Teeth Whitening – Charlottesville, VA
Invigorate Your Smile
We live in a society where appearance matters. When you meet someone new, socially or professionally, one of the first things they notice is your smile. If dull, stained, or yellowing teeth are keeping you from making the right first impression, teeth whitening might be the solution you’ve been looking for. This popular cosmetic dentistry service is considered one of the safest and can often have the biggest effect. So, what are you waiting for? Schedule an appointment with our Charlottesville cosmetic dentist today!
Why Choose Hal M. Lippard, DDS for Teeth Whitening?
- Convenient Appointment Times, Including Afternoons
- Highly Trained and Caring Dentist
- Whiten Anywhere, Anytime with Take-Home Treatments
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
One thing that all teeth whitening candidates have in common is that they want to address dental discoloration. So, if you don’t like the smile you see in the mirror or in photos, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us to discuss your treatment options! Most patients whose teeth and gums are healthy are candidates for teeth whitening, so there’s a good chance a take-home kit will be the solution. Of course, there are some exceptions, including patients who have permanent stains. In that case, we will need to explore the other smile-enhancing services we offer, like veneers.
How Does Take-Home Teeth Whitening Work?
Dr. Lippard offers Opalescence Go take-home teeth whitening kits, which usually take just a couple of weeks of at-home treatment to achieve the desired level of whiteness. This all starts with a consultation at our office so we can determine if you’re a good candidate. If you are, then we will provide you with everything you need, including the trays and the whitening gel. You’ll notice a difference within the first week of treatment, and you’ll see a dramatic difference after 10 to 14 days.
What Are The Benefits of Opalescence Go Take-Home Teeth Whitening?
Here are a few of the many benefits of this teeth whitening treatment:
- The Opalescence Go gel is thick, which helps it stay put in the white trays. This means the gel will remain on your teeth for optimal results instead of migrating to your gums.
- Opalescence Go comes in several great-tasting flavors, making them enjoyable to wear. You’ll notice a difference within the first week of treatment, and see dramatic lightening after 10 to 14 days.
- The Opalescence Go gel also contains potassium nitrate and fluoride. These essential minerals help to offset sensitivity and strengthen tooth enamel as they whiten.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
To prolong the lifespan of your results, we recommend:
- Brushing your teeth after eating, even lunch and snacks
- Visiting us twice a year for a checkup and cleaning
- Using a straw when drinking beverages like coffee and soda
- Eating light-colored foods, like egg whites and oatmeal
- Getting touch-up whitening treatments as needed
- Quitting unhealthy dental habits, like using tobacco products
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of our most popular procedures that can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile. However, the cost of teeth whitening can vary depending on several factors. At Hal M. Lippard, DDS, we want to help you understand every aspect of your cosmetic enhancements, including the cost. So, read more below to find everything you should know about the financial aspects of teeth whitening. This will help you decide if the treatment fits your needs and budget.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
While teeth whitening often comes with a set price, several considerations can influence the total cost. Some of these elements include:
- The severity of your stains or discoloration which may require multiple treatments to remove.
- The types of discoloration present such as age-related, medication-induced, extrinsic, or intrinsic stains.
- Whether any preliminary dental work, such as fillings or crowns are needed to protect your teeth.
Depending on your situation, there can be a drastic difference between your teeth whitening kit and another patient’s. All our Opalescence Go trays and gels are customized for individual patients, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
At our office, we offer a specific take-home experience that uses professional-grade whitening agents. However, there are a range of teeth whitening options available to suit different needs and budgets:
- Teeth whitening strips or gels: This is the most affordable option, costing $20-$40 per box. Generic strips and gels typically require multiple treatments to see noticeable results.
- Over-the-counter whitening trays: These store-bought trays are mass-produced and generally cost $100 or less.
- In-office teeth whitening: This typically costs between $400 and $800 at dental offices that offer it. In rare cases, it may reach $1,000 or more due to specific circumstances.
- Take-home whitening kits: These custom-fitted trays are a convenient way to whiten your teeth at home and are usually priced at a few hundred dollars.
Fast Teeth Whitening VS Inexpensive Teeth Whitening
If you’re just comparing the costs, it may not be immediately clear why professional whitening options are popular despite being more expensive. The reason is often in the results! Cheaper whitening methods like strips or gels often yield unsatisfactory results, especially for severe discoloration. They can take months to show any significant improvement and will often weaken your teeth or make them sensitive in the process!
Professional treatments, on the other hand, are designed to lighten tooth enamel by multiple shades quickly. Our take-home kits are far more effective in a shorter span of time. So, when choosing how you go about brightening your smile, it’s best to weigh speed and quality against the cost.
Options For Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
Teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure and is typically not covered by dental insurance. This is the main reason why many patients decide it’s too prohibitive for their budget. However, we are committed to helping our patients achieve the smile of their dreams.
To that end, we offer support for CareCredit financing to make it more affordable. This service allows qualifying patients to split the cost of their teeth whitening treatment into manageable monthly payments!
If you're ready to lighten your grin with a convenient and affordable teeth whitening solution, call us today to schedule your consultation. Together, we’ll explore the best way to enhance your smile without breaking the bank.