Brighten Your Smile with Syracuse Teeth Whitening

Generally, whitening is successful in at least 90% of patients, though it may not be an option for everyone. Consider tooth whitening if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking. Teeth darkened with the color of yellow, brown, or orange respond better to lightening. Other types of gray stains caused by fluorosis, smoking, or tetracycline are lightened, but results are not as dramatic. If you have very sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, or teeth with worn enamel, we may not recommend bleaching.

What's involved?

First, Dr. Craybas will determine whether you are a candidate for teeth whitening and what type of teeth whitening system would provide the best results. Most patients choose dentist-supervised at-home teeth whitening trays, which is more economical and provides the same results as in-office procedures. Basically, we will take impressions of your teeth in order to fabricate a mouthguard appliance for you. The mouthguard is custom made for your mouth and is lightweight so that it can be worn comfortably while you are awake or sleeping. The mouthguard is so thin that you should even be able to talk and work while wearing your mouthguard. Along with the mouthguard, you'll receive the whitening materials. You'll also be given instructions on how to wear it. We will recommend whitening your teeth from two to four hours a day or longer depending on your individual needs. Usually, you will achieve the desired results after four to six applications.

Whitening should last from one to five years, depending on your personal habits such as smoking and drinking coffee and tea. At this point, you may choose to get a touch-up. This procedure may not be as costly because you can probably still use the same mouthguard. The retreatment time also is much shorter than the original treatment time.

Several studies, during the past five years, have proven bleaching to be safe and effective. The American Dental Association has granted its seal of approval to some tooth bleaching products. Some patients may experience slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, which will be resolved when the treatment ends. No one can really predict how much lighter your teeth will become. Every case is different. Typically, there is a two-shade improvement as seen on our shade guide. The success rate depends upon the type of stain involved and your compliance. Teeth whitening can only provide a shift in color from gray to a lighter shade of gray, for example. Teeth whitening does not lighten artificial materials such as composite restorations or porcelain.

Teeth Whitening Procedures

Your wedding is coming up and you want your smile to be its brightest. Or maybe you have an important speaking engagement. Whatever the reason, tooth bleaching isn't just for the movie stars, and it isn't just for one day. Many people have had their teeth whitened, and probably millions more are thinking about it. The desire for a brighter smile with whiter teeth is very strong, and teeth whitening safely lightens the color of the teeth, lasting for up to five years. The most effective and safest method of teeth whitening is dentist-supervised.

Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening

smiling woman pointing to her whitened teeth

Compared to other cosmetic procedures, like veneers, teeth whitening is rather inexpensive. Especially when you consider how much difference brighter teeth can have on your confidence, this treatment becomes quite a deal! When you have your appointment with us, we’ll examine your smile to make sure it’s ready for whitening and go through the financial information with you before we get started so you’ll know exactly what amount to expect at the end.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening

The price you pay for teeth whitening may depend on several variables, including how severe your stains are and the type of stains you have on your teeth. We may adjust the gel solution to be even more powerful or extend the time you have the gel on your teeth to produce brighter results, which could impact the overall cost. We can discuss the details in greater depth when you come in to discuss your whitening needs.

Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?

At the store, the options for teeth whitening range from strips to specially formulated toothpastes, from gel you “paint” onto your teeth to mouthwashes. For some of these products to fully take effect, you’ll have to use them for quite a long time. When you add up the total cost, you may find that professional whitening isn’t as expensive as it seems at first.

Inexpensive Teeth Whitening vs. Professional Teeth Whitening

Although the price tag at the drugstore for teeth whitening products may be more appealing than that of professional teeth whitening, you need to keep in mind that the products on the shelf are vastly inferior to what we offer in our office. The powerful gel we use will remove many more shades of stains than anything you can find commercially. Plus, you’ll start to see results sooner than you would with these store-bought products. Any way you look at it, professional treatment is well worth the investment.

Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable

Although teeth whitening is not typically covered by traditional dental insurance, this procedure is one of the most affordable ones we offer. As a result, it shouldn’t put too much strain on your budget. However, you may be able to finance your treatment, especially if you are getting other procedures done. That way, you may pay for your brilliant smile month by month, instead of all upfront.