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Teeth Whitening in Sierra Vista, AZ

  1. Gentle Care Dentistry & Implants
  3. Services
  5. Cosmetic Dentistry
  7. Teeth Whitening

Your Smile Dreams Can Come True With Teeth Whitening

Do you struggle with the appearance of yellow teeth? Are you looking to get rid of noticeable tooth stains and achieve whiter teeth? A beautiful smile can make a significant impact on a person’s confidence and self-esteem. However, stains and discoloration on your teeth can cause embarrassment and reduce the attractiveness of your smile. Luckily, professional teeth whitening is an effective cosmetic dentistry solution that can restore the brightness and whiteness of teeth.

What Is Professional Teeth Whitening?

Professional teeth whitening is a dental procedure that brightens the color of your teeth. It uses a powerful bleaching agent that removes stains and discoloration from teeth. Unlike over-the-counter teeth whitening products, professional teeth whitening procedures are performed under the supervision of a dentist and are more effective.

Professional teeth whitening methods include in-office treatments and custom take-home trays, often using carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide to activate the bleaching process.

There are two main types of professional teeth whitening procedures that dentists typically offer:

  • In-office teeth whitening is a more concentrated and powerful treatment that takes place in a dental office.
  • At-home teeth whitening involves using a custom-made whitening tray with a carbamide peroxide gel that you wear at home for a certain period.

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products, such as whitening toothpastes, whitening strips, or a teeth whitening pen, don’t offer the same results as professional treatments. They can also cause harm to your teeth. If you’re looking for a whitening solution, always contact a dental professional like our Sierra Vista dentist, Dr. Hales.

A woman sits outside, smiling about the results of professional teeth whitening.

Benefits of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that allows patients to experience many of the following benefits:

  • Improved appearance
  • Affordable treatment
  • Minimally invasive
  • Enhanced self-esteem
  • Safe procedure
  • Quick results
  • Versatile options
  • Customizable
  • Reduced tooth surface stains
  • Effective removal of stains from natural teeth

The Teeth Whitening Treatment Process

When you visit our Sierra Vista dental office for teeth whitening treatments, you can expect the following to happen during the whitening process:

  1. Initial Consultation: You’ll meet with our dentist to go over your oral health and see if tooth whitening is best for you.
  2. Teeth Cleaning: Our dental professionals will clean your teeth.
  3. Protection: We’ll place a barrier (often a rubber dam or protective gel) around the gums to shield them.
  4. Whitening Agent Application: A high-concentration peroxide gel is then applied to the teeth. This whitening gel is much stronger than the ones available in over-the-counter whitening products, such as teeth whitening strips. We use products approved by the American Dental Association to ensure safety and effectiveness.
  5. Activation: Some whitening systems use a special light or laser to activate the peroxide gel and enhance its bleaching effect to whiten teeth.
  6. Rinse: After the desired shade is achieved, or once the maximum time has been reached, our dentist will rinse off the gel.

Caring for your newly whitened teeth is essential to maintain results.

Maintaining Your Teeth Whitening Results

After your professional teeth whitening treatment, you’ll want to take extra care of your teeth to ensure long-lasting results. Our cosmetic dentists may recommend the following:

  • Avoid staining foods and beverages
  • Avoid acidic foods and drinks
  • No smoking
  • Brush gently
  • Rinse with water after meals
  • Limit alcohol consumption
  • Use a straw
  • Consider touch-up whitening treatments
  • Maintain good oral hygiene
  • Schedule regular dental visits

Who Isn’t a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

When it comes to determining if teeth whitening is best for you, visit Gentle Care Dentistry and Implants. Our Sierra Vista dentist will evaluate your oral health and the cause of your tooth discoloration. Some people may not be suitable for professional teeth whitening, such as those who have:

  • Tooth sensitivity or sensitive gums
  • Tooth decay or gum disease
  • Tooth-colored fillings, crowns, or veneers
  • Allergies to the bleaching agent used in the procedure

If you have any of these conditions, our Sierra Vista dentist may recommend other whitening options or treatments to improve the appearance of your teeth.

Types of Teeth Whitening

With various options available today, patients often have the pleasure of choosing a teeth whitening solution that will work best for their goals. 

In-Office Teeth Whitening

  • Zoom Whitening (by Philips): Uses a special light to activate a hydrogen peroxide gel, whitening teeth in about 45 minutes.
  • Opalescence Boost: Uses a chemically activated formula, meaning it doesn’t need light for activation.
  • LaserSmile (by Biolase): Uses a laser to activate the whitening gel.

Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits

  • Opalescence PF Take-Home Whitening Kit: Features customized teeth whitening trays and a range of concentration options.
  • DayWhite and NiteWhite (by Philips) Whitening Kit: Take-home systems that provide options for both daytime and overnight wear.

Deep Bleaching

  • KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching System: Known for its ability to whiten even tetracycline-stained teeth.

Internal Tooth Bleaching

For teeth that have had a root canal and are discolored from the inside, a dentist can perform internal bleaching. The dentist places whitening agents inside the tooth and seals it. After a few days, the tooth is checked and the process might be repeated or finalized with a permanent restoration.

Teeth Whitening Costs

On average, patients can expect to spend around $500 to $1,000 on professional teeth whitening services. Various factors will affect the cost of your teeth whitening treatment, including:

  • Geographic location
  • Type of treatment
  • Dentist’s experience
  • The duration and number of sessions needed
  • Additional procedures

In most cases, dental insurance won’t cover the costs of teeth whitening treatments as it’s considered an elective procedure. We always recommend reaching out to your insurance provider to learn more about your plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Build Your Beautiful Smile at Gentle Care Dentistry and Implants

At Gentle Care Dentistry and Implants, Dr. Hales and his team have dedicated their careers to helping patients achieve their best smile through professional teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry services. If you’re in or near Sierra Vista, AZ, and looking to rejuvenate your smile, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hales today to learn more about your options. Call our office today at (520) 257-2749 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your appointment. 

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