Even the most carefully maintained smiles become yellowed or stained overtime. The good news is Preston Bend Dental offers patients two convenient ways to whiten teeth for a picture-perfect smile: in-office and take-home whitening. Whatever your whitening preference, our dental team will help you get the brilliant smile you desire. Whitening toothpastes and mouth rinses are good for removing surface level stains, but when it comes to deeper-set staining, they are not nearly as effective. To remove stains below the enamel, hydrogen or carbamide peroxide needs to be applied to teeth for an extended period of time. This becomes problematic when saliva mixes with whitening toothpastes or mouth rinses effectively neutralizing the chemical reaction necessary for stain removal. That’s why professional whitening is usually preferable.
In about an hour, patients lighten their smile several shades for immediately noticeable, long lasting results. Dr. Anita Naik Madhav starts the procedure by preparing your soft tissue. We’ll need to cover your lips and gums so the carbamide or hydrogen peroxide do not damage your soft tissue. While the oxidizing effects are beneficial for stain removal, they wreak havoc on the skin the same way oxidation caused by UVA/B rays do, and a sun burn in your mouth is not pleasant! Once your soft tissue is protected, Dr. Madhav applies a concentrated whitening gel to the surface of your smile. The whitening agent will need to sit on your teeth for about 45 minutes. Once the whitening gel is removed, patients see an instant change in their smile. Some patients can lighten their teeth up to 10 shades in a single visit!
Patients who prefer to whiten their smiles gradually, have sensitive teeth or gums, or would like to touch up in-office whitening after a few years can utilize our custom at-home tray whitening systems. Dr. Madhav makes application trays to fit your unique smile. For a fully customized whitening plan, we also provide varying strengths of whitening gel depending on the results patients need.
You may be thinking that over-the-counter whitening trays and strips could be just as effective, but one-size-fits-all whitening application trays and strips have two major flaws: they let saliva in and they let whitening gel out. The acid neutralizing qualities of saliva are typically a positive thing, but when it comes to teeth whitening, it’s essential that neutralizing saliva be blocked out in order to receive the full effects of whitening treatment. Essentially, saliva works to neutralize the whitening gel almost as quickly as it can remove stains, so while these over-the-counter whitening agents have many of the same ingredients as professional whiteners, it will take more than twice as long to see the same results. Additionally, ill-fitting applicators allow whitening products to leak onto gums, lips, and other soft tissue. This leads to sores or skin discoloration over time.
Don’t be the only person in your next family photo with a dingy smile. Call Dr. Madhav and the Preston Bend Dental team to schedule a teeth whitening consultation today.
Even if you want your teeth whitened, you should first learn the price of the process. You may commit to a treatment that “breaks the bank” otherwise. Still, the cost of teeth whitening varies by patient. You’ll only get a precise estimate by visiting Dr. Madhav in person. From there, our dental team will make your treatment more affordable. We’ll review its cost factors, types, and payment options to that end. Read on to learn the details, or call us soon.
Because it affects your smile all at once, a whitening treatment often has a set price. However, varied factors affect how many sessions are needed for desired results. Such things can include:
As it happens, there’s more than one kind of teeth whitening. Which type you choose will impact your treatment’s price. In particular, the four options are:
At first glance, it may seem confusing that pro whitening is popular. You could easily assume that patients would like less costly options more. However, dentist-approved methods have excellent qualities that reflect their price.
You can look at the whitening methods themselves for proof. While strips and gels don’t cost much, they don’t work well; most brands take months to show any effect. In contrast, whitening from a dentist is pricier but offers fast and clear results. Your grin should be many shades whiter after only a treatment or two.
Sadly, dental insurance rarely ever covers teeth whitening. It usually views the service as a needless luxury. That said, other methods can make whitening affordable. Chief among them are a practice’s financing options. The right one of these can make whiter teeth budget-friendly.
For instance, consider our own Preston Bend Dental. We offer third-party financing through reputable financiers. By working with them, you could pay for a whitening treatment in monthly installments. Such a payment plan would be much easier on your finances.
As you can see, we don’t want your white teeth to exceed your budget. See us for a consultation to learn how to finance them!
Teeth whitening in Plano can reverse stains and discoloration to revamp your smile. Don’t worry if you have a few concerns. Dr. Anita Naik Madhav will explain everything during your consultation and address any apprehensions. You can also find the answers to the most frequently asked questions below. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to contact our office to speak with a member of our team.
Modern whitening systems will not damage your enamel if your mouth is healthy. You must have healthy teeth and gums to benefit from a whitening treatment. Your dentist will examine your mouth during your consultation to look for anything concerning. It’s also important to space out whitening treatments, including OTC products, to avoid harming your enamel.
Teeth whitening shouldn’t cause any sensitivity if your teeth are healthy. Let your cosmetic dentist in Plano know if you’re prone to sensitivity because your whitening treatment can be tailored to your comfort. Your cosmetic dentist may recommend using specialty toothpaste to block sensitivity before your treatment. Avoid hot or cold foods and drinks for 24-48 hours.
Professional teeth whitening can last for several months or years, depending on your aftercare routine. You can get the most from your investment with good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth after every meal and floss every day. Limit dark foods and drinks. If you can’t resist a cup of coffee, drink it all at once using a straw to reduce its contact with your teeth. Rinse your mouth with water after having anything that may stain your enamel. As a general rule, if it can stain a white t-shirt, it can stain your teeth. Your dentist can also provide you with a touch-up kit to maintain your results.
Dental insurance doesn’t cover elective services, like teeth whitening. However, your dental benefits may cover your initial consultation and diagnostic services for a co-pay. Depending on your situation, your insurance may pay some of the expenses for any preliminary treatments, like a dental cleaning or filling. After meeting your annual deductible, your insurance can pay 50% to 80% of medically necessary dental treatments until you reach your yearly limit. A member of our office will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize any applicable coverage. If you owe any out-of-pocket expenses, we have several financial solutions, like a monthly payment plan with CareCredit.
