Teeth Whitening—San Antonio, TX
Get a Bright Smile with Teeth Whitening
Has your smile
lost its luster? Over the years, you have noticed your teeth are not as white as they used to be. Tooth
discoloration is a normal part of the aging process, but it can be amplified by poor oral hygiene, smoking, or
the foods and drinks you consume. To reverse the appearance of stains, over-the-counter products often seem like
the perfect remedy, but you will be left feeling disappointed. At Laith Family Dentistry, we can help you
achieve the drastic results you want with professional teeth whitening in San Antonio.
Causes of Discoloration
As you
age, your enamel becomes thinner, causing more of the dentin to be visible. This makes your teeth to appear
yellow and aged. While this is unavoidable, there are several factors that can make the issue worse, like poor
oral hygiene or eating darkly pigmented foods. Not to mention, tobacco use in any form can lead to browning or
staining of your teeth.
Reversing Tooth Discoloration
Now, there are
several over-the-counter products that claim to reverse tooth discoloration, like whitening strips and
toothpastes. Although they appear to be the perfect solution, they will not give you the results you want. They
do not contain professional-grade whitening agents, so they cannot penetrate the enamel. It will only lighten
surface stains and the results will not last.
The only way to achieve a noticeable improvement is with a whitening treatment from your cosmetic dentist in San Antonio. After performing an initial consultation to ensure you are a candidate, a customized treatment plan is created.
During the process, a protective barrier is applied to your lips and gums to prevent any irritation to the soft tissues. A highly concentrated whitening agent is put on your teeth and a special light is used to activate it. It deeply penetrates your enamel to resolve stubborn stains. After just one appointment, your teeth will be 6 to 10 shades whiter.
Protecting Your New Smile
With the right aftercare, your new smile can stay bright for several years. To lock in the results, it is best to stick to a white diet for 48 hours following your procedure because your pores are still open. Afterward, it is ideal to limit your contact with stain-causing foods and drinks, like coffee, berries, and tea. If you cannot skip your morning cup of coffee, be sure to brush your teeth afterward or rinse your mouth with water.
To remove stain-causing particles from your teeth, brush them twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes. Take the time to floss in between each tooth before going to bed.
In addition to your home oral hygiene habits, visit your dentist in San Antonio twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. We will check the health of your teeth and gums, and we can also provide you with a touchup kit to maintain your bright smile.
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Before you go all-in on any dental treatment, certainly you’ll want to be clear on what it’s going to cost. Below, we’ll touch on all the factors that impact the cost of teeth whitening in San Antonio. While it can vary from patient to patient, gaining a better understanding of the elements involved will help you know what to expect prior to your smile rejuvenation.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Many people choose to have teeth whitening performed to get rid of stains and discolored spots that can’t be removed with other methods. To know for sure whether this cosmetic procedure is a good choice for you, you can schedule a consultation at our office. We can examine your teeth, consider your smile goals, and help you figure out what your best options for treatment are.
You will need healthy teeth and gums before we can begin working on your custom whitening plan. If you are currently suffering from gum disease, it will need to be treated first.
Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are different from your natural teeth, so whitening gels don’t work on them. If you’re dissatisfied with the shade of your crown, the only viable solution is to have it replaced entirely. It’s best to wait to get a new crown after whitening is complete; that way, your restoration can be customized to match your newly brightened teeth.
You should always tell us about any existing dental work before you have any teeth whitening done. The ingredients in whitening gels can weaken the adhesives that keep your crown attached to your teeth; it’s therefore important for us to account for the restorations you already have before we move forward with your cosmetic treatment.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Take?
Our in-office whitening treatment can be completed in just one appointment, allowing you to dramatically brighten your smile in a short amount of time. Compared to over-the-counter whitening options, a professional treatment is much faster. Keep in mind, though, that particularly stubborn or extensive stains might need multiple treatments. At the beginning of the whitening process, please let us know if there’s an upcoming event you want to get ready for so that we can account for it when putting together your treatment plan.
Does Teeth Whitening Qualify for FSA?
FSA is short for Flexible Spending Account, which is an employer-sponsored program that aids employees in paying for their medical expenses with tax-free dollars. However, teeth whitening is an elective procedure that doesn’t qualify as a medical expense; as such, you typically won’t be able to use your FSA to cover the cost. That said, it can be used to pay for biannual cleanings, which can go a long way toward helping the results of teeth whitening last as long as possible.
