse your mouth thoroughly with clean water when you’re done and, about 20 minutes after that, brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. That way, the residue isn’t left to linger on your teeth for hours on end.
What Should I Eat Following My Teeth Whitening Treatment?
It’s best to stick to mostly white and light-colored foods. A few examples include plain yogurt, cottage cheese, bananas, and white fish. At the same time, avoid any stain-causing ones, like tomato soup, blackberries, and chocolate.