Teeth Whitening – Naples, FL

Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening usually comes at one set price. However, multiple factors can affect the number of treatments you’ll need to achieve your desired results. Some of those include:

• The severity of your staining and discoloration
• The type of discoloration you have (i.e., stains caused by medication, aging, or within the tooth)
• Whether or not you need additional procedures like fillings, crowns, or gum disease therapy

Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?

You might be surprised to learn that there are several different types of teeth whitening to choose from, each one going for a different price point. Let’s take a closer look at what you can usually expect in terms of cost:

• In-Office Teeth Whitening: Usually, this costs anywhere between $400 to $800. There are rare cases where the price may reach $1,000 or more depending on your case.
• Take-Home Whitening: Getting custom-fit whitening trays from your dentist will typically cost a few hundred dollars.
• Over-the-Counter Whitening Products: Store-bought whitening trays often cost under $100. Meanwhile, strips or gels will cost anywhere from $20 to $40 per box. Each one contains enough products to brighten your smile in two weeks.

Fast Teeth Whitening vs. Inexpensive Teeth Whitening

By simply looking at the numbers above, you may wonder why professional whitening treatments are so popular. However, you must remember that the quality of your cosmetic treatment is clearly reflected in the amount you pay. For example, most patients who use store-bought whitening products see little to no results, especially when they have severe discoloration. Sometimes it can take months to achieve their desired level of brightness.

Meanwhile, professional whitening treatments can whiten your smile far more quickly. For in-office treatment, you’ll see results in as little as one session. Take-home whitening kits are effective in only a week or two. When you’re choosing a whitening option, you need to consider what results you’re looking for and how fast you want them – not just the price.

Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable

Since professional teeth whitening is a part of cosmetic dentistry, it’s almost never covered by traditional dental insurance. That means you’ll need to find an alternative way to pay for your treatment. At Island Coast Dentistry, we’re proud to offer third-party financing through CareCredit to help make your treatment more affordable. It allows you to split up the overall cost into smaller monthly installments. These payment plans typically come with little-to-no interest attached, helping you save even more money!

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

You shouldn’t have any room for error when trying to improve your pearly whites. For this reason, you’ll want to use safe products that are specifically meant for your teeth and gums. Products that aren’t ADA or FDA-approved haven’t typically undergone thorough testing, meaning they might potentially result in short- and long-term damage. Professional teeth whitening solutions, however, are much safer, as they’re administered by a qualified dentist and the personalized trays help keep the bleaching solution from accidentally getting ingested or spreading to your gums.

Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

Nearly everyone who is struggling with discoloration or stains in their smile is a good candidate for teeth whitening. The best way to be certain is by scheduling an initial consultation with us at Island Coast Dentistry. Our team will perform a thorough oral examination, check your medical history, and discuss your smile goals to see if this cosmetic treatment is best for you. We’ll also assess if your oral health is in good condition, as we’ll need to address any underlying issues before we can move forward with your procedure, such as cavities and gum disease.

Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?

People who struggle with dental-related anxiety are often reluctant to commit to a teeth whitening procedure due to the assumption that the process will hurt. In reality, since these cosmetic treatments are entirely personalized for each patient, you’d be considerably less likely to experience tooth sensitivity after your appointment. However, be sure to inform our team if you think your pearly whites are predisposed to sensitivity during our initial consultation. This way, we can practice the proper precautions to minimize any uncomfortable sensations, such as using specialty toothpaste or spacing out your whitening visits.

How Can I Make My Teeth Whitening Results Last?

The better you take care of your newly whitened teeth, the longer you can enjoy your bright results. With proper care, you might expect your treatment to last several months to a few years! To preserve your whitening results, consider implementing the following steps:

• Practice solid oral hygiene – Brush twice a day, floss daily (or after every meal), and rinse with mouthwash frequently.
• Moderate your intake of dark-colored meals – Try using a straw when drinking sodas, coffee, or other staining beverages to keep your teeth white for a longer time.
• Visit your dentist routinely – Schedule dental checkups and cleanings every six months to help preserve a healthy and spotless smile.

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?

Sadly, the results of your teeth whitening treatment will not last forever. The good news is that you can prevent stubborn stains from resurfacing with the previously mentioned tips (i.e., avoiding dark-colored beverages, not smoking, brushing every day). You can also visit our cosmetic dentist in Naples for touch-up whitening treatments as needed to prolong the bright, white appearance of your smile.

What’s the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?

One of the biggest differences between professional and store-bought teeth whitening treatments is the products. After all, the ones available for purchase at your local pharmacy or grocery store have diluted brightening agents and one-size-fits-all applicators. There are several other noteworthy differences to consider as well, including the fact that over-the-counter products don’t take into account the cause of your stains, how severe they are, or the state of your oral health. For all of those reasons, it’s better to invest your valuable time and money on professional treatments; they will provide you with the gorgeous results you desire without compromising the state of your teeth and gums.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Take?

How long it takes you to see results depends on a few things, including how severe the stains are. That said, one of the biggest factors is whether you choose an in-office or take-home whitening treatment. That’s because in-office treatments can deliver results in as little as one hour, and take-home whitening treatments typically require two weeks of consistent use. So, if you have a special event that you want a brighter smile for, it’s important to schedule your first appointment sooner rather than later!

Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?

Although dental crowns look like your natural teeth, they are comprised of dental materials like porcelain, which cannot be whitened. That’s why it’s so important to do what you can to prevent discoloration, like drinking coffee and other dark-colored beverages with a straw. If there comes a time when you are no longer happy with the color of your dental crown, then schedule an appointment with Dr. Skupny. That way, he can take a look at your crown, learn more about your aesthetic goals, and review your treatment options.

Is Teeth Whitening Expensive?

Patients often assume that teeth whitening is expensive because it isn’t covered by dental insurance. However, there’s a good chance that it’s more affordable than you think! Plus, we offer financial solutions like CareCredit, so you don’t have to pay for the entire cost of your smile transformation at once. Simply put, you shouldn’t let the cost stop you from scheduling a consultation; we’d be happy to provide you with an estimate of the cost at this appointment and review the financial options we offer as well.