BEST Teeth Whitening in Stratford, CT

Professional teeth whitening costs in Stratford, CT, ranges between $400 to $700 per session, depending on the type of whitening treatment you choose.

In-office professional teeth whitening costs more than at-home treatments, but it is the best way to achieve fast, visible results – even if your stains are only moderate. Many patients choose professional teeth whitening over at-home treatments or over-the-counter solutions because it’s more comfortable, and they feel confident in the dentist’s ability to deliver the best results.

If you’re searching Google for “teeth whitening near me cost CT”, we encourage you to contact us today … Click to open this link in the same window … to book an appointment so we can discuss your options.

There are two types of staining that occur in teeth: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic stains come from within the tooth and typically do not respond when traditional whiteners are applied to the teeth. These are caused by things such as age or trauma. Extrinsic stains come from something outside of the tooth and are usually easily removed with whitening processes. These are caused by things such as coffee, wine or other food and drinks, tartar, and more. Some sources of stains, like medications, can be either intrinsic or extrinsic.

There are a number of items that can stain your teeth. The most common sources are:

• Tobacco – Smoking and smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, and marijuana all contain ingredients that can stain teeth.
• Foods – Wine, coffee and tea, greens, and soda, are the most common staining foods that people consume. However, anything that can stain your shirt can contribute to staining your teeth.
• Age – Teeth may yellow or darken as we age. This may come from the buildup of food and drink over time, wearing of the teeth, and thinning of the enamel.
• Trauma – Teeth that have been subjected to trauma from sports, an accident, cracking or clenching, etc., may change color. These “dead teeth” can darken quickly or it may take several years to notice a difference.
• Medications – Liquid iron supplements and B-vitamins, as well as other over-the-counter supplements, may lead to staining of the teeth. Certain antibiotics (especially tetracycline) given at a young age or even to a pregnant or nursing mother may lead to stained teeth.
• Enamel Defects – When enamel has been damaged from lack of calcium or an extreme excess of fluoride supplements, it can appear as white or brown stains.
• Plaque – Bacterial by-products found within plaque and tartar can stain teeth. If plaque or tartar is left on the teeth for longer periods of time, it can create “decalcifications” that show up as white spots. Plaque can also absorb stains from food and drink or tobacco.

Most people who are in good dental health are candidates to whiten their teeth. There are times when whitening should be avoided. Speak with a Connecticut dentist near you … Click to open this link in the same window … if you are unsure. Some common reasons to avoid teeth whitening include:

• Cavities – If you have cavities that need to be filled, whitening your teeth may lead to pain or sensitivity.
• Recession – Areas where gums are receded appear darker and more stained. These areas are sensitive and shouldn’t be bleached.
• Gum Disease – If you have active gum disease, whitening may not work for you. It may lead to an increase in sensitivity or pain. Whitening products cannot penetrate through plaque or tartar, so right after cleaning is the best time to whiten your teeth!
• Restorations – Dental caps, veneers, or fillings will not change color with whitening products.
• Sensitivity – Generally, if you have very sensitive teeth, you may not want to whiten your teeth.

If your teeth have been whitened through an in-office procedure, we recommend abstaining from any colored food, drink, or product for 24 hours. Following a strong whitening agent applied to the teeth, the teeth are dehydrated. As they rehydrate, they may re-absorb stains. Things such as coffee, spaghetti sauce, or even mouthwash should be avoided for 24 hours to ensure your teeth stay white!

In general, staining foods and drinks should be consumed in moderation. Tobacco and marijuana use should be stopped not just for keeping your teeth white but for obvious health reasons. Depending on your habits, you may find you need to touch up your smile after 6 months or over a year.

Using a whitening toothpaste or mouthwash may help keep your teeth bright in between sessions. As always, maintaining great oral hygiene at home and visiting our office for regular checkups and cleanings will ensure your smile remains picture-perfect!

The most common side-effect when whitening your teeth is sensitivity. After a treatment, you may find extremely hot or cold foods trigger “zings” in your teeth. These “zings” may also be felt during the whitening procedure itself. The good news is that this sensitivity is usually fleeting and should return to normal within a few days.

Some whitening products, if used incorrectly, can lead to an irritation of your tissue. Your gums, lips, cheeks, or tongue may be irritated or “burned” if they come into contact with the bleach. This is especially true with very high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. If you use an at-home product, be sure to follow directions exactly as they are written so as to minimize the chance of sensitivity or irritation.

Our individuality makes us unique! Eye color, skin color, and hair color are just a few traits that come in all shades and colors. Tooth color is no exception. It also varies from person to person.

Teeth have “undertones” similar to the familiar “warm and cool undertones” we see in skin:

• A undertones – red-brown
• B undertones – yellow
• C undertones – gray
• D undertones – red-gray

These letters also have a number assigned to them to communicate how “light” or “dark” the tooth is. For example, A1 is lighter than A4. A tooth that is a very dark C4 will show more dramatic results changing to an A1 compared with someone who changes from A2 to A1.
There is no single way to determine exactly what shade your smile will end up in at the end of treatment. Just as some individuals can spend a day at the beach with a very dark tan while others only tan a little bit, whitening can have the same variance!

Dental insurance does not typically cover tooth whitening.

When done properly by professionals like those at Hawley Lane Dental, your number one cosmetic dentist in Stratford, CT, whitening does not harm your enamel. There have been no studies that indicate damage to teeth from professional whitening products.

Both over-the-counter and professional whitening products offered in dentist’s offices do not change the color of fillings, crowns, bridges or dentures. Most patients will replace these after they’ve whitened their teeth to make everything match. Speak with a qualified dentist near you about your replacement options before you whiten.

The safety of whitening products is unknown in pregnant women. Which is why here at Hawley Lane Dental we recommend waiting until your baby is born to whiten your teeth.

Teeth may look “chalky” for a short period following whitening. This is not permanent and the color will become more uniform within a day or two. Additionally, some patients may experience sensitivity to air or cold foods and drinks. The sensitivity usually resolves within a couple of days when you finish whitening your teeth.