Appointment RequestTeeth Whitening Vero Beach
The Simple Way to a Brighter Smile
Teeth naturally incur stains over time. As you enjoy dark foods and beverages, their pigments can seep into your enamel and cause it to look a bit yellow, dull, or lackluster. Of course, just because dental discoloration is natural does not mean that you have to lie down and accept it! Professional teeth whitening services in our Vero Beach dental office may be able to brighten your smile by several shades! Continue reading below to learn more about this cosmetic dentistry treatment option.
Why Choose Ocean Oaks Dental Group of Vero Beach for Teeth Whitening?
- Take-Home and In-Office Whitening Available
- Powerful Formulas that Produce Fast Results
- We Prioritize Patient Safety & Oral Health
Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening can be a suitable option for almost anyone with dental stains, whether the stains are intrinsic (inside the tooth enamel) or extrinsic (on the surface of the enamel). It is an effective way to get rid of discoloration caused by foods, beverages, smoking, and other factors.
Of course, teeth whitening is not right for everyone. It does not work on veneers and crowns, so you may need a different cosmetic dental solution if you have such restorations toward the front of your mouth. It is also important that your oral tissues are healthy enough for cosmetic treatments.
Our team can let you know if teeth whitening is a good fit for you.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening products use powerful bleaching formulas, which penetrate the tooth enamel and break up unwanted pigment molecules, resulting in brighter and whiter teeth. In our practice, we use the LumiSmile whitening system, which features hydrogen peroxide as its main ingredient. Both take-home and in-office whitening treatments are available.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
LumiSmile take-home whitening kits use custom teeth trays and a strong bleaching formula. Simply use your kit as prescribed, and you should start to notice a difference within a few days. However, your final results may take a couple of weeks. This option is ideal for patients who have sensitive teeth or who simply want to whiten their teeth in the comfort of their own space.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
An in-office whitening treatment only takes about one hour. We simply apply the formula to your teeth (we make sure your gums are protected), activate it with a special light, and rinse it off once it has been on your teeth for the appropriate amount of time. This is a great option if you have an upcoming event and want to achieve results as quickly as possible.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
The results of teeth whitening may last for a few months or a few years; it really depends on how you take care of your smile! To keep your teeth as bright as possible for as long as possible, you should:
- Stick to a thorough oral hygiene routine.
- Minimize your consumption of highly pigmented foods and beverages.
- Avoid the use of cigarettes and chewing tobacco.
- Visit us for touch-up whitening when necessary.
- Attend regular professional dental cleanings.
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Our team will be happy to speak to you about the cost of teeth whitening when you visit us for a cosmetic consultation. Generally speaking, it is one of the most affordable aesthetic services, often starting around a few hundred dollars. It can be an economical way to spruce up your smile!
Factors that Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening services are usually one set price, but there are some factors that can affect their cost:
- The type of discoloration. Some types of severe or stubborn discoloration require special attention, which logically leads to higher fees.
- Preliminary care. Because your oral health is our top priority, we cannot provide teeth whitening if you have any oral health issues that have not been properly addressed. For example, some patients need fillings or gum disease treatment before they move forward with whitening.
- The type of teeth whitening you choose. At-home and in-office whitening can have different prices.
Types of Teeth Whitening: Which Option Offers the Best Value?
There are four main types of teeth whitening, each with its own benefits and level of effectiveness:
- In-office teeth whitening offers the most dramatic and immediate results, brightening your smile in just one visit with professional-strength whitening agents and expert application.
- Take-home professional whitening kits provide a convenient and highly effective way to achieve noticeable whitening within a couple of weeks. Custom-fitted trays ensure even coverage and optimal results.
- Over-the-counter whitening trays offer a more affordable option but lack customization, which can lead to uneven results. While they may provide some improvement, they are less effective than professional treatments.
- Over-the-counter whitening strips and gels are the most accessible option for gradual whitening. While they require consistent use over time, they offer a simple way to enhance your smile at home.
Professional Teeth Whitening Vs Store-Bought Options: What’s the Best Value?
At first glance, professional teeth whitening may seem like a bigger investment compared to over-the-counter options. However, professional treatments provide greater value by delivering superior results and enhanced safety. Here’s why:
- More Effective Results – Professional whitening treatments use stronger, clinically tested formulas that brighten teeth more effectively and, in less time, than store-bought products. Custom application ensures even long-lasting results.
- Enhanced Safety – We use LumiSmile whitening products, which have a proven track record of safety. Our team prioritizes your oral health, ensuring whitening is right for you and minimizing sensitivity. In contrast, some over-the-counter products lack FDA or ADA approval and may pose risks to your teeth and gums.
Options For Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
Because teeth whitening is a purely cosmetic procedure, you should not expect your dental insurance to cover it. Fortunately, because whitening is relatively low-priced, it may not be difficult to fit into your budget.
Are you eager to learn more about teeth whitening and its cost? Get in touch with our Vero Beach team to ask questions or request a cosmetic consultation.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
The LumiSmile products that we use are designed to promote patient comfort. The formula contains a built-in desensitizing agent, and for in-office treatments, we apply a desensitizing gel. Plus, if you are prone to sensitivity, we can prescribe a whitening plan that uses a less concentrated formula so it is gentler on your teeth.
Still, some patients notice a temporary increase in dental sensitivity after getting their teeth whitened. Often, this lasts for just a few days, and you can minimize discomfort by taking some practical measures. For example, you should avoid hot, cold, spicy, and acidic foods. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help.
What Is the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?
Professional and store-bought whitening systems often use similar active ingredients, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. However, there are some big differences between the two:
- Effectiveness: Professional products are more highly concentrated and work better for stubborn stains than over-the-counter options.
- Safety: We use products that have a track record of safety, and we will make sure your oral health is sound before whitening your teeth. Some over-the-counter whitening products use overly abrasive ingredients, such as activated charcoal, that may harm enamel.
- Customization: We customize our whitening services for each patient. This can help you conquer tough stains and minimize posttreatment sensitivity.
Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?
Teeth whitening formulas do not damage tooth enamel. In fact, when they are properly used, they are quite safe!
With that being said, it is important to avoid misuse or overuse of whitening products. Whitening your teeth too frequently could cause enamel erosion and uneven coloration on your enamel. Similarly, some DIY teeth whitening “hacks” use acidic or abrasive ingredients that can cause damage.
For a truly safe teeth whitening journey, you should entrust yourself to a qualified cosmetic dentist in Vero Beach.
Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?
No, teeth whitening is not effective on dental crowns. That is simply because natural teeth and crowns are made of very different materials. While a whitening formula can penetrate natural enamel, it cannot do the same with materials like ceramic and porcelain.
If you are unhappy with the color of one of your crowns, talk to our team about your options. We might be able to polish it to improve its appearance. If it is damaged or severely discolored, it might need to be replaced.
Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
Sadly, teeth whitening is not permanent. This treatment does not change the fact that your teeth are porous, and they are able to absorb pigment molecules from the foods you eat. Over time, you are likely to find that your teeth start to incur new stains.
However, you can keep your smile bright by taking some simple steps. For example, you can minimize your intake of highly pigmented foods and beverages. It is also important that you avoid the use of tobacco products and stick to a good oral hygiene routine.
With proper care, your results may last several months to a year or longer. When necessary, our team can help you re-brighten your smile with touch-up whitening services.