Teeth Whitening – Montpelier, VT

Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

Many patients don’t realize that there are different types of dental stains, and not all of them respond to topical bleaching the same way. For instance, extrinsic discoloration develops in your enamel and is often caused by consuming deeply toned foods, like coffee, tea, berries, or tomatoes. These tend to respond better to whitening than intrinsic blemishes that seep into or originate in the lower layer of dentin.

The latter are more likely to require repeated applications or a different cosmetic service, such as veneers or dental bonding, to treat. Before proceeding, you must consult Dr. Hale so he can examine your mouth to identify the underlying cause and devise an appropriate treatment plan.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Store-bought and professional teeth whitening services are intended to function similarly, though the quality of the product and the results it produces can vary significantly. Both options involve applying bleach to your teeth, which undergoes a chemical reaction that breaks down the size and concentration of stain particles clinging to your enamel.

However, commercial-grade solutions tend to use weaker gels that can cause sensitivity or uneven tones throughout your smile.

Take-Home Teeth Whitening

Meanwhile, our team can provide everything you need to achieve quality results from the comfort of your own home. Our take-home teeth whitening kits include ultra-concentrated gels, which are designed to reduce potential sensitivity, and custom-fitted applicator trays for beautiful results you can rely on.  

Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile

Once you finally achieve the perfect tone for your teeth, it’s only natural to want to do preserve the outcome for as long as possible. You can help maintain your teeth whitening by:

• Implementing an at-home dental hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing twice daily removes plaque and bacteria that give tinted particles a surface to cling to.
• Don’t be afraid of touch-ups. You might require periodic retreatments to retain the perfect hue.
• Choose foods carefully. Avoiding common culprits, like tea, wine, coffee, and berries, can help you prevent additional discoloration.
• Schedule routine visits. Seeing our team every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning allows us to monitor your condition and polish away more recent surface stains.

Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening

If you’re feeling self-conscious about darkly tinted or blemished teeth, Dr. Hale and the rest of our Montpelier team look forward to helping you brighten your smile and boost your confidence.

However, it’s normal to have questions about this treatment before proceeding, such as how much it costs. Continue reading to learn more about pricing expectations, and feel free to contact our office for additional information.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening products often have predetermined rates, but there are different factors that can affect how many treatments you’ll need to achieve the ideal shade, such as:

• The severity of your condition. Those with darker teeth are more likely to require multiple applications to achieve the ideal hue.
• The type of discoloration. Intrinsic blemishes in the lower layer of dentin can be harder to reach than extrinsic stains in the outermost layer of enamel.
• Other treatments as needed. We’ll examine your mouth before proceeding and will need to address any pre-existing concerns, such as cavities or gum disease, which must also be paid for.

Types of Teeth Whitening and What They Cost

There are several potential paths to take if you’re seeking to boost your confidence by brightening your grin. We’ve outlined several popular options below, along with their typical costs, for your convenience:

• In-office whitening procedures. Some dentists offer in-office treatments for about $400 to $800+ per visit.
• Take-home whitening kits. Our team in Montpelier provides customized take-home kits with professional-strength solutions, usually for a few hundred dollars.
• “Over-the-counter” trays. Some whitening trays can be purchased for approximately $100 or less.
• Commercial-grade strips or gels. Many pharmacies and stores carry various brands of whitening strips or gels, often ranging between $20 and $40 per box.

Commercial-Grade vs. Professional Teeth Whitening

If you’re considering your budget, it’s natural to wonder whether it’s worth investing in a professional-grade whitening kit. But the truth is that when it comes to cosmetic dental services, the quality of a product is often reflected in its price.

For instance, many store-bought whiteners contain diluted bleaches that are less effective and might produce inconsistent results or contribute to sensitivity. Meanwhile, Dr. Hale can send you home with a kit containing custom-fitted applicator trays for more comfortable, accurate results, using professional-grade gels designed to reduce discomfort. Many people start to see a change within just two weeks!

Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable

Our office gladly accepts all major PPO dental insurance policies, though most of them categorize teeth whitening as a ‘luxury’ service and, therefore, don’t cover the cost. However, every plan is different and there may be exceptions, so it’s worth verifying your information before proceeding.

If you’re struggling to find information, need help with paperwork or insurance claims, or have additional questions about how to afford our services, please contact us for more details.

Teeth Whitening FAQs