Teeth Whitening – Carlisle, PA
A Brighter, Whiter Smile in No Time at All!
However well you brush your teeth, they can still get discolored over time. That fact is only natural, as enamel darkens for various reasons — age, genetics, meals with stain agents, etc. Even so, there’s a way for you to solve the problem: teeth whitening in Carlisle! Our team at Flenniken Family Dentistry can use this service to brighten your smile quickly and smoothly. If you’d like to learn more, just keep reading or call us to book a consultation visit. We’ll happily give you the details!
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Good candidates for teeth whitening have stubborn tooth stains — ones that can’t be fixed by simple brushing and flossing. The procedure is especially helpful when said stains harm a patient’s self-esteem and body image. In those cases, whitening results could lead to greater confidence and less social anxiety.
Keep in mind, however, that treatment works best on certain types of stains. For instance, teeth whitening is effective at fixing extrinsic stains from dark-colored foods and smoking. On the other hand, it isn’t as good at erasing intrinsic stains that occur beneath your enamel.
Tips for Maintaining Your Whiter Smile
To make teeth whitening in Carlisle cost-effective, you should try to maintain its results. Good tips for doing so include the following:
- Keep Your Teeth Clean – Remember to brush your teeth twice daily, floss them once daily, and rinse them with mouthwash as needed. Plus, see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
- Avoid Certain Foods & Drinks – Items like coffee, berries, wine, and tea have tannins that often stain teeth. Therefore, try not to eat or drink too many of them.
- Eat More Dairy – White dairy products will keep your teeth strong and bright.
- Get Touch-ups: If necessary, you can get follow-up teeth whitening treatments to preserve your whitened smile.
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
You don't have to be rich to benefit from professional teeth whitening. You can stop throwing money away on ineffective over-the-counter whitening products. At Flenniken Family Dentistry, we strive to keep a beautiful smile within everyone's budget. We'll create the personalized treatment plan you need to turn back the clock to restore your pearly whites.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Teeth come in many shades and tones naturally. Not to mention, various factors affect their color over the years, like your oral hygiene habits, the foods you eat, or smoking. As a result, not all types of discoloration respond to teeth whitening, which is only one reason OTC products aren't effective. You must have a consultation with your cosmetic dentist to ensure teeth whitening can resolve your stains based on the source of your discoloration.
Inexpensive Teeth Whitening vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
OTC whitening products are convenient and affordable, but they don't provide lasting results. Any improvement you see will be minimal. They don't contain professional-grade whitening agents, so they can't penetrate the enamel to resolve stains. Only whitening treatments from a dentist can provide the improvement you want. Your new smile can stay bright for several months or years, depending on how well you care for it, like brushing and flossing.
Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
A member of our team will review your personalized estimate and discuss your payment options, like:
- Traditional Payments: Our office accepts all traditional payment methods, including cash, personal checks, and credit cards.
- Dental Insurance: It's unlikely your dental insurance will cover teeth whitening because it's an elective procedure. However, you may be able to use your benefits for your consultation or any preliminary treatments, like a dental cleaning. We will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize any appropriate coverage to lower the amount you'll pay out-of-pocket.
- Financing: You can pay for teeth whitening using monthly installments through a third-party financing company, like CareCredit. You can enjoy little or no interest in financing based on your credit approval.
- Specials: Our office offers regular promotions and discounts. We will review any ongoing specials during your consultation.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Teeth whitening in Carlisle can turn back the clock to reveal a youthful, vibrant smile. However, it's common to have a few questions about the treatment. Don't worry, your dentist at Flenniken Family Dentistry will explain exactly what you can expect on the road ahead. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening while you wait for your consultation.
Does Teeth Whitening Cause Tooth Sensitivity?
Teeth whitening should not cause any tooth sensitivity when used on the right candidate. You must have healthy teeth and gums to benefit from a whitening treatment. Not to mention, it's important to visit a cosmetic dentist in Carlisle to ensure you don't damage your enamel. They can cater your whitening treatment to meet your exact needs. Let your dentist know if you're prone to tooth sensitivity during your consultation. You can avoid sensitive teeth by using whitening products as instructed by the manufacturer, including those available over-the-counter. Overusing whitening products can cause tooth sensitivity and compromise your enamel.
Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?
Although teeth whitening is effective on age and surface-related stains, it won't have any effect on dental crowns or other restorations. Crowns are not porous like your enamel, so the whitening agent won't change their color. Your dentist may advise against teeth whitening if you have restorations because it can weaken the bonding material holding them in place. If you're concerned about color inconsistencies, your dentist will develop a strategy to ensure seamless results, like replacing your crown.
Does Teeth Whitening Damage Your Enamel?
Modern whitening treatments are specially designed to prevent damaging your enamel. When used under the supervision of a trained dental professional and according to the manufacturer's instructions, teeth whitening will not harm your enamel.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
Professional whitening systems are designed to provide lasting results, but many factors will affect the lifespan of your treatment. You can get the most from your investment by brushing twice daily and flossing every night. Limit your consumption of dark food and drinks, which can stain your enamel. If you can't resist a cup of coffee, drink it through a straw and all at once to limit its exposure to your teeth. If you have anything dark, rinse your mouth with water after you've finished. It's best to stop smoking to avoid tar or nicotine stains. Besides caring for your smile at home, visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. They can also provide you with a touchup kit.
Can I Use My Dental Insurance to Pay for Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is an elective service, which means it probably isn't covered under your dental insurance plan. However, your coverage may include your initial consultation and any preliminary treatments, like a dental cleaning. If applicable, a member of our team will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize any appropriate coverage to lower the amount you'll pay out-of-pocket. Our office offers various financial solutions to keep a bright, beautiful smile within everybody's budget.
