If you feel uncomfortable with your teeth, your outlook may change. You may feel less like smiling in photos or when you meet a friend. Fortunately, it's easy to achieve a brilliant smile when you visit your family dentist for teeth whitening.

Why Teeth Become Discolored

Many patients who enjoy beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine may find that their teeth become stained. Personal habits like tobacco use also lead to tooth discoloration. Medications like tetracycline may create tooth stains. Finally, natural aging leads to a yellowed appearance since the enamel wears away over time to reveal the dentin underneath.

How Teeth Whitening Works

Professional teeth whitening uses a safe peroxide solution to break up stains. The peroxide molecules enter pores in the enamel, eliminating stains from within.

Teeth Whitening Options

In-Office Teeth Whitening

First, the practitioner protects your lips, cheeks, and gums from the solution. They may use plastic retractors and a rubber-like coating.

 

The next step is applying the peroxide gel to your teeth. Some whitening products require the use of a specialized light to activate the gel, while others are chemically activated.

 

After the gel works for a set amount of time, the practitioner will rinse it away. They may repeat the treatment two to three times during one whitening session.

 

After thorough rinsing and a fluoride treatment to remineralize and rehydrate your teeth, you will enjoy a bright, gorgeous smile. The results of professional teeth whitening may last as long as three years if you are conscientious.

At-Home Professional Teeth Whitening

At-home professional whitening uses a gentler version of the exact solutions used in the office. You may receive pre-filled trays or custom trays. Your dentist will provide instructions on how long to wear them to produce the desired results. At-home whitening is more gradual than in-office whitening but produces equally attractive results.

Over-The-Counter Whitening

Many patients believe that over-the-counter products are as safe and effective as professional whitening, but you must use them with caution. Some preparations found online contain high levels of peroxide and can damage soft tissue and cause extreme sensitivity. Strips and toothpaste purchased in a supermarket or pharmacy are safe when used as directed but take much longer than professional whitening to achieve results.

How to Keep Your Teeth Whiter Longer

• Avoid staining foods and beverages
• Quit smoking if possible
• Practice excellent oral hygiene
• Keep all scheduled dental appointments

Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening

Can I still get my teeth whitened if they are sensitive?

You can receive professional whitening if you have sensitive teeth. Let your dentist know your concerns, and they can adapt your treatment to maximize your comfort.

Can I have my teeth whitened if I have crowns?

Whitening agents only work on natural enamel, so they do not affect crowns, composite fillings, or bridges. Talk to your dentist about whitening options.

Call Cambridge Family Dentistry

We would love to show you how teeth whitening can improve your self-confidence and take years off your appearance. Please call our Cambridge, MA, office at 617-868-7479 for an appointment today.

Teeth whitening enhances smiles and can be life-changing with the confidence that it brings. Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, so having one you feel good about is important. 

 

Even though most people are not born with a perfect set of teeth, everyday life can change them over the years. Teeth can become cracked, chipped, crooked, or lost. And while many different dental procedures can help you take care of these issues, there is one simple step you can take today to transform your smile - and that is teeth whitening. 

To remove unwanted stains and discolorations that impact the appearance of your smile, professional in-office or at-home whitening treatments can help. 

If you are ready to find your pearly whites again, let’s talk about how much teeth whitening treatment costs in Cambridge, MA. 

 

What You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening treatments today are much more effective than they used to be. 

It is not uncommon to visit your dentist for an in-office treatment and walk out with a beautiful white smile. These treatments can make teeth many shades lighter in just a one-hour visit.

Although it depends on the type of teeth whitening treatment you choose, the results will often last for quite a while - especially if you take a few extra steps. 

• Practice good oral hygiene, brushing at least two per day and flossing at least once. 
• Stop smoking.
• Avoid foods and beverages that cause staining. 

 

It is important to know that, while most discolorations and stains can be removed with a teeth-whitening treatment, some cannot. Your dentist will be able to offer additional cosmetic dentistry treatments to ensure you achieve the smile you are dreaming of. 

 

Factors that Influence the Cost of Teeth Whitening

There is not one set cost for teeth whitening. Rather, many factors influence the cost of this treatment, including:

Type of whitening treatment. There are many different types of teeth whitening treatments, including over-the-counter whitening kits, professional at-home whitening treatments, and professional in-office whitening treatments.

It should be noted that over-the-counter whitening kits that you can buy at the store are low-quality and will give you the least noticeable results. If you are looking for significant whitening, then you need professional teeth whitening treatments from your dentist. 

The brand of the whitening treatment. There are many different brands of whitening treatments to choose from, each promising the greatest results. Keep in mind that the cost of the treatment often correlates with the results. So, the cheaper drugstore version will not provide you with the same results as the at-home kit you purchase from your dentist. 

Geographical location. The cost of dental services, including teeth whitening, varies based on geographical location. 

 

The Cost of Teeth Whitening in Cambridge, MA

So, how much does professional teeth whitening cost in Cambridge, MA? It highly depends on the treatment you choose. 

Opalescence offers you both in-office and at-home whitening options, generally costing less than $500 for treatment. Kor whitening, on the other hand, averages between $500 and $700 for at-home treatment and upwards of $1,000 for in-office whitening. 

Talk to your dentist to determine the best teeth whitening treatment option for your teeth. 

Teeth Whitening in Cambridge, MA

If you want a smile you can feel confident about, then teeth whitening is a great place to start. The dental team at Cambridge Family Dentistry offers a few different options to meet your needs.

Contact us today at 617-868-7479 to get started. Or, request an appointment online.