Teeth Whitening Houston
Say Goodbye to Stubborn Stains
Do you want a bright, beautiful smile? If so, you’ll be happy to hear that we offer in-office and take-home teeth whitening treatments at our Houston dental office! With this cosmetic dentistry service, we can lift stubborn stains from frequent coffee consumption, the natural aging process, and even certain medications. So, if you’re ready to part with noticeable, yellow discoloration, take the next step: contact us to schedule a consultation.
Why Choose Smiles of Memorial for Teeth Whitening?
- In-House & Take-Home Whitening Available
- You Can See Your Results Early with Virtual Smile Design
- Multiple Payment Options Available
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Over the years, your teeth can acquire stains from beverages, tobacco use, and certain medications. If the discoloration has left you feeling less than confident about your smile, don’t wait – get in touch with us to schedule a consultation. Once we know more about your dental needs and smile goals, we can determine if you’re a good candidate for teeth whitening. Fortunately, many patients who have healthy teeth and gums are!
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
If you are looking for teeth whitening in Houston, Texas, come to Smiles of Memorial! Once we have a chance to complete a comprehensive oral exam, our expert staff can determine if this is the best smile-enhancing treatment for you. If the answer is “yes,” then we can achieve the results you desire with either an in-office or take-home treatment.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Many people choose take-home whitening treatment because it allows you to brighten your smile in the comfort of your own home. If you choose this smile-enhancing service, we will take a mold of your teeth and create two thin, flexible plastic mouth trays. You will fill the trays with whitening gel and then position them over your teeth. The trays are usually left on for about an hour at a time. With consistent use, you can achieve the gorgeous results you desire in just two weeks!
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office teeth whitening treatments, on the other hand, can lighten your teeth by eight shades in just one visit. Another perk of this cosmetic dental service is that we handle the entire process for you, including the application. As a result, you can relax comfortably in the treatment chair. Once we’re done restoring your brilliantly bright smile, we’ll provide you with helpful tips on how to maintain your results (more on that in the next section).
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
Whether you choose an in-office treatment or take-home products, you want the results to last. Rest assured, Dr. Tran will provide you with helpful tips to prevent stubborn stains from resurfacing, like:
- Brushing for two full minutes each morning and night
- Using a straw when drinking coffee
- Eating white fish, egg whites, and other light-colored foods
- Breaking bad habits, like smoking
- Scheduling a dental cleaning twice a year
- Getting touch-up whitening treatments as needed
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a great way to enhance to natural beauty for your smile. However, people put off treatment because they are worried about the cost. Since everyone’s treatment is a little bit different, the cost can vary. During your consultation, we will go over the exact cost of your treatment so that you don’t run into any surprises. Until then, here are some things to consider.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
The cost of professional teeth whitening varies on several factors. Here are some of the most prominent ones.
- Types of Discoloration: Intrinsic stains are more difficult to lift than extrinsic stains, so they may require other treatments.
- Severity of Discoloration: If your teeth have dark stains, they may need additional whitening sessions to achieve your goals.
- Other Services: If you have existing dental issues, like gum disease or tooth decay, they need to be treated and eliminated ahead of time.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
There are multiple teeth whitening options out there. Here is what you can expect in terms of the cost for each one.
- In-Office Teeth Whitening: In-office teeth whitening ranges from $400 to $800. In some areas, it can be over $1000.
- Take-Home Teeth Whitening: Professional take-home whitening kits usually cost a few hundred dollars.
- Over-the-Counter Trays: Teeth whitening trays that you find over-the-counter are usually $100 or less.
- Over-the-Counter Strips/Gels: This is the cheapest teeth whitening option available. These boxes cost between $20 and $40 and contain enough product to last a couple of weeks.
Inexpensive Teeth Whitening vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
When you look at the numbers above, you may be wondering why anyone would choose professional teeth whitening when over-the-counter treatment options are so much more affordable. With cosmetic dentistry, the results that you see are clearly seen in the cost of the treatments that you get. If you choose cheaper strips and gels, you won’t see significant results – especially with darker discoloration. Professional teeth whitening treatment gives you noticeable results in a fraction of the time.
Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
Teeth whitening isn’t covered by dental insurance because it is an elective treatment. However, are happy to accept patients through CareCredit – a third-party financing company that can split the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little to no interest. If you have questions or need help applying, don’t hesitate to let us know.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
What’s the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?
Both professional and store-bought whitening products use similar active ingredients, like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, but the difference lies in strength and supervision.
For professional teeth whitening in Houston, we use higher concentrations of whitening agents for faster, more consistent results. It’s also safer! Before your treatment, Dr. Tran and our team will check your teeth and gums for any dental issues that could cause damage or discomfort. We then provide fully customized treatment and expert oversight to prevent sensitivity and overuse.
How Can I Make My Teeth Whitening Results Last?
After investing in your smile, it’s only natural to want it to last as long as possible so you can enjoy it. Here are some simple ways you can extend the brightness of your smile:
- Brush and floss daily with a whitening-safe toothpaste.
- Avoid foods and drinks that stain, like coffee, tea, and red wine.
- Rinse your mouth with water after meals.
- Quit smoking or using tobacco products.
- Schedule touch-up whitening treatments as recommended.
- Visit our Houston dental practice for routine cleanings.
These small steps will help you maintain your radiant results for as long as possible.
Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Most adults with good oral health are candidates for teeth whitening in Houston, but it isn’t effective for every kind of discoloration. Stains caused by coffee, tea, or aging respond well to whitening, while discoloration from medication, trauma, or fluorosis may not.
During your consultation, we’ll examine your teeth and gums to determine if whitening is right for you or if another cosmetic treatment, such as veneers or cosmetic bonding, may be more effective. Our goal is always to help you achieve the smile you deserve with the most effective treatment available.
Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?
Professional whitening treatments are carefully formulated to protect your enamel. When applied correctly by a professional cosmetic dentist like Dr. Viet, whitening does not harm healthy teeth or gums.
However, if your enamel is already weakened by cavities or gum disease, whitening can cause temporary discomfort or sensitivity. Non-professional methods, like abrasive charcoal toothpaste or excessive use of store-bought strips, can also wear down enamel over time.
This is why it’s best to rely on an experienced dental team for safe, effective whitening that’s supervised and handled with care.