Teeth Whitening – Flint
Embrace a Whiter
Smile!
Tooth discoloration is a natural part of the aging process. However, it is still one of the most common reasons why people are self-conscious about their smiles. Fortunately, if you have experienced staining, this doesn’t mean that you need to settle for it. At Health Smiles Dental Care, we offer in-office and take-home teeth whitening to lift stubborn stains. Both options will give you a brighter smile much faster (and more dramatic) than anything that you can find over the counter. To learn more about teeth whitening or to schedule a consultation, give us a call!
Why Choose Healthy Smiles Dental Care for Teeth Whitening?
- In-Office and Take-Home Whitening Options
- Quick, Dramatically Brighter Results
- Dental Financing Options Available
Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Tooth discoloration can be caused by a variety of different things. Here are some of the most common culprits:
- Aging
- Poor oral hygiene
- Tobacco use
- Pigmented beverages
- Sugary/acidic foods
- Some medications
- Genetic factors
Some types of discoloration can be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene habits, but others are completely out of your control. There are two different types of staining: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains occur on the surface of the teeth and are usually caused by food, beverages, and tobacco products. Intrinsic stains are the result of medications, so you should discuss this with your doctor if it is something that bothers you.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
We offer two different types of teeth whitening – take-home and in-office. Here’s how each one works.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
If you would prefer to whiten your teeth during your own time at home, take-home teeth whitening is a great option. We will provide you with a kit containing custom-made trays that you will fill with a whitening solution and wear on your teeth each day as instructed. You will see your beautiful final results in just a couple of weeks.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
If you want quick, dramatic results, in-office teeth whitening is a great option. You can walk out of the dental office with a smile that is multiple shades whiter in as little as an hour! This is ideal for patients who have a special event coming up, like a job interview or wedding, and want to look their best by the upcoming date. The ingredients we use to whiten teeth are proven to be both safe and effective.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
The results of your treatment will last much longer if you take the time to maintain them. Here are some tips that can help you maintain your whiter smile:
- Brush twice and floss daily
- Limit dark-colored beverages
- Avoid tobacco products
- Attend regular cleanings and checkups
- Consider touch-up treatments
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
In general, this is a common question we get from our patients. If you’re interested in whitening your teeth and have been wondering the answer yourself, it’s “no.” In fact, this cosmetic dentistry treatment is so painless that we don’t even need to numb your mouth! Plus, we’ll share what you should do (as well as what you should NOT do) to avoid sensitivity in the hours following your appointment, like drinking room-temperature water.
Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
No, teeth whitening isn’t permanent. However, the results can last for 6+ months if you incorporate the right habits into your routine. A few examples include brushing your teeth twice a day, using a straw when drinking coffee, and eating light-colored foods, like cottage cheese. It’s also important to avoid doing anything that could compromise your results, like smoking.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Take?
If you have a graduation, a wedding, or another important event coming up, then you might be wondering when you should begin the teeth-whitening process. We recommend starting right away! After all, we may need time to treat a cavity, gum disease, or another common oral health problem. Not only that, but, if you want a more dramatic improvement, then it may take more than one whitening treatment to achieve the results that you desire. All that to say, we advise against waiting until a few days before to schedule an appointment.
What Should I Eat After My Teeth Whitening Treatment?
It’s best to eat egg whites, bananas, cottage cheese, and other light-colored foods immediately following your teeth whitening treatment. At the same time, steer clear of any sauces or condiments that could cause a noticeable yellow hue to resurface on your teeth, like marinara sauce and ketchup.
Is Teeth Whitening Covered By Dental Insurance?
No, teeth whitening isn’t typically covered by dental insurance. Fortunately, there are other financial solutions available at our dental office in Flint, including flexible financing. With trusted third-party financiers like CareCredit and Cherry, you can break up the total cost into smaller monthly chunks that fit within your budget. That way, you can lift noticeable yellow stains without stressing about the cost.
What’s the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?
There isn’t just one difference. There are several! To begin, store-bought whitening kits contain diluted brightening gels and flimsy applicators. Professional treatments, on the other hand, are customized entirely to you and use top-tier whitening products to ensure a flawless application and beautiful smiles. We also begin the entire process with a comprehensive oral exam to ensure that your dental history, needs, and goals are considered throughout the process.