Teeth Whitening in North Dallas
There are many over-the-counter types of toothpaste that contain both fluoride and ingredients to whiten your teeth. Have you tried any of them? If you have, then you may have noticed that your teeth are still somewhat stained and discolored after brushing. That’s because what you are able to purchase over-the-counter is never as strong as what Dr. Greer and his staff can offer in our dental office. Moreover, the longer toothpaste or any other whitening agent sits on the shelf at your grocery store or pharmacy, the weaker the ingredients become. Therefore, for the best teeth whitening, Dallas residents rely on professional treatment from North Dallas dentist Dale W. Greer, D.D.S. Inc.
Why do my teeth discolor?
Just as other parts of the body succumb to the effects of time, so do teeth. Therefore, one of the primary reasons teeth become discolored is the unavoidable aging process—hardly anything you can do about that. Other things that influence the color of your teeth include:
- Your morning cup of coffee or tea
- Some of the foods you eat, such as carrots, berries and chocolate
- Cracks in your teeth that hide microscopic stain-causing particles of food and other debris
- Certain drugs and chemotherapy treatments
- Teeth grinding and clenching
All of these take a toll on the appearance of your smile. Dr. Greer can help with two different types of teeth whitening services.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
If you have a special occasion on the horizon—a graduation, wedding or important career presentation—then you’ll want to choose our in-office teeth whitening system. In just one appointment, you’ll have a smile that is several shades whiter and brighter. After we protect your lips and gums with a rubber dam, the whitening solution is applied to your teeth. Just sit back, relax and let our professional grade whitening system take your smile from drab to fab!
At-Home Whitening
Dr. Greer knows that some of his patients are very busy people and another appointment at the dentist is just not going to fit in their schedules. If this is you, then we have at-home whitening kits. With these, you’ll fill your custom-fitted trays with the whitening gel we provide. Then, wear the trays for about an hour each day for two weeks. You’ll see results after the first treatment, but for the greatest whitening continue using the system for the recommended days.
Call Dallas dentist Dale W. Greer, D.D.S. Inc. to schedule you teeth whitening appointment!
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Nothing portrays youth, confidence, and success like white teeth. If your pearly whites aren’t as bright as they used to be, teeth whitening can turn back the clock. Many factors affect the cost of teeth whitening, but Dr. Dale W. Greer strives to keep a stunning smile within everyone’s budget.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Tooth discoloration can be caused by many factors. Not to mention, teeth come in many shades and tones naturally. Therefore, every treatment plan differs because no two situations are identical. As a result, the amount you’ll pay is based on your individual needs. You can expect your estimate to include:
- Consultation: Besides a visual examination, Dr. Greer may perform other diagnostic services to ensure your mouth is healthy, like X-rays.
- Preparatory Treatments: Your teeth and gums must be healthy before any elective service, including teeth whitening. It’s not unusual to require a little prep work, like a dental cleaning, filling, or gum disease treatment.
- Severity of Discoloration: Severe tooth discoloration may take longer to treat.
Dr. Greer will review your treatment plan during your consultation. You’ll know exactly what to expect on the road ahead and how much it will cost.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
You have multiple options to address tooth stains. Dr. Greer will explain both of your options:
- In-Office Teeth Whitening: Your teeth can get up to 8 shades whiter during your lunch break. A protective barrier is placed over your gums and lips before applying a highly concentrated whitening gel. A special dental light is used for 15 minutes to dissolve stains. The process may be repeated 2 more times to reach your goals.
- Take-Home Teeth Whitening: You can achieve in-office results from your home. Dr. Greer will give you a powerful whitening gel and trays to use daily for 2 weeks. Staining will improve gradually until you achieve dazzling results.
Inexpensive Teeth Whitening vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
Although OTC whitening products are convenient, not everyone is a candidate for teeth whitening. Not all stains respond to whitening kits. Not to mention, they don’t contain professional-grade whitening ingredients, so any improvement will be minimal and won’t last. You can also be at risk of damaging your teeth and gums. It’s better to invest in the experience of a cosmetic dentist.
Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
A member of our dental team will review your estimate and discuss your payment options, like:
- Traditional Payments: Greer accepts cash, personal checks, and credit cards for your convenience.
- Dental Insurance: Dental insurance doesn’t cover teeth whitening, but your benefits may pay some of the expenses for your consultation, diagnostic services, or preliminary procedures.
- Financing: You can pay any out-of-pocket expenses using monthly installments through a third-party financing company, like CareCredit.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Overuse of teeth whitening products can lead to prolonged sensitivity, which is quite uncomfortable. The good news is that professional teeth whitening treatments are created, administered, and supervised by a licensed dental professional. Plus, your treatment plan can be adjusted as needed if you’ve struggled with dental sensitivity in the past – whether that means spacing out your appointments or having you use a special toothpaste in the days or weeks following your treatment.
How Can I Make My Teeth Whitening Results Last?
The easiest way to make your results last is by taking great care of your smile. That starts with a solid at-home oral hygiene regimen and extends to quitting unhealthy habits, like smoking. Of course, your diet also matters, which is why we encourage our patients to eat light-colored foods (i.e., plain yogurt, bananas, white fish) and steer clear of dark-colored beverages, like coffee. Lastly, make sure to prioritize your semi-annual visits to our office so we can remove harmful plaque and tartar as well as stubborn surface stains on an ongoing basis.
Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
If your teeth look more yellow than white, the answer is likely “yes!” That said, the only way to find out if you’re a candidate for teeth whitening is by scheduling a consultation. That way, our Dallas cosmetic dentist can take a look at your teeth and gums, pinpoint the cause of the discoloration, and determine if teeth whitening is the right smile-enhancing treatment for you.
Note: If you aren’t a candidate because the discoloration is permanent, then we will discuss your other treatment options, like veneers.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Take?
The length of your treatment plan will depend largely on how pigmented and stubborn the stains are. Naturally, the type of teeth whitening treatment you choose (in-office vs. take-home) matters as well. Typically, take-home products take about two weeks of consistent use while in-office ones deliver results in about an hour. So, if you have a specific event that you want a white smile for, don’t hesitate to let us know! That way, we can do our best to give you the gorgeous results you desire in time.
Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
No, teeth whitening is not permanent. With a solid oral hygiene regimen in place, the results usually last anywhere from a few months to a few years. To keep your smile nice and bright, we recommend getting touch-up whitening treatments as needed.
Is There Anything I Can’t Eat After Getting My Teeth Whitened?
There are certainly foods we recommend avoiding, including tomato soup, balsamic vinegarette, and soy sauce. We also encourage our patients to stick to water instead of drinking coffee, soda, juice, and other dark-colored beverages. That way, stubborn stains don’t quickly resurface.
