Teeth Whitening – Larchmont Village, CA
Brighten Your Smile on Your Preferred Timeframe
What kind of changes do you want to make to your smile? For many people, the answer to that question is “whiter teeth.” Here at Geller Dentistry, we offer two main kinds of whitening treatments: in-office whitening that can be completed in just one short appointment, or at-home whitening that takes longer but is no less effective. If you’re thinking of having a whitening treatment performed, please call our office today to schedule a cosmetic consultation.
Why Choose Geller Dentistry for Teeth Whitening?
- Quick, Effective In-Office Whitening
- Convenient, Personalized At-Home Whitening
- Experienced, Knowledgeable Husband-and-Wife Team
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
There are numerous reasons for tooth discoloration. The most common culprits include pigmented foods and beverages, the use of tobacco products, aging, poor oral hygiene, certain medications, and even genetics. While some causes are preventable, not all of them are always in your control.
There are two different types of discoloration: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains occur on the surface of the teeth and are typically caused by foods, drinks, and tobacco products. This is the type of discoloration that can usually be lifted with professional whitening treatments. Intrinsic stains can occur from medications, so this is something that you should discuss with your doctor.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
For an in-office teeth whitening procedure, a special gel is applied to the surfaces of your discolored teeth. The ingredients in the gel penetrate the enamel to break up stains, resulting in a brighter appearance. In-office whitening appointments typically take about an hour, allowing you to achieve the results you want quickly.
For at-home whitening, you’ll be given a professional-grade kit with whitening gel and personalized trays. You’ll fill the trays with the gel and wear them for a certain amount of time every day. It usually takes around two weeks to brighten your smile with a take-home whitening kit.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
The results of your teeth whitening will last much longer if you take the time to maintain it. Here are some tips to help you keep your smile bright:
- Practice excellent oral hygiene. Brush twice and floss once a day.
- Limit your consumption of dark-colored beverages, like coffee and red wine.
- Don’t use tobacco products.
- Attend your routine dental cleanings and checkups.
- See us for touch-up treatments as needed.
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is an excellent and relatively affordable way to enhance the appearance of your smile. We won’t be able to determine the exact cost of your whitening treatment till you see us in person. In the meantime, here are some things for you to take into consideration about the cost of your teeth whitening treatment.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is generally one set price, but several different factors could affect how many treatments you need until you reach your desired results. Here are the most prominent ones:
- Severity of Discoloration: If your teeth are very discolored, you may need additional treatments to reach your desired level of whiteness.
- Type of Discoloration: Extrinsic stains are much easier to lift than intrinsic stains.
- Additional Treatments: If you have any existing oral health issues, this will need to be addressed ahead of time. Other treatments will incur their own costs.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
There are several different methods when it comes to whitening teeth. They all have different effectiveness and different costs. Here is what you can generally expect based on what you choose:
- In-Office Teeth Whitening: This usually costs somewhere between $300 and $800. In some cases, it can cost upwards of $1000.
- Take-Home Teeth Whitening: Professional take-home teeth whitening kits usually cost a few hundred dollars.
- Over-the-Counter Trays: Teeth whitening trays that you can find over the counter usually cost up to $100 or less.
- Over-the-Counter Strips/Gels: This is the most affordable option out there. These boxes can cost between $20 and $40 on average and contain enough product to last about two weeks.
Fast Teeth Whitening VS Inexpensive Teeth Whitening
When you look at the numbers above, you may be wondering why people choose professional teeth whitening when over-the-counter options are so much cheaper. However, it’s important to remember that when it comes to cosmetic dentistry, the quality of the work you receive is clearly reflected in the amount you invest in your smile. When you choose cheaper options, like over-the-counter strips and gels, you likely won’t see significant results, or it will take months to see the changes you are looking for. On the other hand, professional treatments are designed to lighten tooth enamel by multiple shades in a shorter period of time. For in-office treatment, you can see your desired results in as little as one visit. For professional take-home options, you will notice changes in just a couple of weeks. When you are choosing a tooth whitening option, it’s important to consider the results you are looking for and the timeframe – not just the cost.
Options For Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
Teeth whitening is not covered by dental insurance because it is an elective procedure. But this doesn’t mean that you will be left completely on your own. We accept payments through CareCredit – a third-party financing company that can split the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little to no interest. To learn how you can apply, reach out to one of our friendly team members!
To find out the exact cost of your whitening treatment, schedule a consultation with us. We are eager to help you achieve a brighter smile!
Teeth Whitening FAQs
What’s the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?
If you are deciding between a take-home teeth whitening treatment and a store-bought kit, you might be wondering if there’s any difference outside of cost. The short answer is “yes!” To start, professional treatments complete a comprehensive oral exam to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. We also consider the source of the discoloration, how severe the stains are, and if you have any existing dental work. That way, the final result is a smile that’s bright, healthy, and beautiful.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Take?
There are a few factors that influence the answer, including:
- If you need any preliminary care – If you need a tooth-colored filling, gum disease therapy, or any restorative treatments, then that will add more time to your treatment plan.
- Your unique aesthetic goals – While some patients achieve the results they desire with one in-office visit, others need two or more to get the level of brightness they want.
- The type of whitening treatment you choose – In-office treatments can lighten your teeth by up to eight shades in a single visit, but take-home ones typically take two weeks to deliver the same results.
Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
Unfortunately, the results of your teeth whitening treatment won’t last forever. The good news is that there are several easy steps you can take to prolong the results, like brushing twice a day, limiting your intake of dark-colored drinks, and scheduling a dental checkup and cleaning every six months. Of course, you also need to avoid doing anything that could cause noticeable, yellow stains to resurface, like smoking.
What Can I Eat Following My Teeth Whitening Treatment?
It’s important to eat plain yogurt, egg whites, white fish, cottage cheese, and other light-colored foods that won’t cause stubborn stains to quickly resurface. Simultaneously, limit your intake of beets, dark chocolate, marinara sauce, and the like.
Can I Drink Coffee After Whitening My Teeth?
We recommend not drinking coffee immediately after your teeth whitening treatment. Once you do get the green light to do so, you should use a straw to prevent the liquid from coming in contact with your teeth. Then, when you’re done, you should rinse your mouth thoroughly with clean water. If you can, brush your teeth about 20 minutes after, too.
Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?
No, teeth whitening does not work on dental crowns. That’s why it’s so important for your cosmetic dentist in Larchmont Village to consider your unique dental history, needs, and goals when creating your treatment plan. It’s the only way to ensure the final result is a bright, seamless, and healthy smile!