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Restore Your Discolored Teeth with Cosmetic Teeth Whitening in South Bend
We all want a bright, healthy smile. Unfortunately, age, smoking, and a number of foods and beverages can make our teeth look dingy or yellow. We are proud to offer convenient, effective, and affordable cosmetic teeth whitening. If you are tired of hiding your smile because of discolored teeth, contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced cosmetic dentists.
Is Professional Teeth Whitening Worth the Money?
Although in-office teeth whitening is more expensive than using a do-it-yourself kit from your local retail store or pharmacy, the results are vastly different. We use a highly concentrated bleaching gel, which is why the procedure is sometimes known as power bleaching. Our dentist also supervises each step of the process to ensure that it is safe, painless, and the results meet your satisfaction. Before starting the procedure, our dentist will examine your teeth to make sure that dental whitening is right for you.
Will Teeth Whitening Work for My Type of Tooth Discoloration?
Cosmetic teeth whitening is meant to improve the appearance of teeth that have been discolored by age or lifestyle. For example, our whitening process can instantly brighten teeth stained by smoking or certain foods and beverages. Discolorations caused by problems with the tooth structure, such as decay or defective fillings, or medications, such as tetracycline, cannot be corrected using standard teeth whitening procedures. Also, the porcelain and composite materials used for most dental restorations do not respond to the bleaching process. For aesthetic purposes, some patients choose to replace their crowns, veneers, and fillings following their whitening procedure.
Our Office Provides BIOLASE Laser Whitening
Epic Laser whitening is the latest in whitening technology. It provides results in as little as 20 minutes, making it a great choice for those looking for dramatically whiter teeth fast. The Epic laser is safe, effective, and fast. And, compared to other forms of whitening it provides a less-sensitive experience, erasing years of stains and build-up in minutes. The dentist will start by applying a hydrogen peroxide based whitening gel to your teeth before using the Epic laser to activate the gel. Your dentist may also take before and after pictures to help highlight the results of the procedure.
Do You Offer At-Home Teeth Whitening in South Bend?
When most people think of teeth whitening at home, they think of the strips and gels sold over the counter. We offer at-home teeth whitening kits that provide the same professional-level results that you would get with our in-office procedure. Each kit contains professional-grade bleaching gel and a custom-fitted whitening tray to ensure the best possible results. We normally recommend that patients wear their whitening trays for an hour a day. If you use the tray consistently and according to our instructions, you will notice a dramatic difference in your smile in as little as two weeks.
Can I Get an Estimate of My Teeth Bleaching Cost?
Most insurance plans do not cover cosmetic teeth whitening. We know that budget is a major consideration for most of our patients, so we will help you find a treatment option and payment option that will work for you. The number of treatments required, the type of whitening system used, and the need for follow-up treatment or dental repairs are just a few of the factors that will determine your final cost. We will provide you with an estimate of your cost once you and your dentist have decided on a treatment plan.
Are Do-it-Yourself Teeth Whitening Products Reliable?
There is a significant difference between professional and do-it-yourself whitening products. Over-the-counter teeth whitening options typically involve pastes, gels, rinses, or strips that use peroxide or abrasives to remove stains from tooth enamel. These products are far less powerful than those available at our office, so the results are limited at best. There is also a very real risk of patchy results or even gum or tooth damage if you use the product incorrectly. If you want fast and reliable results, we recommend consulting one of our expert teeth bleaching dentists.
How Does a Teeth Bleaching Dentist Brighten My Teeth?
The exact steps involved in your whitening procedure will depend on the type of system used and the extent and nature of your dental issues. Here is an example of a typical teeth whitening procedure:
- After examining your teeth to be sure they are healthy enough for the procedure, we will clean your teeth to remove surface stains and debris.
- We will take a series of photos of your teeth to help us gauge the progress of your treatment.
- The dentist will use a cheek retractor to make it easier to see and access your teeth. This is completely painless.
- The bleaching gel is extremely concentrated, so we will apply a protective liquid to your gums to keep them from becoming irritated.
- The dentist will apply the bleaching gel one coat at a time. Each coat is allowed to remain on the teeth for a specified amount of time so that it can penetrate the tooth enamel before being removed.
- Depending on the whitening system, your dentist may use a special light to activate the gel.
- The dentist will check your tooth color after each coat of bleaching gel to determine if more treatments are needed.
Where Can I Find a Teeth Bleaching Dentist Near Me?
Schedule an appointment with one of our dentists today to find out if cosmetic teeth whitening is right for you.