Teeth Whitening – Marlton
Show Off a Brighter, Whiter Smile!
Tooth discoloration is a natural part of getting older. However, it is still one of the main reasons why people are unhappy with the appearance of their smile. The good news is that if you have staining, you don’t need to accept it. At South Jersey Center for Dental Medicine, we are happy to offer in-office and take-home professional teeth whitening to lift stains and discoloration. Both options will give you a brighter smile in a fraction of the time as over-the-counter whitening options. To learn more about teeth whitening or to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Why Choose South Jersey Center for Dental Medicine for Teeth Whitening?
- In-Office & Take-Home Whitening Options
- Customized for Each Patient
- Flexible Financing Options
Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Tooth discoloration can be caused by a variety of factors. Here are some of the most prominent ones.
- Aging
- Poor oral hygiene
- Tobacco use
- Pigments beverages
- Sugary/acidic foods
- Certain medications
- Genetic factors
Some types of discoloration can be prevented by maintaining excellent oral hygiene habits, but others aren’t completely in your control. There are two different types of stain: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains occur on the surface of the teeth and are usually caused by food, beverages, and tobacco products. Intrinsic stains are the result of medications, so you should discuss this with your doctor and dentist if it is something that you are unhappy with.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
There are two different types of professional teeth whitening that are available. Here’s how they work.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
If you’d prefer to whiten your teeth during your own time in the comfort of your home, take-home teeth whitening is an excellent option. We will provide you with a kit containing custom-made trays that you will fill with whitening solution and wear each day for a directed amount of time. You will see the beautiful results in about a week.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
If you want to achieve quick, dramatic results, in-office teeth whitening is an excellent solution. You can walk out of the dental office with a smile that is multiple shades whiter in as little as an hour. This is ideal for those who have a special event coming up, like a job interview or a wedding, who want to look their best on the big day.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
The results of your professional teeth whitening will last much longer if you take additional steps to maintain them. Here are some important practices to implement if you aren’t already.
- Brush twice and floss once daily
- Limit dark-colored beverages
- Avoid tobacco products
- Attend regular cleanings & checkups
- Consider touchup treatments
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is a worthwhile investment, especially when considering the store-bought alternatives that often fall short. However, just because it’s highly recommended doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider the cost of teeth whitening in Marlton before deciding whether to move forward. At South Jersey Center for Dental Medicine, we will discuss the factors that dictate how much you can expect to pay, as well as explain additional ways you can save if you desire a brighter, whiter smile.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Each case is unique, so the only way to determine the cost of your teeth whitening is to schedule a consultation with your cosmetic dentist in Marlton. We will evaluate your smile and make notes based on the following factors:
- Extent of Your Tooth Discoloration: What kind of tooth stains do you have? Are they on the surface (extrinsic), below the enamel (intrinsic), or age-related?
- Preparatory Care: Are there additional services required before administering teeth whitening? These may include gum disease therapy, root canals, dental fillings, dental crowns, etc.?
- Existing Restorations: Do you have any current restorations (i.e., crowns, fillings, veneers, bridges, etc.)? If so, we will need to consider these before whitening your teeth.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
Between professional and store-bought teeth whitening solutions, there are many options to choose from, each with a different price point:
- In-Office Whitening: This will likely cost between $400 and $800, with some cases extending up to $1,000.
- Take-Home Whitening Kit: This will cost between $200 and $300 because of the customization provided.
- Store-Bought Whitening Trays: These one-size-fits-all trays will likely cost around $100.
- Whitening Pens, Strips, etc.: These are most affordable at $20-$30.
Inexpensive Teeth Whitening vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
Spending less than $50 on a whitening product may seem enticing, especially if you’re concerned about your budget. However, if you want beautiful, even, and lasting results, you may want to rethink your decision.
Inexpensive whitening products will keep more money in your wallet, but only for a short time. The lackluster results usually lead many individuals to purchase additional kits to try to reach their desired brightness. Unfortunately, this leads to greater expenses and increased tooth sensitivity.
Professional teeth whitening, however, will cost more up front, but provide effective, eye-catching results. You can trust that the products you’re using are safe for your teeth, and your cosmetic dentist is guiding the process to ensure your results are what you desire.
Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
South Jersey Center for Dental Medicine offers two alternative payment options for patients, especially since dental insurance is unlikely to cover teeth whitening. These include:
- Oral Health Savings Plan: For one low annual fee, you can receive various discounts on available services provided in-house. This allows you to manage your budget while getting the oral healthcare you need and want.
- Flexible Financing: With CareCredit and Wells Fargo Healthcare Advantage, you can choose a low- or no-interest plan that fits your budget and schedule. You pay nothing out of pocket up front, but instead make monthly installments to help pay off your bill over time.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
Sadly, teeth whitening is not permanent. There is good news, though: you can make the results last for 6+ months if you avoid stain-causing habits, like drinking coffee without a straw. Of course, it’s equally as important that you take proactive measures to keep your smile nice and bright, including brushing your teeth twice a day and coming to our office every six months for a dental cleaning.
Is Teeth Whitening Covered By Dental Insurance?
It’s very rare for dental insurance providers to cover the cost of cosmetic dentistry treatments. Fortunately, that’s not the only financial solution that’s available! Our Oral Health Savings Plan comes with several cost-saving benefits, including a 10% discount on services completed at our office. Plus, you can break up the price of teeth whitening in Marlton into smaller, more budget-friendly chunks with CareCredit.
What Should I Eat After Whitening My Teeth?
It’s important to eat mostly white and light-colored foods, especially in the hours immediately following your teeth whitening treatment. That includes cottage cheese, plain yogurt, bananas, and oatmeal. Remember, your teeth may feel a bit more sensitive than usual, so it’s a good idea to check the temperature of your food beforehand.
What’s the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?
There are several considerable differences between the two, starting with the fact that over-the-counter whitening kits don’t consider the source of the stains. They also contain flimsy applicators and diluted brightening gels, which is why they struggle to deliver noticeable results. Whitening treatments with our cosmetic dentist in Marlton, on the other hand, begin with a comprehensive oral exam and are customized to suit the patient’s unique aesthetic concerns, dental needs, and smile goals.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Take?
While in-office treatments can whiten a patient’s teeth by up to eight shades in as little as one hour, take-home teeth whitening usually takes about two weeks of consistent use. With that said, you shouldn’t wait until the last minute to schedule an appointment with us. After all, we may need more than one round of brightening to achieve the results you desire. Not only that, but we need time to provide the necessary restorative care if we find tooth decay, gum disease, or any other dental trouble during the initial exam.
Can I Drink Coffee After Whitening My Teeth?
It’s not recommended, especially if frequent coffee consumption is what caused the stains to surface in the first place. However, we know that some patients really look forward to their morning or afternoon cup. If that’s the case for you, then we recommend taking certain precautions to maintain your results, like using a straw and rinsing your mouth thoroughly with water when you’re done.
