Teeth Whitening – Plano, TX
A Quick and Affordable Way to Improve Your Smile
Has your smile lost a bit of its old sparkle? Is the shade of your teeth starting to appear dull and dreary? If you answered yes, it may be causing you to lose confidence in sharing your smile with the world!
The good news is that whitening your teeth is a fast and effective way to restore brightness to your smile. What’s more, whitening tends to be more affordable than other cosmetic treatments. Here’s what you should know about teeth whitening in Plano.
What Causes the Brightness of My Smile to Fade?
There are many factors that can affect the brightness of your teeth including:
- The foods we eat such as berries, soy sauce, curry, and marinara
- Certain types of antibiotics and other medications such as antihistamines
- Beverages we enjoy like coffee, tea, dark cola, and red wine can stain teeth
- Age and genetics also play a role in tooth discoloration
- Lifestyle choices such as smoking or tobacco use discolors teeth
Why Should I Choose Professional Teeth Whitening?
When you visit your local drug store, you are bombarded with hundreds of over-the-counter (OTC) products that claim to brighten your smile. These may seem more cost effective at first, but here are some things to consider before you make your choice.
- Your dentist utilizes a much higher strength whitening gel that can achieve results faster and more effectively than OTC products.
- You will receive custom whitening options with your dentist instead of one-size-fits-all products that may be ill-fitting.
- Safety is a top priority at your dentist and they will help you avoid any concerns with sensitivity or other issues during whitening.
What Are My Options for Professional Whitening?
Dr. Stokes offers both in-office and take-home whitening treatments at our Plano, dental practice. In-office treatment is excellent for patients who need immediate results as you will leave with teeth that are six to ten shades lighter after one short appointment.
Custom take-home whitening trays give patients the option to whiten their teeth in the comfort of their own home whenever it fits their schedule with the safety of using trays that are designed to fit their teeth. Even better, you’ll always be able to update your smile in the future with take-home whitening trays since you can purchase additional whitening gel from our office.
Contact Our Office to Learn More
If you’d like to learn more about how your dentist in Plano can help improve your smile, give Dr. Stokes a call today for more information on teeth whitening or cosmetic dentistry.
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
If you’re interested in teeth whitening, one of the big questions you may have in mind probably concerns the
overall cost of the treatment. Since every person’s case is different, there is no true set cost when it comes
to teeth whitening; however, there are numerous factors in play that influence the final price tag. Here’s a
closer look at some of the things we’ll need to consider when you approach us to whiten your smile—and
if you have any questions about cosmetic
dentistry, don’t hesitate to contact our team!
Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
There are various factors in play that can affect the cost of teeth whitening, including:
- Severity of Your Staining – Patients with severe staining may need multiple treatments to achieve their desired results.
- Types of Stains Are Present – Stains can be intrinsic or extrinsic, and can occur due to a variety of reasons, including genetics, age, and lifestyle habits.
- Existing Dental Restorations – You can’t whiten veneers, crowns, or other dental work the same way you can whiten teeth; these may need to be replaced for your smile to be uniformly white.
- Other Oral Health Issues – If you’re suffering from present oral issues such as gum disease or untreated cavities, they’ll need to be treated before you can receive whitening.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
As you might expect, different types of teeth whitening treatments come with different costs. Here’s a brief
breakdown of what you can usually expect:
- In-Office Whitening Treatment – Generally, these treatments cost between $400 and $800, though this range can vary.
- Take-Home Whitening Kits – These consist of professional-grade materials and custom-made trays. They’re just as effective as in-office treatments and usually cost a few hundred dollars.
- Store-Bought Whitening Trays – With these over-the-counter products, the quality is reflected in the price; although they may only cost $100 or less, they produce lackluster results.
- Strips, Gels, & Whitening Toothpastes – These options are normally the cheapest, often costing between $20 and $50. They rely on cheaper, diluted bleaching agents, meaning that the results they produce will be very unimpressive and short-lived.
DIY Teeth Whitening vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
Many patients feel inclined to go with the cheapest whitening solution to save money, and while there’s nothing
wrong with this, it’s worth noting the drastic difference in the quality of results, as well as the overall
patient experience, between DIY whitening and professional whitening. Professional teeth whitening may come with a
higher price point, but it ensures beautiful, lasting results that are customized for your unique smile—a
guarantee that store-bought options cannot ensure. Plus, having our team oversee your procedure while ensuring that
it’s safe, comfortable, and effective can provide you with priceless peace of mind!
Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
Since teeth whitening is an elective service, it isn’t normally covered by dental insurance, as it comes with
no oral health benefits. That said, you can still make the burden on your wallet easier. Our practice is proudly
partnered with CareCredit, a third-party financer who offers low-interest, flexible plans to qualifying patients.
Don’t hesitate to contact us to speak with a
team member and learn more!
Teeth Whitening Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have more questions about teeth whitening in Plano? Well, you are in luck! Below are some of the most common questions our team receives from patients about brightening their smile, along with our answers.
If you still have questions after reading this FAQ section, please feel free to contact our office and schedule a consultation with Dr. Shannon Stokes. He is always happy to talk with patients about their personal smile goals!
Is the Teeth Whitening Process Safe?
Teeth whitening in consultation with a cosmetic dentist in Plano is an extremely safe treatment. Dr. Stokes has over 18 years of experience practicing cosmetic dentistry and will take every step necessary to ensure your maximum comfort throughout in-office teeth whitening. This includes taking proper precautions to protect your gums from coming into contact with the bleaching agent.
If you opt for at-home teeth whitening treatment, Dr. Stokes will give you step-by-step instructions on how to properly use your custom whitening trays to safely and effectively achieve the smile you desire.
How Long Will My Teeth Stay White?
Visiting Dr. Stokes for in-office teeth whitening or brightening your smile on your own schedule with a professional take-home kit both can deliver dazzling results. However, no teeth whitening treatment lasts forever. Most patients can expect their professional teeth whitening results to remain noticeable for a year or a little more.
How long your teeth stay white after professional treatment will depend in large part on you! To keep your smile looking rejuvenated and bright for as long as possible, try to avoid eating or drinking dark foods and beverages like black coffee, red wine and pasta dishes with red sauce. Frequently consuming foods and drinks such as these can quickly darken your teeth.
In addition to your diet, practicing proper oral hygiene at home by brushing twice a day and flossing daily, along with visiting a dentist twice a year for a routine checkup, are essential to maintaining your beautiful white smile.
Are There Any Side Effects?
There are no major side effects involved with professional teeth whitening in Plano. While you may experience some slight tooth sensitivity or mild irritation of the gums after treatment, any such sensations are temporary and will quickly subside. Dr. Stokes has the experience and expertise to minimize any side effects from in-office teeth whitening and can provide guidance on how to properly use at-home whitening kits to avoid tooth sensitivity or gum irritation.
Does Teeth Whitening Damage Tooth Nerves?
There is no scientific evidence that demonstrates that professional teeth whitening harms the health of a tooth’s nerves. In research reviewed by the Cleveland Clinic, no individuals who used a teeth whitening system ended up needing a root canal procedure after four and half years or seven years after the initial whitening treatment.
Does My Insurance Cover Teeth Whitening Treatment?
While every plan is different, dental insurance typically does not cover cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening. If you are curious to know how much professional teeth whitening in Plano costs, your best bet is to schedule a visit with Dr. Stokes so he can evaluate your teeth and mouth. Every smile is unique, so there is no one-size-fits-all cost.
