Teeth Whitening – Wylie, TX
Erase Stubborn Stains, Enhance Your Smile!
Do you find yourself on the go so often that it’s difficult to get a dental appointment in? Need to whiten your teeth in time for an upcoming business event or other social gathering where you know lots of pictures are going to be taken? Polar White® take-home teeth whitening treatment utilizes bleaching gel that you won’t find over-the-counter. Plus, you won’t need to visit us every time you need a touch-up thanks to its portability and ease-of-use. If you’re interested in learning more, schedule a consultation with us or read on!
Why Choose Wylie Family Dentistry for Teeth Whitening?
- Experienced and Caring Dentist
- Friendly and Non-Judgmental Team
- CareCredit Flexible Financing Welcome
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
If your once-white teeth are beginning to take on a yellow tinge, then you may be a candidate for teeth whitening! The best way to find out is to schedule an initial consultation with our cosmetic dentist in Wylie, Dr. Roger Morton. That way, he can conduct a thorough dental exam. If your teeth and gums are in good shape, we’ll begin working on your custom treatment plan. If an untreated dental problem, like a cavity, is discovered, then we will administer the appropriate treatment first.
How Does Take-Home Teeth Whitening Work?
Unlike cheaper over-the-counter solutions for whitening teeth, professional-grade solutions take the whitening process a step further. Because the ingredients used to carry a higher concentration of bleaching chemicals, including carbamide peroxide, are more effective at permeating through tooth enamel and addressing the deep layers of staining, they are far superior to anything you’ll find at the store. With just two weeks of use, you can expect a smile that is whiter and brighter. Plus, it’s easy to perform touch-ups in between your routine visits.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
Although the results of your teeth whitening treatment won’t last forever, they can last anywhere from a couple of months to a few years – it all depends on how well you care for your smile! Priority number one is to implement a solid at-home oral hygiene routine, which starts with brushing twice a day and extends to flossing every night before bed. We also recommend:
- Visiting us every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning
- Breaking poor dental habits, like smoking
- Limiting your intake of dark-colored foods, like berries and chocolate
- Using a straw when drinking coffee, soda, and juice
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is a great way to brighten your smile, but many patients wonder what it really costs. At Wylie Family Dentistry, we believe in transparency and helping you understand your options. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get stunning results, especially with our customized take-home kits. Read more below to learn what affects the cost of teeth whitening and how to make it fit right into your budget.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Every whitening treatment is as unique as the smile it’s meant for, and several factors can influence the final cost, like:
- The Type of Treatment: Professional kits vs. over-the-counter products.
- The Level of Discoloration: Surface (extrinsic) stains from coffee or tea are more easily treatable than inner (intrinsic) ones. Deeper discoloration may require longer or more intensive treatment.
- The Type of Staining: Stains from medications and genetics often don’t respond to whitening the same way as food or drink-based ones do.
- Preparatory Procedures: Whitening can’t be applied if you have cavities or gum disease. These issues will need to be treated first, increasing the overall cost.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
Here’s a breakdown of common whitening options, from most affordable to most effective:
- Whitening Toothpastes ($5–$15) - Minimal stain removal and no lasting results. Best for mild surface stains or used for maintenance.
- Whitening Strips & OTC Kits ($25–$60) - Convenient but often uneven. Results may take several weeks and are typically less noticeable.
- Professional Take-Home Whitening ($100–$250) - Custom trays and professional-grade gel give faster, longer-lasting results. Dr. Morton provides detailed instructions and monitors your progress for brilliant results.
- In-Office Whitening Treatments ($300–$600+) - Some practices offer in-office whitening that offers results with just one appointment. The cost is much higher, but it’s ideal for those who want fast whitening.
Fast Teeth Whitening VS Inexpensive Teeth Whitening
Time and cost are the two biggest differences when comparing whitening options. Over-the-counter kits are budget-friendly, but they can take weeks and offer inconsistent results. On the other hand, professional solutions, like our take-home trays, give better results in less time.
It’s important to think beyond what each option costs and focus more on what you need. The cheapest option might not get you the smile you want, while a mid-range or professional treatment often offers better value over time. Whitening success is a sliding scale of time, budget, and results.
Options For Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
At Wylie Family Dentistry, we know money can get tight, especially when it comes to treating yourself. That’s why we offer ways to help you afford a brighter smile, such as:
- CareCredit Financing: This service allows you to split your treatment costs into more flexible monthly payments, often with little to no interest.
- Free Whitening for Life: Patients who maintain regular cleanings and checkups are eligible for our special whitening program. Learn more about this incredible offer here.
Ask Dr. Morton how you can take advantage of these options at your next visit. We’re happy to make whitening easy and more budget-friendly for everyone!
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Reading through the above information is a great place to start if you are considering teeth whitening in Wylie. If you are ready to schedule your initial consultation and take the next step toward your smile transformation, don’t hesitate to get in touch. On the other hand, if you have a few questions on your mind before committing to treatment, that’s okay too! Keep reading for the answers to some frequently asked questions.
What Causes Tooth Stains?
There are a number of reasons that your teeth might become discolored, including:
- The natural aging process
- Smoking
- Poor oral hygiene
- Trauma
- Consuming dark liquids like coffee, tea, or colored sodas
- Exposure to excessive fluoride or tetracycline in childhood
Fortunately, professional teeth whitening from your dentist can help in most of these situations.
Does Teeth Whitening Work for Everyone?
Unfortunately, not even professional teeth whitening works for every smile. For example, yellow teeth can usually be corrected with whitening treatments, but teeth that are brown or gray-toned may not respond well. Whitening will also not work on dental restorations, such as crowns, veneers, or fillings. Other than those exceptions, teeth whitening should work on just about everybody’s smile.
What’s the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?
Since store-bought whitening kits are marketed as cost-effective, reliable stain-busting solutions, but underdeliver time and time again, it’s not surprising that so many patients are curious about professional brightening treatments. While over-the-counter products use one-size-fits-all applicators and diluted brightening agents, professional alternatives use professional-grade, customized tools that can lighten your smile up to eight shades in a single visit! Additionally, professional whitening treatments begin with a thorough dental exam to ensure your oral health is in good shape and your existing restorations (i.e., dental crowns, veneers, etc.) are considered. The same, however, cannot be said for store-bought solutions.
Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?
If used correctly, teeth whitening treatments will NOT damage healthy enamel. However, using non-approved products, like hydrogen peroxide, can compromise the condition of your teeth and gums. That is why you should always speak directly with your cosmetic dentist in Wylie before conducting treatment on your own. This is also an important step in achieving your smile goals safely because their dental exam can take into account factors like tooth decay and existing restorations.
Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?
Whitening products are designed to lift stubborn stains and discoloration from tooth enamel, not materials like porcelain. Therefore, restorations like dental crowns cannot be whitened like your natural teeth. If you are unhappy with the shade of your smile but have existing dental work to consider, don’t hesitate to discuss this with our cosmetic dentist in Wylie!
Is Teeth Whitening Covered by Dental Insurance?
Since teeth whitening is an elective procedure, it usually isn’t covered by dental insurance. However, before you get discouraged, it is important to know that there are other ways we can help make your treatment affordable, like flexible financing through CareCredit and periodic special offers! Don’t worry – we will cover all the different resources available to you during your initial consultation.
Can I Drink Coffee After Whitening My Teeth?
We don’t recommend drinking coffee (or any other dark-colored beverages) immediately following your teeth whitening treatment. If you do choose to indulge, then make sure you use a straw to prevent the liquid from leaving behind stubborn stains. If you can, brush your teeth about 20 minutes later as well.