One of the first features people notice on someone else is their smile, and many people believe they would feel more confident with whiter teeth. Teeth whitening is in fact the top requested cosmetic treatment in dentistry. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry even found that patients requesting this procedure has increased by 300% since 1996.
Suwanee Center for Family Dentistry offers a wide range of cosmetic procedures for people in the metro Atlanta area. Our practice believes in affordable oral care, whether that’s restorative, general or cosmetic. If you want to feel better about your teeth or smile, we want to help make it happen.
There are many different options when it comes to cosmetic work on stained, discolored or yellowed teeth. Teeth whitening is one of the quickest, least invasive treatments available today.
What Causes Yellowing?
People whiten their teeth when they’re not happy with the color and whatever personal reasons lead to wanting to alter the look of their teeth, the result is a whiter, brighter smile!
Teeth yellow because of a number of different reasons. Typically though, damage to the enamel of teeth is a big factor. When the enamel of the teeth, or the outer surface layer, begins to erode, we then see the inner layer of the tooth. This layer is called dentin and it’s naturally yellow in color. Enamel can also be stained by food, beverages, medication and smoking. Lack of proper oral hygiene habits can also play a part in discoloration of teeth, especially with frequent plaque buildup. All of these issues are often treatable with professional teeth whitening.
Teeth Whitening Options
There are two options we offer for treatment. You can come to the office and have it done by an experienced dentist or purchase a whitening kit recommended by us and do it on your own time.
Patients choose to have this treatment done on its own, with a dental cleaning, or after a restorative procedure. If it’s after a prosthetic was placed, we make sure your surrounding teeth match the new work done. But remember, a tooth-colored restoration cannot be whitened after it is placed.
In-Office Treatment
For a teeth whitening dentist, come on in to Suwanee Center for Family Dentistry.
The whitening solution we use features either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. You’ll receive the strongest, quickest results when they are done by a teeth whitening dentist in office. The dental whitening agents used have the highest concentration of bleaching solution, which means teeth brighten faster. This process is sped up even more by the use of light technology. It often takes only one visit.
At-Home Treatment
We have a customized set of trays available for purchase that fit snug inside your mouth. Our team will take an impression of your teeth and then once the trays are made, you can take this whitening kit home—trays and dentist-grade whitening gel included.
For one hour a day, you’ll go from dull teeth to bright teeth in as little as two weeks. The results from this are much better than over-the-counter options.
Tooth sensitivity is a common side effect because of the bleaching agent used to lighten teeth. While the products we use are gentle, the long-lasting results of whitening mean that some sensitivity can still occur. It should last no longer than 48 hours after treatment. You can mitigate sensitivity by using toothpaste engineered for sensitive teeth and being extra gentle with how you brush, eat and drink during these few days.
After whitening, we also recommend avoiding highly pigmented food and drinks for 24 hours.
Woman teeth before and after whitening. Over white background. Dental clinic patient. Image symbolizes oral care dentistry, stomatology.
Teeth Whitening Cost
On average, teeth whitening costs around $650 per session. For our custom-made whitening kits, it costs an average of $100 to $350. Since teeth whitening is considered cosmetic, insurance does not typically cover costs. With that being said, our practice is dedicated to providing affordable care for all areas of dentistry. We have various discount and payment plans available if you’d like to learn more.
This treatment is non-invasive with noticeable results. A difference of just two to three shades can show a visible change, and our patients often see dramatic whitening effects from two shades lighter to even eight shades lighter! After whitening, it’s important to continue taking care of your teeth. One of the easiest ways to do that is by promoting proper oral hygiene and eating habits. This can go a long way in preventing future discoloration.
When it comes to teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures, patients leave Suwanee Center for Family Dentistry happy with the appearance of their smile and it shows. To schedule a consultation, call us at (770) 224-0140 or contact us online. We look forward to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams!