Teeth Whitening – Worcester, MA
Bothered by Discolored Teeth? We Have an Answer
Looking for a quick, easy, and economical way to make over your smile? If you answered “yes,” then you should consider professional teeth whitening! This popular cosmetic dentistry treatment can boost your self-esteem by lifting stubborn stains and revealing a stunning, bright smile. If you would like to learn more about our in-office and take-home treatments, including if you’re a good candidate, get in touch with us or read on.
Why Choose Dr. Joseph Costa for Teeth Whitening?
- Top-Rated Dentist in the Area
- Kind and Experienced Team
- In-Office and Take-Home Treatments Available
Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Do you want a brighter smile in time for an important event, like a wedding, graduation, class reunion, or job interview? If so, you may be a good candidate for teeth whitening in Worcester! This stain-lifting treatment can reduce the gradual darkening of the teeth that occurs over time due to frequent coffee consumption, tobacco use, certain medications, and the natural aging process.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Dr. Joseph Costa is proud to offer two popular methods for teeth whitening in Worcester: in-office and take-home teeth whitening with Zoom products. During your consultation, he will perform an examination, discuss your cosmetic goals, and help you decide which option is ideal for you. Until then, you can read on to learn a little more about each!
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
With our take-home teeth whitening system, you can achieve in-office results from the comfort of your own home. The process uses bleaching trays that are custom-molded to your teeth. The gels are gentle on the gums, and there is virtually no discomfort that comes with using the kit. Each treatment can be done at night, only requiring the tray to remain in place over the teeth for two to three hours at a time.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Quick and painless, the Zoom in-office treatment typically begins with a professional dental cleaning. Next, we prepare the mouth for the whitening procedure by isolating the lips and gums. Then, we apply the proprietary Zoom Whitening gel to the teeth, which we activate with a specially designed light.
Teeth typically become at least six to ten shades whiter – sometimes more! A five-minute fluoride treatment completes the procedure. Results are noticeable immediately, but your teeth will continue to whiten in the first few days following your procedure.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
There are a few steps we recommend taking to keep your teeth vibrant and stain-free, including:
- Brushing and flossing consistently at home
- Using a straw when drinking coffee
- Eating egg whites, plain yogurt, and other light-colored foods
- Breaking stain-causing habits, like smoking
- Scheduling a dental cleaning twice a year
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
When it comes to brightening your smile, it’s important to understand that, like many other things in life, you get what you pay for. While store-bought whitening options may seem like they’re a more affordable option, the truth is, you could actually end up paying more down the road for a whiter smile if you go this route—and you likely also won’t achieve your desired results! With that in mind, here’s a closer look at the cost of teeth whitening in Worcester and why trusting our team is the best move financially.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Believe it or not, there are several factors that influence the overall cost of teeth whitening:
- The severity of your dental staining and total number of treatments needed.
- The type of discoloration present (age-related, tobacco staining, staining due to medications, etc.) and whether the staining is intrinsic or extrinsic.
- Whether you’ll need any other treatments beforehand, such as restoration work.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
There are several types of teeth whitening available, all with different costs and treatment times. Here’s a closer look at the most common options:
- In-office whitening – Administered by your dentist at their office, this typically costs a few hundred dollars or more in rare or severe cases.
- Take-home whitening kits – Custom-made from your dentist, they also cost a few hundred dollars but produce the same results as in-office whitening.
- Store-bought whitening trays – These are not custom-tailored to your smile, meaning they can produce unpredictable results even though they cost much less (under $100) than professional options.
- White strips or gels – Available at most pharmacies and grocery stores, these range from $20 to $50 and usually don’t produce lasting results or contain many products.
Inexpensive Teeth Whitening vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
It’s important to remember that when it comes to cosmetic dental treatments like teeth whitening, the quality of your results is directly reflected in the amount you pay. Patients who opt to use whitening strips, gels, and other store-bought or DIY options see little to no results, especially if they’re starting with severely discolored teeth. Worse yet, it might take many months—and many uses of these products—to achieve the look they desire, which can be expensive as well as damaging to the teeth.
On the other hand, professional treatment from our team is designed to safely and effectively whiten your smile, either in just one quick visit if you opt for in-office whitening or over the course of a couple of weeks if you choose take-home kits.
Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
Since teeth whitening is typically a cosmetic procedure, it’s rarely covered by traditional dental insurance. However, there are some exceptions, such as treatments that also provide oral health benefits, in addition to cosmetic ones (like metal-free restorations). Feel free to speak with our team so that we can review your plan and be sure that you’re making the most of your available benefits!
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Should I Get a Dental Cleaning Before Teeth Whitening Treatment?
Teeth whitening treatments work best on teeth that are free of debris, plaque, and tartar. We recommend whitening your teeth the same day you have your teeth cleaned. When you leave our office, your teeth will be cleaner and whiter!
Is Professional Teeth Whitening Guaranteed to Work on My Teeth?
There are many people who have stains that they cannot treat with professional teeth whitening. We offer other cosmetic dentistry treatments to whiten your teeth. For example, dental veneers are an excellent way to make dull, stained teeth brighter and whiter.
Is It Normal to Have Sensitive Teeth After a Whitening Treatment?
Sensitive teeth after whitening are actually normal, and most people will experience it, especially those who suffer from teeth sensitivity in the first place. Fortunately, most people claim this only lasts for a few days after the treatment. Plus, there are several things you can do to help avoid the symptoms associated with tooth sensitivity, like drinking through a straw, brushing your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and not rinsing with water that is too cold or too hot.