Teeth Whitening – Beachwood, OH

Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

Almost anyone who has discoloration on their natural teeth is a candidate for teeth whitening. Whether the stains are from beverages, certain medications, tobacco, or other factors, we may be able to help you brighten your smile. This is true regardless of if you have extrinsic (on the surface of the enamel) or intrinsic (beneath the surface of the enamel) discoloration. After we thoroughly evaluate your oral health, we can formulate a plan to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Teeth whitening treatments use a special whitening formula to penetrate the tooth enamel and break up pigment molecules. In our office, we use the remarkable KöR system, which is widely considered to be the most advanced whitening treatment available in modern dentistry. It uses a combination of in-office and take-home approaches to provide optimum results.

Take-Home Teeth Whitening

If you would like to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home, we can provide a custom bleaching kit. All you have to do is use the product as directed, and you can enjoy a gradual journey toward a brighter smile. Take-home teeth whitening usually takes about two weeks.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

The KöR system has been shown to have the ability to whiten teeth up to 16 shades in a single appointment! A unique feature of this treatment is that it is chemically activated rather than light activated. You will not have to spend most of your appointment under a glaring ultraviolent lamp! Plus, unlike most other whitening treatments, KöR is especially formulated to help patients avoid post-treatment pain and sensitivity.

Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile

In order to maintain the results of your whitening treatment, you should:

• Adhere to a thorough daily oral hygiene routine.
• Attend regular dental checkups and cleanings.
• Minimize your intake of highly pigmented foods and beverages. (If you consume dark liquids, it is best to sip them through a straw.)
• Eat nutrient-rich foods that support oral health, such as calcium-rich dairy products.
• Do not smoke or chew tobacco.
• Perform whitening touch-ups if/when necessary.

Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening 

The cost of teeth whitening is affordable for most patients; in fact, it is one of the lowest-priced cosmetic dental services! During your consultation, our team can share some specific numbers with you and make sure you understand your payment options. A brighter smile may be surprisingly affordable!

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Factors that Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is usually one set price, but there are factors that could cause it to cost more, such as:

• The extent of your dental discoloration. Some stains are more stubborn and severe than others, so it may require more time to and effort to achieve your desired results.
• The type of stains. Most stains respond easily to KöR whitening products. However, there are some types of stains that may require extra measures to get rid of. Logically, this can lead to higher costs.
• Other procedures. Your teeth should be healthy before you move forward with teeth whitening. Restorative services, such as fillings, can add to the total cost of your care.

Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost? 

There are four main types of teeth whitening, each of which falls into a different price category:

• In-office teeth whitening tends to be the most expensive option, often costing anywhere from $400 to $800. In some cases, it can run upwards of $1,000 or more.
• Professional take-home teeth whitening kits can cost a few hundred dollars. They are customized for the needs of each unique patient. They are often recommended after in-office treatments to perform periodic touch-ups.
• Over-the-counter whitening trays may cost $100 or less. They are not customized.
• Whitening strips and gels are by far the lowest-priced option. A box usually costs somewhere in the neighborhood of $20 - $40 and contains enough product for a two-week course of whitening.

Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Options

When you look at the numbers listed above, it might seem strange that anyone would choose professional teeth whitening when much cheaper options are available. There are a few reasons:

• Better and faster results. In-office KöR treatment has the potential to whiten teeth by up to 16 shades in just one appointment. The speed at which it works makes it vastly superior to over-the-counter options.
• Professional teeth whitening is done under the guidance of a highly trained dentist, so it carries very little risk of adverse outcomes.
• Professional whitening is tailored to the needs of each patient. Plus, because its take-home kits use trays for your unique mouth, there is little chance that the whitening formula will irritate the soft tissues in your mouth.

Options For Making Teeth Whitening Affordable

Teeth whitening is an elective cosmetic procedure, so you should not expect your dental insurance to help you pay for it. However, there are other options that might make it easier to afford your brighter smile. For example, you may qualify for low-interest financing through CareCredit. The application process is easy, and most patients are eligible for an affordable payment plan. You can also ask us about our in-house dental savings plan.

Are you eager to learn more about teeth whitening and its cost? Get in touch with our team today to request a consultation. We are eager to serve you!