Teeth Whitening in Philadelphia

Why Should I Consider Professional Teeth Whitening?

Professional teeth whitening offers immediate, predictable results you can depend on to give you more confidence in professional and social situations. Dramatically brighter pearly whites make you look younger, more attractive, and healthier. Despite these obvious benefits, you should also consider in-office whitening because it is safe. You will be monitored by dental professionals throughout the process. The amount of time it will take to whiten your teeth will depend on the severity of the staining. On average, a cosmetic whitening treatment takes 60 to 90 minutes.

Our dentist will perform an examination of your teeth before an in-office whitening treatment. He or she will look for intrinsic staining, which is stains inside your teeth from an injury or certain medications. Teeth bleaching will not affect these stains, nor will it change the color of restorations, such as crowns or veneers. Whitening treatments are highly effective on teeth yellowed by age, smoking, or consuming dark beverages. Call us to arrange a consultation with our dentist, who can devise a treatment plan to help you reach your cosmetic goals.

What Is a Professional At-Home Teeth Whitening Kit?

You also have the option of taking home a kit our dentist makes specifically for you to use at home. You have a custom whitening tray and professional-grade teeth bleaching gel to use as directed, typically for an hour a day for two weeks. Our dentist has the tray made from a mold of your teeth, ensuring protection for your gums. The tray also fits perfectly, which keeps saliva from diluting the bleaching solution and making your results inconsistent. Call our office to arrange a consultation with our teeth bleaching dentist and learn if in-office or an at-home whitening option is better for you.

What Does a Teeth Whitening Treatment Cost?

Please call us to arrange a consultation so our teeth bleaching dentist can evaluate your unique needs. Your teeth bleaching cost depends on the whitening system our dentist selects, the extent of staining and the number of treatments needed to reach your goal. Our fee also depends on whether you have restorations that have to be color matched. We do our best to make teeth bleaching affordable to everyone who would like to have the nicest possible smile.

Do Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products Work?

We see patients come in for an in-office teeth whitening treatment after being disappointed by whitening toothpastes, strips, and other products sold in stores. OTC products are less expensive than an in-office whitening treatment, but you will not get the same results with their one-size-fits-all approach and weak bleaching solution. In-office teeth whitening and dentist-supplied kits for teeth whitening at home use a strong bleaching gel you cannot buy in stores. Even the most expensive OTC products can never match the results you’ll see with in-office whitening. If you want your teeth noticeably whiter, call our office and request a teeth whitening consultation.

What Are the Steps in a Teeth Whitening Treatment?

While different whitening systems can vary in their steps, you should expect:

1. An examination to check for decay and a dental teeth cleaning to remove plaque. If you have decay, your dentist will address the problem before your whitening treatment to avoid irritation.
2. Your dentist will take a photo of your teeth or determine their color on a shade guide to use as a benchmark.
3. Your dentist will use a cheek retractor to expose the teeth that will show when you smile and to protect the insides of your cheeks.
4. A protective liquid dam is applied to your gums.
5. Your dentist applies the whitening agent and leaves it on for a set period. He or she may do this multiple times. A special light may shine on your teeth during this step to enhance the results.
6. You and your dentist judge the results and decide if you will need a follow-up visit or at-home kit to reach the level of whiteness desired. You’ll also learn how to deal with any minor tooth sensitivity afterward.

To maintain your results for as long as possible, avoid smoking and limit your consumption of foods and beverages that will stain your teeth. Regular dental exams and teeth cleanings also help you maintain your bright smile. You can keep your teeth white for several years this way.

If you are ready for a magnetic smile that attracts smiles from others, contact us to learn more about affordable teeth whitening in Philadelphia. We will schedule a consultation for you.