Have you found that your smile has grown dull over the years? Over time, it is natural for teeth to become discolored, yet it is still a characteristic that many people are self-conscious about. Fortunately, at Baltimore Dental Arts, we can help you say goodbye to discoloration. We offer take-home professional teeth whitening to help you achieve those brighter results that you’re looking for.
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to learn more and schedule your professional teeth whitening to enhance the natural beauty your smile holds.
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Tooth discoloration can be caused by a multitude of different factors. Here are some of the more common causes:
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Pigmented foods and beverages
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Using tobacco products
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Sugary and acidic foods
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Aging
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Genetics
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Poor oral hygiene
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Certain medications
While some tooth discoloration can be prevented, sometimes it is completely out of your control. This is because there are two different types of staining: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains occur on the surface of the teeth and are typically caused by foods, drinks, and tobacco products. This is the type of discoloration that can usually be lifted with teeth whitening. Intrinsic stains can occur as a result of medical conditions and medications, so this is something you’ll need to discuss with your doctor.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
If you want to lift discoloration in the comfort of your own home, a take-home teeth whitening kit is a great option. We will start by examining your smile for any existing oral health issues. Next, you will receive customized trays and a whitening gel that’s stronger than anything you can find over the counter. After just a couple of weeks of wearing these trays for a set amount of time each day, you will see beautiful results.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
The results of teeth whitening will last longer if you take the time to maintain them. Here are a handful of tips that will help to keep your teeth pearly white:
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Practice excellent oral hygiene. Brush twice and floss at least once a day.
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Stay away from dark-colored beverages, like coffee, tea, and red wine.
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Avoid using tobacco products.
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Attend your regular checkups every six months.
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Come see us for touch-up treatments as needed.
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Now that we’ve covered who is a candidate, the treatment process, and how to maintain your results, it’s time to discuss the cost. The short answer is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all price. Since each teeth whitening treatment is completely personalized, the price varies. Don’t worry – that doesn’t mean understanding the cost has to be difficult. On the contrary, we’re here to make learning more on the topic as simple as possible. With this in mind, read on to learn the factors that affect the cost, how to make your treatment more affordable, and more!
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Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
At your initial consultation, we will sit down with you one-on-one to learn all about your unique dental needs and smile goals. We will also consider:
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The severity of the discoloration
– If the stains on your teeth are relatively minor, then you may only need one treatment to achieve the desired shade. Of course, if the discoloration is more severe, then multiple treatments may be necessary.
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If any preliminary treatments are necessary
– If we find any oral health issues during your exam, like tooth decay or gum disease, we will need to treat that first. Fortunately, we offer several restorative treatments at our office, so incorporating the right one into your treatment plan is seamless.
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The presence of existing restorations
– Veneers, crowns, and other restorations can’t be whitened. So, we will need to determine if you want to replace any of your existing dental work to achieve a bright, flawless smile.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
From store-bought kits to professional whitening treatments, there are several different types of teeth whitening available. Here is some general information about the cost of each:
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Take-Home Whitening Kits
– Professional take-home kits utilize custom trays and clinically tested whitening agents, and they typically cost a few hundred dollars.
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Store-Bought Whitening Trays
– This whitening solution is typically sold at supermarkets. The average price is about $100, but they are sometimes less depending on the retailer.
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Whitening Gels, Strips, and Toothpastes
– Depending on the brand you choose, these products can be anywhere from $7 to $40 or more.
Inexpensive Teeth Whitening vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
After reading through the above information, you might be considering a more inexpensive option to whiten your teeth. It’s important to remember, however, that many of these products use one-size-fits-all trays and diluted whitening agents, which leads to lackluster results at best. As a result, you could very well end up spending more money (and time!) on the “cost-effective” route.
It’s also worth noting that professional whitening treatments begin with an oral exam, which ensures that your teeth and gums won’t sustain any damage in the process. Sadly, the same cannot be said with store-bought kits. As a result, many patients unintentionally hurt their oral health. Simply put, if you want to preserve your healthy smile while brightening the shade of your teeth, the best choice is to invest in professional treatments.