Teeth Whitening San Marcos

Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

Overall, nearly anyone can get teeth whitening. Qualifying for the service isn’t hard. So long as you’re fairly healthy, you’ll likely be a good candidate for it.

Of course, some patients benefit more from the option than others. Ideal candidates are those with stubborn and severe tooth stains. With treatment, such discoloration can be quickly removed and reversed. (Just make sure your teeth and gums are in good shape first. When they are, we’ll work on your custom treatment plan.)

To confirm your candidacy, book a consultation at our office. This visit lets Dr. Howard closely examine your mouth. From there, he can learn whether whitening suits your grin.

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?

Sadly, the effects of teeth whitening aren’t permanent. They’ll last anywhere from a few months to a few years. After that period, you’ll need touch-ups to keep your grin white.

All that said, there are ways to prolong your results. Some of the best ones include:

• Good Oral Hygiene – By brushing twice daily and flossing once daily, you can prevent new tooth stains.
• Dental Checkups – Your grin will stay bright if you attend your six-month checkups and cleanings.
• No Bad Oral Habits – Tobacco and alcohol can often stain a patient’s teeth. So, try not to consume these substances.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

When done by a qualified dentist, teeth whitening is very safe. It shouldn’t harm your mouth; instead, the service will only help your grin shine brightly!

You see, a dentist’s whiteners are specially made for teeth. They undergo rigorous testing and have approval from the FDA and ADA. As such, the substances aren’t toxic and don’t cause major side effects. 

At the same time, a licensed professional delivers this treatment. The latter will use custom trays to ensure the solution doesn’t reach your gums. Plus, the dentist will adjust the gel to produce the desired results.

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

Yes, both store-bought and professional whiteners are made to lift stains. Their purposes are thus similar. However, these types of whitening use different methods.

Generally, store-bought whitening is generic. It relies on one-size-fits-all trays and diluted brighteners. As such, it often delivers poor results for its users. A person may have to use a store-bought kit several times before their teeth brighten.

On the other hand, pro whitening is customized just for you. The dentist tailors it to your unique oral needs. That way, your treatment will be safe and effective. You’ll then get dramatic results in very little time.

How Can I Reduce the Cost of Teeth Whitening?

As you may have guessed, dental insurance providers don’t typically cover the cost of teeth whitening. However, that shouldn’t stop you from scheduling a consultation with us! We’re happy to welcome another financial solution: flexible financing. With trusted third-party financiers like CareCredit, you don’t have to pay for the entire cost of your smile makeover in one lump sum. Instead, you can space out your payments into smaller monthly chunks that fit within your budget.

Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?

It’s very common for patients to be concerned about the level of discomfort that comes with the treatment they are interested in. If you have been hesitant to schedule an appointment because you share that worry, we have good news: professional teeth whitening does not hurt. In fact, since the entire treatment process is customized to you, we can even help prevent sensitivity throughout the brightening process!

How Can I Make My Teeth Whitening Results Last?

Although your results won’t last forever, there are several steps you can take to help prevent stubborn stains from resurfacing shortly after your treatment. To start, commit to good oral hygiene habits at home, like brushing twice a day and flossing every night before bed. You should also steer clear of dark-colored foods and beverages, like red wine, BBQ sauce, and chocolate. Lastly, prioritize your biannual dental visits so we can routinely clean your teeth and provide touch-up whitening treatments if needed.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Take?

The length of your teeth whitening treatment will depend on a few factors, starting with whether or not any preliminary care is needed. Of course, the severity of the discoloration and your smile goals will also play a crucial role in the answer since that will affect how many rounds of whitening are necessary. With all of that said, professional take-home whitening treatments typically deliver the desired results in just two weeks (although you’ll start to see improvements even sooner).

Tip: If you want a bright, beautiful smile in time for a special event, like a wedding, don’t wait until the last minute to schedule a consultation! That way, we have plenty of time to provide any preliminary treatments that are needed.

Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?

Sadly, teeth whitening treatments do not work on dental crowns. That’s because – even though they look and feel incredibly lifelike – they are artificial. Of course, that doesn’t mean we can’t help you achieve a gorgeous smile that you absolutely love. If you are no longer happy with the color of your restorations, don’t hesitate to let us know so we can learn more about your smile goals and determine the best way to make them a reality.