Teeth Whitening – Burlington, MA

Boost Your Confidence with a Brighter Smile

It can be all too easy to become self-conscious about the way your smile looks if you have multiple teeth that are stained or discolored. The good news is that here at the dental practice of Derek Song, DMD, our team offers teeth whitening as a way to brighten your grin. This popular form of cosmetic dentistry can leave your teeth several shades whiter in a relatively short amount of time. Call us today if you’re interested in learning more about how it works and why it might be right for you!

Why Choose Derek Song, DMD for Teeth Whitening?

In-Office Whitening Treatments Available
Reliable Whitening Kits
Dental Team That Puts Comfort First

Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

Take a look at your smile in the mirror. Are your teeth yellower than you would like them to be? Are there noticeable stains or discolored spots on your enamel? These are the kinds of issues that often call for teeth whitening. To find out for sure whether you’re a candidate for a professional whitening treatment, feel free to schedule a consultation with our team. We’ll examine your mouth to find out what caused your discoloration and explain what options are available for accomplishing your aesthetic goals for your smile.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

There are many different brands of whitening. Our practice utilizes the GLO whitening system, and we’re able to offer take-home whitening kits as well as in-office whitening treatments. Here’s a closer look at the available options.

Take-Home Teeth Whitening

Many patients prefer a whitening method that can be performed while they’re relaxing at home. A GLO take-home whitening kit includes whitening gel along with a special mouthpiece. The gel is placed in the mouthpiece and activated by the light it emits. You will be instructed to wear the mouthpiece for a specific amount of time each day. As the process continues, your smile will gradually become whiter.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

In-office teeth whitening can be completed in as little as one visit, which makes it a great choice for patients who want to improve their smiles for an event that will take place in the near future. During the treatment, our team will prepare your teeth before applying a powerful whitening gel to the enamel. The gel is activated with a special light, allowing the ingredients it contains to penetrate the tooth and break up the molecules making up the stains that have been bothering you.

Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile

The results of teeth whitening will last significantly longer if you stay away from foods and beverages that can stain teeth; this includes soda, blueberries, coffee, and soy sauce. Additionally, brushing and flossing twice a day can also go a long way toward keeping your smile looking bright. And of course, you should make a point of visiting our office once every six months for regular checkups and cleanings.

Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening

In order to understand the cost of teeth whitening, you must understand the many factors that go into determining the price

Unlike walking into your local pharmacy or big box store and purchasing a ready-made whitening product, the price of professional teeth whitening isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s because unlike those over-the-counter products, professional teeth whitening is customized to you and your individual smile. There are a variety of factors that go into the total cost of treatment, including how badly stained your teeth are, and how quickly you’d like to see results. Here’s how Dr. Song determines the cost of your treatment.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening

factors that go into determining the cost of your professional whitening treatment include what type of stains you have

Whitening your smile isn’t typically one set price. There are a variety of factors that can affect your total price, including how many treatments you’ll need to reach your desired results. Other factors include:

The types of discoloration present in your smile, such as age-related stains, stains caused by medication, and whether the stain is intrinsic (located within the tooth) or extrinsic (located on the surface of the tooth enamel).
Whether you’ll need any preliminary procedures first such as dental crowns or fillings.

Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?

The price you pay for professional teeth whitening is influenced by the type of whitening you choose

In-office teeth whitening can typically cost anywhere from $400 to $800, although in some rare cases it may exceed $1,000 due to a variety of circumstances.

Take-home whitening kits come with a set of custom-fit trays and typically cost a few hundred dollars.

Over-the-counter whitening trays that are not custom fit are usually $100 or less, but the cheapest option by far are whitening strips or gels available at most big box retailers, pharmacies, and supermarkets. Strips generally cost between $20 and $40 a box and contain enough product to treat your teeth for up to two weeks.

Fast Teeth Whitening VS Inexpensive Teeth Whitening

Professional whitening gets faster results than possible with over-the-counter products

If you’re only paying attention to the numbers above, you’re probably wondering why professional whitening options from Dr. Song are so popular when they’re more expensive than OTC products, but it’s important to remember that when it comes to cosmetic dentistry the quality of the work is clearly reflected in the price you pay.

When you use cheaper gels or strips, it can take a very long time to see results, especially if you have severe discoloration. What started out as a more affordable alternative can quickly end up being more expensive than professional treatment, all the while prolonging your exposure to sensitivity-causing chemicals.

With professional whitening, many patients see a noticeable difference right away. Thus, when choosing the right teeth whitening method for your smile, it’s very important to consider what type of results you’re looking for and how fast you want them, not just the price tag.

Options For Making Teeth Whitening Affordable

We offer a valuable in-house membership plan to make your professional whitening treatment more affordable

Because teeth whitening is considered an elective procedure, it is almost never covered by traditional dental insurance. However, there are often other options for making your treatment more affordable and budget friendly, such as our in-house membership plan. This program is ideal for patients who don’t have private dental insurance, and for a small annual fee covers preventive care as well as a generous discount on any elective treatment performed in-house. Please visit our website for more information or call our friendly office for assistance.

Dr. Song is ready to assist you with whitening your teeth and achieving your smile goals. If you’d like to learn more about professional whitening including your estimated treatment cost, please call us today and schedule a consultation.

Teeth Whitening FAQs

Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?

Many patients are hesitant to commit to dental treatment because they are worried that the procedure will be painful. Because professional teeth whitening is entirely custom, you are much less likely to experience tooth sensitivity. If your teeth tend to be prone to sensitivity, don’t hesitate to let us know. By spacing out treatments, avoiding hot and cold foods, and using specialty toothpaste, you can avoid this unpleasant sensation.

Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

If you don’t feel confident when you smile thanks to stains and discoloration, you may be a candidate for teeth whitening. The best way to find out if this is the right treatment for you is to see your dentist for a consultation. This appointment will give your dentist a chance to examine your smile and learn about your goals. If your teeth and gums are in good condition, we can work on your custom treatment plan. If there is untreated dental concern present, like gum disease or a cavity, this needs to be treated before you can whiten your smile.

Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?

Professional teeth whitening does not damage healthy enamel. However, if your teeth are compromised by decay or gum disease, the chemical can aggravate the issue. That’s why it is so important to complete a dental exam beforehand. If you want to whiten your teeth, you should always consult with your dentist beforehand. Even if you don’t choose professional whitening, they can give you valuable insight into products and habits to help you safely brighten your smile.

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?

No, teeth whitening is not permanent. However, results last anywhere from a couple of months to a few years depending on how well you care for your teeth. To prolong the results, you should keep up an excellent at-home oral hygiene routine. You should also attend regular cleanings and checkups and avoid poor dental habits. Touch-up treatments are also available to keep your teeth pearly white!