Considering Teeth Whitening? Here’s What You Should Know

Are you tired of hiding what could be a stellar smile because you're afraid of revealing stained teeth? You're not alone. The good news is that we offer professional teeth whitening services to help you achieve the bright, confident smile you've always wanted.

But before you book an appointment, we've anticipated some possible questions you might have about the process. Keep reading if you're thinking about taking the leap and investing in a brighter smile.

DIY Teeth Whitening Kits: Do They Deliver?

While DIY teeth whitening kits offer convenience and cost-efficiency, the result is often disappointing. Not only can at-home kits take weeks or even months to produce noticeable changes, but the results are often short-lived.

Our professional treatments penetrate the tooth in ways that over-the-counter products simply can't. The result? Dramatic and long-lasting smiles.

We should also talk about safety. While at-home kits are generally safe, ill-fitting whitening trays or improper application of whitening strips can irritate gums and even cause chemical burns. Also, they do not typically account for dental work like crowns or fillings. We tailor treatment to your needs, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience—and results you’ll smile about. 

How We Penetrate Stubborn Stains

We want customers to feel confident and comfortable when they slide into the dental chair, so we make sure to give you an overview of what to expect when you have your teeth professionally whitened. We use a proprietary technology called Philips Zoom!, a teeth-whitening system that utilizes a special whitening varnish. It’s safe and powerful enough to penetrate even deep discoloration, yet it won’t cause sensitivity issues.

Additionally, we offer laser teeth whitening for those who want dramatic results after a single visit. While similar to the Philips Zoom! process, using laser light can achieve even more dramatic results in less time.

Why We Recommend Pre-Cleaning

As you may have already guessed, whitening processes are less effective if you have plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth. That’s because plaque and tartar create a barrier that prevents the whitening gel from fully penetrating the tooth enamel. Without pre-cleaning, whitening results may be uneven or less dramatic.

We recommend scheduling a regular cleaning appointment to ensure the best possible outcome. Our dental hygienists will thoroughly remove any plaque and tartar from your teeth, creating a clean and smooth surface for the whitening gel to work on.

How Whitening Impacts Previous Restoration Work

If you’ve had any previous restoration work—like fillings, crowns, or dental implants—you remember that these materials generally do not respond to whitening treatments in the same way natural enamel does. Because of this, natural teeth may not match the color of the restorations following the whitening process. This can, unfortunately, create a noticeable difference. To avoid this, please consult with our team to determine if any restorations may need to be replaced after the whitening process.

Teeth Whitening & Dental Insurance

One common question we receive about teeth whitening is whether the procedure is covered by dental insurance. Unfortunately, in most cases, the answer is no. While some dental insurance providers may offer coverage for teeth whitening, most consider it a cosmetic procedure. The good news is that we offer a financing program to help make teeth whitening and other procedures far more accessible and affordable for our customers. Don’t hesitate to ask our team about this!

Let Us Help You Level Up Your Smile Game

Are you looking for a smile that's up to five shades brighter? You're in the right place. At AlignBar Orthodontics, we offer professional teeth whitening services that deliver dramatic results in a single visit. Don't settle for over-the-counter whitening kits! We’ll give you a head-turning smile and results that last. Contact us today!