At Signature Smiles, our primary goal is to provide all of our patients with a healthy mouth. We understand the importance of oral health and how it affects the overall health of a person. Along with a healthy smile, we know how important it is to have a beautiful smile, which is why we encourage the use of cosmetic dentistry treatments like our take-home teeth whitening trays.
- What Is Teeth Whitening?
- Teeth Whitening Treatment
- Over the Counter vs. Professional Whitening
- Teeth Whitening Sensitivity
- Teeth Whitening Results
- Teeth Whitening Cost
What Is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening involves the use of a bleaching agent to brighten the shade of discolored or stained teeth. This tooth discoloration is a common aesthetic problem that afflicts nearly all people at some point in their lives. As we age, our teeth naturally lose their shine and accumulate stains, becoming dull and losing their white color. Frequent tobacco usage and the consumption of certain foods and beverages—such as coffee, red wine, and artificially colored candies—can further contribute to discoloration through staining.
Fortunately, with our custom take-home teeth whitening system, you can achieve a brighter, whiter smile that you can take pride in. Our Houston-area dental office offers this convenient option for patients wanting to whiten their teeth at home, while still obtaining the dramatic benefits of professional whitening treatments.
Love this office! Had my braces and whitening done at this location and had the best experience!
What Does the At-Home Teeth Whitening Treatment Involve?
Our team at Signature Smiles offers an advanced teeth whitening system that patients are able to easily perform while at home. During the initial appointment, your dentist will create customized whitening trays that are designed to maximize contact with the bleaching agent and minimize gum irritation. You will be instructed on how long to wear the whitening trays at home, which will depend upon the extent of your whitening needs and goals. In general, our at-home whitening system typically takes about two weeks for patients to complete.
Over-the-Counter vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
These days, there are a variety of at-home teeth whitening systems available over-the-counter, which has led some patients to question why they should consider professional whitening. The answer is that professional teeth whitening treatments typically provide the most drastic, immediate, and safe whitening results available. This is because every treatment is formulated and overseen by a member of our dental team for optimal results that won’t damage your teeth. Some patients are able to achieve the results they desire with over-the-counter methods, but for more dramatic results that take less time to become apparent, we recommend professional whitening.
How Can I Reduce Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening?
Some patients may experience increased tooth and gum sensitivity following whitening treatments. This is generally a temporary side effect, and it normally subsides within 24-48 hours. In order to mitigate any potential discomfort brought on by this period of increased sensitivity, our dentists have provided a few suggestions:
- Temporarily avoid consuming hot, cold, or particularly acidic foods. Alternatively, you may also consider using a straw with hot and cold liquids in order to avoid direct contact with the teeth.
- Consider using a toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth for a few days following your whitening treatment.
- Utilize a soft-bristled toothbrush and room temperature water when brushing.
- Use a mouthwash formulated with fluoride.
- Inform your dentist about your sensitivity concerns prior to beginning your at-home trays.
- Talk with your dentist about reducing the amount of bleaching gel used during treatment.
- Reduce the frequency of your at-home teeth whitening sessions.
Teeth whitening can give you the brighter, whiter smile that you desire, and most patients are quite pleased with the results of their treatment. However, if you have concerns about tooth sensitivity, or if you are experiencing sensitivity that has lasted for longer than 48 hours, we encourage you to reach out to our office staff for assistance.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
With proper care, your teeth whitening treatment can last for several years. However, the overall longevity ultimately depends on several factors, including the teeth whitening method you choose, your age and lifestyle habits, and how well you care for your teeth after treatment. Our dentists recommend avoiding habits, foods, and drinks that are known to stain teeth—such as tobacco and red wine—and maintaining generally good oral hygiene habits. If you notice your teeth are beginning to dull or discolor, you can take home a series of touch-up whitening treatments to brighten your teeth.
If you are interested in a more permanent whitening solution, we recommend checking out our porcelain dental veneers page. Using thin layers of porcelain that are bonded to the front of the teeth, we can help you achieve a whiter, brighter smile that can last for decades.
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?
The full take-home teeth whitening system provided at Signature Smiles costs approximately $400 to $650, with costs varying based on a number of factors, such as how many treatments are needed to obtain the desired result. One of our experienced dentists will evaluate your teeth and, taking into account your overall aesthetic goals, make a recommendation for the optimal whitening process. At this point, a more accurate price quote can be given.
Here at Signature Smiles, we believe that quality dental care should be available to everyone, regardless of budget. We offer a number of services that may help make your at-home teeth whitening treatments more affordable. Our in-house Dental Discount Plan is a membership service that charges a yearly fee in exchange for major discounts on a variety of dental services. Members of the plan receive a 25% discount on all teeth whitening treatments! We also accept a variety of insurance plans and payment methods, including financing through CareCredit®, a trusted healthcare lending service.
Interested in Teeth Whitening?
If you are interested in take-home teeth whitening trays, then contact our dental office today. Our dentists and hygienists can ensure your teeth are healthy and beautiful.
