Teeth Whitening Alamo Ranch

Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

Almost anyone who dislikes the color of their teeth can benefit from teeth whitening. It can address many types of stains, including extrinsic (on the surface of the enamel) and some types of intrinsic (inside the enamel) stains. Of course, our team will first have to make sure that your teeth are healthy enough to be whitened. If you have any untreated cavities, gum disease, or other significant oral health issues, they should be addressed prior to any cosmetic service.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Teeth whitening products use either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to penetrate the tooth enamel, where they break up pigment molecules. This process can leave teeth looking several shades brighter! Here in our office, we offer both convenient take-home kits and super-fast in-office whitening services. Our team can help you decide which one is best for your unique circumstances and preferences.

Take-Home Teeth Whitening

If you would prefer to improve your smile at a gradual pace, our San Antonio cosmetic dentists & team would be happy to recommend a customized take-home kit. You simply need to wear the oral trays and high-grade gel together for a certain period of time each day. Within just a few weeks, you will enjoy noticeable and beautiful results.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

Do you have a big event coming up that you would love to look your very best for? Our in-office whitening procedure could be the ideal solution for you. This treatment is one of the most popular in the world today, and for good reason — in just a single appointment, you can achieve teeth that are dramatically brighter. Better yet, the procedure is very safe, and any sensitivity that occurs can be effectively controlled.

Our in-office whitening procedure follows these steps:

• A cheek retractor is inserted into your mouth. This tool will expose your front teeth so that treatment can be simpler.
• In order to minimize any irritation during the process, a liquid rubber dam or resin will be painted over your soft tissue as well.
• The bleaching gel is applied to the treatment area and left on for anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.
• After this time has passed, the gel is removed, and a new coat is applied. This process may occur multiple times. During each cycle, our team will keep a close eye on your progress and prescribe additional applications as we see fit.

Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile

To keep your smile bright and white after your treatment, we recommend the following:

• Limit your intake of foods and drinks that could stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and berries.
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and prevent discoloration.
• Use a whitening toothpaste to prevent new stains from forming.
• Schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups.
• If you smoke or use tobacco products, consider quitting to reduce the risk of yellowing your teeth.
• Rinse your mouth with water after consuming staining foods or beverages.
• Visit us for periodic whitening touch-ups.

Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening 

The cost of teeth whitening in our San Antonio practice is less than that of other cosmetic services. In fact, achieving a brighter smile is surprisingly affordable! During your consultation, we can share specific numbers and help you understand your payment options. We even have an in-house loyalty program that provides 20% off teeth whitening treatments!

Factors that Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is usually one set price, but some factors can drive up its cost:

• Serious discoloration: Some severe stains do not readily respond to traditional teeth whitening and require special attention.
• Certain types of stains: Most common tooth stains respond very well to our teeth whitening treatments, but those that are intrinsic (inside the enamel) can be stubborn sometimes.
• Preparatory care: Your teeth and gums should be healthy before you brighten your smile. If you have cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues, they should be addressed before you focus on purely cosmetic improvements.

Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost? 

Teeth whitening treatments can be divided into four broad categories, each of which falls into its own pricing category:

• In-office teeth whitening treatments are usually the most expensive, often ranging from $400 to $800 per service. This is also the fastest way to achieve reliable results.
• Take-home professional teeth whitening kits start out at a few hundred dollars. These usually use custom whitening trays, and the bleaching formula can be adapted to your unique preferences.
• Over-the-counter whitening trays, which are not customized in any way, may cost around $100 for a two-week whitening course.
• Whitening strips and gels are the lowest-priced option. Often, you can get enough product for a two-week whitening course for less than $50.

Inexpensive Teeth Whitening Vs. Professional Teeth Whitening

When you look at the numbers listed above, an obvious question arises: Why would anyone choose professional whitening services when much cheaper options are available? There are a few big reasons:

• Professional whitening formulas are more concentrated, meaning you can get more noticeable results in a shorter period of time.
• Safety is a major priority with professional teeth whitening; our team will direct you on how to use the products safely and effectively, and we only use whitening systems that have a track record of success. In contrast, some over-the-counter whitening methods have the potential to harm enamel or irritate sensitive gums.
• Professional whitening cab be customized for patients with dental sensitivity, stubborn stains, and other relevant considerations.

Options For Making Teeth Whitening Affordable

Teeth whitening is a purely cosmetic service, so most insurance policies do not cover it. However, there are other provisions that can make it more affordable:

• Our in-house loyalty program: In exchange for a reasonable annual fee, you can enjoy a number of FREE preventive services and 20% off of teeth whitening.
• Financing: We work with CareCredit to provide low-interest financing for qualified patients. If you would like to pay for your teeth whitening over a few monthly installments, let us know so we can help you apply.

Teeth whitening is a fast and affordable way to enhance your smile! Get in touch with our team today to learn more.

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