Teeth Whitening – Hamden, CT

Why Do Teeth Discolor?

Genetics play a significant factor in the shade of your enamel, as some people were just born with whiter teeth than others. But no matter how bright, that natural color is likely to change over time. As we get older, our teeth grow more brittle. It’s not really a bad thing, but it means that the enamel is more likely to absorb the colors of things that you eat and drink, like coffee, red wine, berries, and the list goes on. People who smoke will experience more significant staining, and less-than-perfect dental hygiene habits may cause the teeth to yellow.

There are two types of stains: intrinsic, or those that live below the tooth enamel, and extrinsic, which exist right on top. You may be able to lighten some extrinsic staining with a whitening toothpaste or over-the-counter treatment, but to reach below the tooth enamel where the stains really live, you’ll need to partner with your cosmetic dentist for a professional treatment.

Zoom! Teeth Whitening

Do you want a brighter smile, but you’ve tried every store bought whitening product available with little to no change? You’re not alone. Luckily, there’s a better option – professional teeth whitening using the innovative Zoom! system. This in-office teeth whitening treatment offers predictably brighter smiles up to ten shades lighter in about an hour. Zoom! teeth whitening uses an accelerant light to speed up the whitening processing, allowing patients to see the dramatic results they desire right away and spend less time in our dental office and more time sharing their brilliant smiles. Following Zoom! teeth whitening, we can also provide fluoride treatment to help patients avoid the dental sensitivity that can occur following teeth whitening.

How Does Take-Home Whitening Work?

Our dental office offers take-home teeth whitening, which is associated with less sensitivity than other options in professional whitening. You will wear the kit for about half an hour each evening. It’s best to whiten at night when you’re finished eating and drinking for the day, as your teeth will be more susceptible to staining immediately after each application.

With trays customized to your unique dentition, the high powered bleaching gel is held right up against your tooth enamel for maximum whitening. Results are revealed over the course of about two weeks. The benefits of take-home professional teeth whitening include:

• Professional grade gel reveals maximum results
• Easy to use at home
• Breaks through even the toughest stains
• Customized treatment protects your soft oral tissues from injury
• Results can last for years with proper hygiene

How Can I Maintain My Results?

Once we have helped you reveal your brightest, whitest smile, we want you to keep it that way! Take heed of our post-whitening advice and you may never need a retreatment again. To enjoy your brightest smile for as long as possible, try to:

• Maintain proper oral hygiene. Brush for two minutes twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly for routine checkups and cleanings.
• Rinse your mouth out with water after eating or drinking highly pigmented foods and beverages.
• Chew sugarless gum after and between meals.
• Drink dark beverages, teas, and sodas through a straw to avoid contact with your tooth enamel.
• Avoid tobacco use of any kind.

Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening

If all of that sounds great, you might be wondering how much a professional teeth whitening treatment will cost! The expenses can vary depending on which method you choose and a number of other factors, but we can give you a pretty good idea of what to expect with the information below. Give it a read, and if you have any questions, be sure to let us know.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening

As mentioned, there are a few factors besides the method of whitening that can affect the cost of your treatment. For example:

• Discoloration severity. While most cases of dental staining can be taken care of with one round of whitening, more severe stains may take multiple sessions.
• Prior treatment. If you have cavities or gum disease, it’s important to take care of these issues first, otherwise your whitening will be uncomfortable and might not be as effective.
• Existing dental work. Teeth whitening generally doesn’t work well on veneers, crowns, fillings, or other similar restorations. For a truly seamless smile, we recommend replacing your dental work after whitening so the color-match is consistent.

Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?

These numbers can vary too, but in general, these are the average prices you’ll find:

• Professional in-office whitening: $400 - $800.
• Professional take-home whitening kit: $100 - $500.
• Store-bought whitening kits: $100 or less.
• Other store-bought whitening products: Anywhere from $7 - $40.

Professional Teeth Whitening VS Store-Bought Teeth Whitening

Clearly, store-bought whitening methods are the cheaper option. However, you’ll get what you pay for! Commercial products have lower concentrations of bleaching agents, and any trays you’ll find are mass produced, meaning they won’t fit your teeth as precisely as they could. This makes it difficult for them to produce safe, quality whitening results.

As qualified professionals, we can use stronger – and safer – agents, and can customize your take-home trays to promote better tooth-to-gel contact. At the end of the day, a professional treatment is going to be more expensive, but also more effective!

Options For Making Teeth Whitening Affordable

Dental insurance doesn’t usually cover the cost of a teeth whitening – which is why we offer multiple alternatives for making treatment more affordable. Here’s how you can save money on teeth whitening at our practice:

• Special offer: We’re currently offering $50 off our in-office Zoom! Teeth Whitening treatment.
• CareCredit financing: CareCredit allows you to pay for expenses in smaller, monthly installments.
• Bright Smile Club: Our in-house membership plan can be paid monthly or annually, and entitles patients to certain deals and discounts.

Remember, if you have any questions regarding the cost of teeth whitening in Hamden, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly staff!

Let’s Get Started On Your Best Smile!

Are you interested in professional teeth whitening? A take-home kit can help reveal a smile you’ll be proud of. Please don’t hesitate to request an appointment today!