Teeth Whitening – Chevy Chase, MD
Remove 8 Shades of Stains with Professional Whitening
Whether you’re a diligent tooth-brusher that can’t seem to get stubborn stains off your smile, or you’ve developed deep discoloration due to medication, age, or diet, achieving a whiter, brighter smile can be hard to do on your own. At Avant Dentistry, we are proud to offer the Opalescence whitening system for our patients. Whether you choose a convenient, in-office treatment or prefer to purchase a custom, refillable take-home kit, Opalescence can help you remove up to eight shades of stains and discoloration from your smile!
Why Choose Avant Dentistry for Teeth Whitening?
- Get a brighter smile in just one appointment
- Convenient custom take-home kits available
- Flexible financing available for cosmetic treatments
Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
There are many reasons teeth can become discolored or stained. Age, medication use, diet, and even bad habits like smoking can deposit stains deep in the enamel, making them difficult to remove with brushing alone.
There are two different types of tooth stains: intrinsic (inside the tooth enamel) and extrinsic (outside the tooth enamel). The Opalescence whitening system can remove both types of stains, eliminating up to eight shades of discoloration and revealing whiter, brighter teeth.
Professional whitening is an excellent option for practically any patient who wants to feel more confident in both professional and social settings, and who doesn’t want to waste time or money on ineffective over-the-counter treatments.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
There are many ways to whiten your smile, but not all methods are created equally. Though those store-bought kits are often more affordable up-front, professional teeth whitening is often a better investment because it delivers safe, effective results that are customized to your unique desires.
With Opalescence, you can choose a convenient, in-office treatment that lasts less than two hours, or a custom take-home kit that can deliver the same results in about two weeks.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Take home whitening kits may be done at home like those OTC kits you get at the supermarket, but the similarities end there. With an Opalescence take-home kit from Avant Dentistry, you get not just a customized supply of whitening gel, but also a set of reusable custom trays that will keep your whitening gel exactly where you need it for best results.
Best of all, unlike those storebought kits, Opalescence take-home treatment can be completed in about two weeks, instead of months. This means that you won’t need to keep spending money on ineffective gels or exposing your smile to sensitivity-causing chemicals for months on end!
In-Office Teeth Whitening
For patients looking for their whitest smile in the least amount of time, the Opalescence in-office teeth whitening treatment can help. Not only can you remove up to eight shades of stains and discoloration in about one hour, but the ingredients also used have been proven both safe and effective.
Whether you’re tired of wasting time and money on OTC products, or you have an upcoming special event where your smile needs to look its best, in-office teeth whitening could be the perfect solution!
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
After investing in a professional teeth whitening treatment, it’s an excellent idea to maintain your results for as long as possible. Here are a few ways to keep your teeth looking their best following your Opalescence treatment:
- Return to Avant Dentistry as needed for touch-ups.
- Eat a diet rich in white dairy products to help keep your teeth strong and white.
- Avoid foods and beverages that are high in stain-causing tannins.
- Maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine, including visiting Avant Dentistry for your regular, biannual exam and cleaning appointments.
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
While you may want a brighter smile, you should consider the price of getting one before you commit. (Treatment won't help much if it ends up "breaking the bank" and straining your finances.) That said, the cost of teeth whitening varies by patient; you'll have to visit us for a precise estimate. We can then make your care affordable, all while outlining potential price factors and payment options. Learn more by reading the details below, or call our office.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening typically has a set price, but several factors affect how many “sessions” you’ll need. These include the following:
- Stain Type(s) – If your smile has extrinsic stains (i.e., those from meals), you’ll just need one or two whitening sessions. On the other hand, those with extrinsic stains (i.e., those beneath the enamel) require more treatments.
- Stain Severity – A grin with dark and severe stains will need frequent whitening sessions. After all, such discoloration is hard to remove.
- Preliminary Care – Sometimes, a patient has to get a preliminary procedure – fillings, crowns, etc. – before they receive teeth whitening. This kind of “extra” work will add to your expenses.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
Of course, how much teeth whitening costs will also depend on which kind you get. This treatment comes in four distinct types:
- In-Office Teeth Whitening – In-office whitening is the costliest kind, as its average price is $400-800 per session. Its overall expense can even reach $1000 in rare cases.
- Take-Home Teeth Whitening – Most take-home whitening kits have starting prices of a few hundred dollars, though the exact amount can vary.
- “Over-the-Counter” Teeth Whitening Trays – Since they aren’t tailored to the patient, store-bought whitening trays often cost little. It’s easy to find them for only $100 or less.
- Teeth Whitening Strips/Gels – Without question, teeth whitening strips and gels cost the least. At your typical supermarket or pharmacy, they cost $20-40 per box.
OTC Teeth Whitening vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional whitening is more popular than store-bought kinds, despite its higher price. The underlying reason is pretty simple: the “pro” approach offers much better results.
You see, cosmetic dentistry’s price reflects its quality. Store-bought strips and gels costing little means they aren’t very effective, providing no “bang for your buck.” Meanwhile, pro-whitening’s higher price shows that it offers better effects and outcomes. It’s much more likely to brighten your grin by six to eight shades, and do so without complication.
Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
While dental insurance doesn’t cover teeth whitening, it’s not the only way to make your care affordable. Just use Avant Dentistry’s helpful payment options! Given the right one, you can get a brighter grin that fits your budget.
A key example is our practice’s flexible financing program. By working with Cherry (a reputable 3rd party financier), you can pay for whitening in manageable monthly installments. This method would put far less strain on your finances.
To learn more about affordable teeth whitening, come visit us soon!
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Many patients are interested in pursuing their dream smile but are hesitant to do so because they are worried it will hurt. The good news is that the process of lifting stubborn stains is so painless that we don’t even need to numb your mouth. Plus, we will provide you with aftercare instructions to help you avoid sensitivity in the hours following your whitening treatment. To put it simply, you don’t have to worry – our Chevy Chase dental team is here to make the entire process as comfortable as possible!
Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
Sadly, the results of your teeth whitening treatment will not last forever. That said, they can last for 6+ months if you take good care of your smile. That starts with good oral hygiene habits, like brushing twice a day, and extends to limiting your intake of dark-colored foods, such as blackberries and tomato soup. It’s also important to come to our office for a dental checkup and cleaning every six months (or sooner, if you want to schedule a touch-up whitening treatment before then).
What’s the Difference Between Store-Bought and Professional Whitening Treatments?
There isn’t just one difference; there are several! One significant one is that professional whitening treatments begin with a comprehensive oral exam to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy and that any existing dental work you have is considered during the brightening process. Another noteworthy distinction is that store-bought kits use one-size-fits-all applicators and diluted whitening gels, which is why they usually provide underwhelming results.
Ultimately, if you want to lift stubborn stains and reveal a bright, beautiful smile, it’s best to invest your time and money on professional whitening treatments.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Take?
The length of your teeth whitening treatment in Chevy Chase will depend on a few factors, starting with your unique smile goals. For example, if you want a considerably brighter smile, then it may take more than one appointment to achieve the results you desire. Of course, the type of teeth whitening treatment you choose will also play a role since take-home ones usually take about two weeks while in-office ones take just one visit.
Tip: If you have a special event coming up, like a wedding, let us know! That way, we can keep that in mind when helping you decide which teeth whitening treatment is right for you and creating your custom treatment plan.
Can I Drink Coffee After Whitening My Teeth?
It’s best to avoid coffee, especially in the hours immediately following your teeth whitening treatment. If you want to enjoy a cup or two in the days afterward, make sure to use a straw. Then, when you’re done, rinse your mouth with clean water to prevent the residue from lingering on the surface of your teeth.