What is Teeth Whitening?
Having whiter, brighter teeth is one of the top priorities for people who want their smiles to shine. Professional teeth whitening is the best way to remove discoloration and stains. Few people can achieve the results they want from consumer-grade teeth whiteners, and using these products improperly can actually damage your teeth and gums.
Dr. Harris recommends teeth whitening for people who have stains and discoloration caused by:
- Age-related thinning of the enamel, the outer shell of your teeth
- Smoking that results in a build-up of tar and nicotine on the teeth
- Food and beverages that contain natural or artificial dark pigments
- Medications that are known to discolor the teeth
- Trauma that causes the body to repair the tooth with additional dentin, the darker layer below the outer enamel
Benefits of Teeth Whitening by an Orthodontist
Having Dr. Harris and her staff whiten your teeth has many benefits, such as:
- Easy process
- One treatment gives consistent, long-term results
- Achieving the greatest improvement possible
- Whiter, brighter smile after just one treatment
Preparing for Teeth Whitening
If you are considering teeth whitening, contact us to schedule a consultation with board-certified orthodontist Dr. Kelly Harris. She will examine your teeth and advise you as to your options for teeth whitening. You may not be a good candidate for teeth whitening if you have:
- Natural tooth color or discoloration that is brown or gray
- Certain dental appliances, such as caps, veneers, fillings or crowns
- History of trauma that has discolored your teeth
- Prescribed medications that are known to discolor the teeth
Recovery from Teeth Whitening
Your teeth may be sensitive after your whitening session, and Dr. Harris can recommend a special toothpaste to help reduce the sensitivity. For most patients, the sensitivity subsides over time. In order to prolong the effects of teeth whitening, you should avoid smoking, as well as food and beverages that may stain your teeth.
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?
Teeth whitening is a fairly affordable option. Unfortunately, most dental insurances consider the procedure cosmetic, so you will likely be responsible for the entire cost of the treatment. We have provided insurance information below for patients who have insurance that includes teeth whitening.
Payment can be made by:
- Cash, personal check and credit card
- In-house financing options
