Teeth Whitening in Powell, OH
Brighten Your Smile
Your smile says a lot about you. It can tell a potential friend that you’re welcoming and kind. A smile can put a scared child at ease. Your smile may impact whether or not you receive that big promotion at work. In fact, smiling more often may mean you live longer and feel happier. When something has that much impact on your life, it’s important to feel confident that you have the best possible smile to share. That’s where investing in cosmetic dentistry solutions like teeth whitening in Powell, OH can make a huge difference. If you know your smile is beautiful, you’ll be more likely to smile, more confident in interactions, and make great first impressions. At Wedgewood Complete Dentistry, our Powell dentist and team offer professional teeth whitening solutions that deliver flawless smiles up to ten shades brighter.
Why Choose Wedgewood Complete Dentistry for Teeth Whitening?
- In-Office and At-Home Whitening Solutions
- Oversight from a Talented, Experienced Dentist
- A Highly Trained and Caring Dental Staff
What Causes Dental Staining?
The key to ensuring teeth whitening works is understanding how the dental staining occurred in the first place, so before we recommend a tooth whitening option, we’ll want to determine the underlying cause of discoloration. Some common reasons patients have stained or discolored teeth include:
- Consuming dark foods and beverages - if it will stain a white shirt it will stain your teeth
- Thinning tooth enamel - reveals the yellow-colored dentin layer below making teeth appear darker or take on a yellow hue
- Fluorosis - ingesting too much fluoride as a child causes teeth to develop with brighter white spots on them
- Genetic predisposition - some people simply have a more darkly colored enamel
- Aging - as we age, the enamel wears away and teeth look darker or yellow
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening, even the most advanced professional solutions, only address a certain kind of dental discoloration. When teeth are stained, whitening agents can be applied to remove those stains. Most whitening products use either hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. When applied correctly, this stain remover will seep into the porous surfaces of teeth and lift out stains, leaving patients with white smiles. Other causes of discoloration like aging and fluorosis may need to be addressed using a different cosmetic dentistry option like porcelain veneers or direct bonding.
What Teeth Whitening Solutions are Available?
If we determine teeth whitening is a good solution to your dental discoloration, we will need to decide which of the following types of teeth whitening is your best option:
- In-Office Teeth Whitening - this offers the fastest results, usually completed in about an hour. The dentist will be present for the entire process, so you’ll know the treatment is working. Patients typically see smiles as much as ten shades brighter in just one appointment. However, the highly concentrated dose of whitening agent can lead to tooth sensitivity following treatment.
- At-Home Teeth Whitening - reduces dental sensitivity, and it can deliver the same results possible with in-office teeth whitening over the course of about two weeks of application. Custom application trays and professional doses of whitening agent ensure the efficacy of this solution. At-home whitening kits also serve as great ways to touch up the effects of in-office whitening.
- Store Bought Whitening Kits - there are a variety of options available, and they can provide some improvement for patients with only minor, surface-level tooth stains. Because saliva can quickly neutralize the low dose of whitening agents, store-bought kits are not very effective for most people.
Are There Benefits to Teeth Whitening?
We’ve already addressed a few of the benefits, but some of the reasons patients say they invested in teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry solutions include:
- Confidence boosting - patients report feeling better about their appearance and being more confident while interacting with others in personal and professional situations
- Improved oral health - patients who like the look of their smile are more likely to take the necessary time to care for their teeth, which leads to improved oral hygiene
- Better first impressions - studies indicate that a beautiful smile makes you more likely to be hired for a job or asked out on a date, so bright smiles mean great first impressions
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments around, thanks to its ease of use and accessibility. Even so, because insurance doesn’t typically cover the cost, it can feel more expensive than it actually is. Many patients who want a brighter smile wonder how they can fit treatment into their budget—that's where we come in. Read more below to learn about the cost of teeth whitening in Powell and see how our team works to make it more affordable.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
No two smiles are exactly alike, so the price of teeth whitening will vary from patient to patient. A few of the key factors that influence your total include:
- Type of Treatment: Professional whitening typically costs mghore than over-the-counter products because of the speed, supervision, and quality of results.
- Degree of Staining: More significant discoloration may require a longer or more intensive treatment plan.
- Preliminary Care Needed: You may need treatment for gum disease or cavities before receiving whitening, which can affect the overall cost.
Dr. Eskridge will provide a personalized estimate during your consultation so there are no surprises.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
Understanding the differences between whitening options can help you make a more informed decision about where to put your money:
- Strips and Gels: The cheapest option upfront, over-the-counter strips and gels are cheap, and easy to use. However, they’re not as effective as other treatments.
- Store-Bought Kits: These generic products are mass-produced and use low-concentration formulas, leading to minimal and short-lived results.
- At-Home Whitening Kits: If you want convenience, our at-home kits are custom-made for your smile. This option is more expensive than store-bought kits but can end up more budget-friendly because of its high effectiveness.
- In-Office Whitening: This is the fastest option by far, delivering results up to ten shades brighter in about an hour. Because it uses a highly concentrated whitening agent under professional supervision, it tends to come with the highest upfront cost.
Fast Teeth Whitening vs. Inexpensive Teeth Whitening
When weighing your options, your choice really comes down to two factors: your timeline and your budget. If you have a big event coming up and want a dramatically brighter smile fast, in-office whitening is the clear winner. While it costs the most, it delivers results the same day.
However, if cost is a big concern and you’re not in a hurry, an at-home kit gives you professional-grade results at a gentler pace and price point. Either way, both options outperform anything you'll find at the drugstore. Not sure which direction to go? Dr. Eskridge can help you decide what best fits your goals and your schedule.
Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
Most dental insurance plans don't cover whitening since it's considered cosmetic, but you still have solid options at Wedgewood Complete Dentistry. If you're uninsured, our in-house membership plan can cover some of the cost of preparatory treatments, which can help offset the cost of whitening.
For larger treatment costs, we've partnered with CareCredit, which lets you break payments into manageable monthly installments. A brighter smile is more within reach than you might think, so don’t hesitate to ask our team about your options. We’re always willing to help.
Teeth Whitening Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re ready to reveal a brighter smile, you might be a candidate for teeth whitening in Powell. Although you’re excited to give your confidence a boost, we know you still have a few concerns before committing to the treatment. We’ll explain everything during your initial consultation. While you wait for your visit, here are the answers to a few of the most common questions patients ask us about teeth whitening.
Should I get a dental cleaning before teeth whitening?
Your cosmetic dentist in Powell will recommend a dental cleaning before your whitening treatment. Teeth whitening provides the best results when they are free of plaque and tartar. You can save time while on your journey to a brighter smile by maintaining your semi-annual appointments for a cleaning and checkup. If it has been a while since your last preventive visit, we can often perform both the cleaning and whitening procedure the same day.
Will whitening my teeth damage my enamel?
You might have heard rumors about whitening treatments causing irreversible damage to enamel; however, this is largely untrue if you choose a qualified dentist. Teeth whitening is safe and effective when performed under the supervision of a dentist in Powell. It’s also best to only use reputable whitening products to prevent any unnecessary complications to your teeth or roots.
Do whitening treatments cause sensitivity?
Since whitening treatments don’t damage your enamel, you won’t need to worry about any lasting sensitivity. The whitening agents are specially formulated to preserve your enamel while providing maximum results. If you experience sensitivity after your treatment, your discomfort won’t last. It will subside within a couple of days. If you’re prone to sensitivity, we might recommend using a special toothpaste before and after your procedure to minimize any pain.
How much do teeth whitening systems cost?
There isn’t a set fee for teeth whitening because the cost is based on your specific plan. While you can save money using an OTC product, you won’t achieve the results you want. If you’re worried about a large bill, you don’t have anything to fear. Professional whitening systems are more affordable than you might realize. We’ll provide you with a personalized estimate during your initial consultation and discuss the expenses related to your plan. A member of our team will take the time to explain your payment options.
Although every insurance policy is unique, most dental plans don’t cover whitening treatments because they are elective. There are still many ways to keep a bright smile within your budget, like third-party financing. You are given the funds you need, so you can whiten your teeth without breaking the bank.
Where is a dentist near me for teeth whitening?
Wedgewood Complete Dentistry provides state-of-the-art services to help our patients achieve their best smiles. Dr. Eskridge completed advanced training at many prestigious institutes after earning his dental degree, like The Dawson Academy. He can get your teeth as much as 8 shades brighter using an individualized treatment plan.
