Teeth Whitening – Virginia Beach, VA
Let Your Real Smile Shine Through
Sometimes, it’s hard to admit that your once-white teeth have turned yellow. However, there are plenty of reasons why Virginia Beach patients may have stained teeth, including the fact that enamel is very porous and absorbs pigments from food, drink, and nicotine. Plus, the natural aging process wears away your enamel, revealing the yellowish dental layer beneath. Fortunately, our talented cosmetic dentists have a solution: teeth whitening! To learn all about this cosmetic dental treatment, schedule a consultation with our team or read on.
Why Choose Smile by Design for Teeth Whitening?
- Top-Rated Dental Team in Virginia Beach
- Zoom! Teeth Whitening Can Be Completed in One Hour
- Flexible Financing Available
Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
When you arrive for your consultation at our Virginia Beach office, our cosmetic dentists will examine your teeth and gums. Although Zoom! teeth whitening is considered very safe and effective, there are a few things we need to consider, including:
- Existing restorations – Dental crowns, fillings, bonding, and veneers are color-matched to your enamel and won’t respond to whitening treatments.
- Oral health concerns – Do you have dental decay? Then it must be treated before we can whiten your enamel. Similarly, if your tooth roots are exposed or you have gum disease, the teeth whitening process may cause irritation or discomfort.
- The condition of your teeth – Are your teeth in good general health? Patients with good teeth and good oral health will benefit the most from Zoom! teeth whitening.
How Does Zoom! Teeth Whitening Work?
After we confirm that you’re a good candidate for Zoom! teeth whitening, we will schedule your appointment. With a special light, we can lift stubborn stains. In fact, it’s possible to lighten your teeth by up to 10 shades in just one visit! Perhaps even better, the procedure only takes an hour or so, so you won’t have to wait long to achieve the bright, white smile you’ve been wanting.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
More than 10 million patients have safely and effectively whitened their smiles with Zoom! teeth whitening. Whitening treatments will last for a long time, but it is possible for your teeth to get re-stained. We’ll give you a touch-up kit for maintaining your beautifully white smile, and we also recommend:
- Brushing your teeth after each meal
- Using a straw when drinking wine, soda, coffee, and the like
- Getting a dental checkup and cleaning every six months
- Avoiding unhealthy dental habits, like smoking
- Flossing and rinsing with mouthwash daily
Smile By Design of Virginia Beach provides Zoom! teeth whitening services for Virginia Beach and beyond. Come see our team today and get the whiter smile you’ve always wanted. Schedule your teeth whitening consultation today!
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
When it comes to the cost of teeth whitening, you can expect to pay more than you would if you were to buy a store-bought kit, but your investment will last significantly longer. But when comparing the price of teeth whitening to the amount you would pay for another type of cosmetic care (i.e., veneers, metal-free restorations, etc.), you can expect that your expenses will be much less. Learn more about what is involved in creating the cost estimate that our team will go over with you during your consultation.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Several factors must be considered when creating a cost estimate for your teeth whitening treatment. At Smile By Design of Virginia Beach, our team will meet with you to discuss the following before determining how much the total investment will be:
- The reasons for tooth discoloration
- The severity of your stains
- Where the stains exist (on the surface or deep below the enamel)
- Whether you need preparatory treatments (i.e., gum disease treatment)
Each treatment plan is different, so do not anticipate spending the same amount as someone else.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
It’s easy to assume that the best option is a simple, over-the-counter teeth whitening kit from your local drugstore, but there are several different whitening solutions available to choose from, each with a different price point:
- In-Office: At Smile By Design of Virginia Beach, we provide in-office whitening. The average cost for this type of service is between $400-$500, but it can go as high as $1,000 or more depending on the severity of the stains.
- At-Home: At-home whitening kits provided by your cosmetic dentist can range from $200-$300.
- Store-Bought Trays: Store-bought whitening trays might seem like a good idea because they are only around $100, but you may not get the results you truly want.
- Whitening Strips, Gels: Although they are the cheapest options available, whitening strips and gels will run you $20-$30 but are unlikely to keep your teeth white for long.
Fast Teeth Whitening VS Inexpensive Teeth Whitening
You cannot go wrong in choosing professional teeth whitening. Delivering results in just one hour, you can expect to see a whiter, brighter smile in little time. But the idea of spending a lot of money to have your teeth lightened might not seem like the best use of your hard-earned money, especially when there are countless products available on drugstore shelves.
The reality is that these products do not contain the high level of ingredients required to eliminate stains above and below the surface of your tooth enamel. As a result, you’re left to spend more over time, putting your smile at risk for increased sensitivity and enamel wear and tear.
Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
At Smile By Design of Virginia Beach, we are pleased to make teeth whitening accessible and affordable for our patients. This is why we offer access to third-party companies that provide flexible financing. By enrolling with CareCredit, you can pay off your whitening treatment over time with the help of a low-or-no-interest payment plan.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Whether they need preventive care, restorations, or cosmetic upgrades, many patients are hesitant to commit to dental treatment because they’re afraid the procedure will be painful.
Because professional whitening treatment is entirely customizable, you are significantly less likely to experience any tooth sensitivity. If your teeth are more prone to sensitivity, please don’t hesitate to let your dental team know.
Spacing out treatments, avoiding hot beverages, and even using sensitive toothpaste can all help avoid unpleasant sensations.
What’s the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?
Although professional whitening treatments and store-bought alternatives are both designed to remove stains and discoloration from the teeth, the similarities between the two end there.
Over the counter kits rely on one-size-fits-all trays and diluted brighteners, while professional treatments are completely customized to each patient’s individual smile goals.
Whitening treatment with your dentist also begins with a thorough oral health examination that is designed to consider existing restorations, and the current state of your teeth and gums.
Professional whitening from your dentist is safe, effective and can provide you with the dramatic results you’re looking for in as little as one appointment!
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Take?
Professional whitening treatments don’t just work better than over-the-counter treatments, they’re faster too. In fact, an in-office treatment can lighten your smile up to eight shades in just one hour-long visit!
If your smile is suffering from more pigmented discoloration, you may need additional treatments to get the exact shade of white you desire.
If you have an upcoming milestone event or celebration approaching, don’t hesitate to let us know so we can work with you to get your smile camera ready in time for your big day!
Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
Unfortunately, no, teeth whitening is not permanent. Typically, the results last anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on how well you care for your teeth.
To extend your results as long as possible, be sure to implement a solid, at-home oral hygiene routine, attend your regular preventive dental check-ups and cleanings, and avoid poor oral habits like smoking.
You can also receive touch-up treatments as needed to keep your teeth looking their best!