At-Home Teeth Whitening – Burien, WA
A More Convenient Way to Brighten Your Smile
Is a brighter smile one thing you want to improve about your appearance? If so, you’re not alone. Many patients wish they didn’t have to worry about stains and discoloration keeping them from engaging with others. This lack of confidence can lead to missed opportunities both personally and professionally. Fortunately, at Seahurst Park Dentistry, we want to make sure you wake up each day pleased with the look of your smile, which is why we offer at-home teeth whitening in Burien. Convenient, effective, safe to use, and more efficient, this unique system can produce beautiful results in just two weeks if used properly! Tired of being embarrassed by your smile because of stains? Schedule a consultation with us today!
Why Choose Seahurst Park Dentistry of Burien for At-Home Teeth Whitening?
- Dentist Uses Only Products That Are Safe & Thoroughly Tested
- 6-Month, 0% Interest Financing Plan Available
- Dental Practice Serving the Community for 50 Years
Who is a Good Candidate for At-Home Teeth Whitening?
Most individuals who are unhappy with the look of their smile because of stains or discoloration can receive treatment with at-home teeth whitening. At our dental office in Burien, we do require that patients undergo a scheduled consultation first to ensure there are no potential oral health issues that could create problems while whitening one’s teeth.
Dr. Thomas will see if any cavities, gum disease, or similar issues are evident. If so, we will be happy to move forward. However, if signs indicate there are problem areas that need to be addressed, we will schedule those before a patient can begin to treat their stained teeth.
How Does At-Home Teeth Whitening Work?
As a more convenient option for busy patients, at-home teeth whitening is highly effective when used correctly.
A patient will meet with our dentist to discuss eligibility before receiving custom-made trays and high-grade whitening gel. The whitening trays will be crafted using impressions taken of your smile, so they tackle as many stains as possible. This also ensures a more even whitening experience.
After applying the gel to the trays and wearing them for a certain amount of time each day, you will begin to notice your teeth appearing lighter and brighter than before. It typically only takes a few weeks to see the kind of results you truly desire.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
Keeping your brighter smile in the best possible shape requires commitment. You’ll need to:
- Establish a good oral hygiene routine by brushing twice a day, flossing at least once, and rinsing whenever the dentist recommends.
- Continue to keep your dental exams and cleanings every six months.
- Quit smoking and using tobacco (i.e., cigars, cigarettes, vape pens, etc.).
- Give up bad habits, like biting your fingernails, eating ice, or using your teeth to open packages.
- Ask your dentist about touch-ups along the way.
- Be mindful of how much you expose your teeth to dark-colored beverages and food.
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening can be a simple and effective way to enhance your smile and boost your self-esteem, but you might avoid scheduling a consultation if you’re convinced you can’t afford cosmetic dentistry.
It’s natural to wonder how much you might pay to brighten your grin, but the cost depends significantly on your unique circumstances. Continue reading to learn more about how pricing is determined and how our practice helps make services more affordable!
Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Although most teeth whitening products do have predetermined rates, there are a few factors that can affect how many treatments you’ll need to undergo to achieve the desired results, such as:
- The type of stains. Extrinsic discoloration in the outermost layer of enamel tend to respond better to topical bleach than intrinsic blemishes that seeped into or started in the lower layer or dentin, which are more likely to require repeated applications.
- The severity of the discoloration. Darker brown and yellow teeth that have a longer way to go to reach the ideal shade may require multiple treatments, increasing the final invoice.
- Other services. If you require other procedures, such as dental fillings or gum disease therapy, you’ll also be responsible for paying for them.
Types of Teeth Whitening and Associated Costs
There are potentially a few different ways you might consider brightening your smile, and each of these is associated with its own pricing structure, outlined in more detail below:
- In-office procedures. Some providers offer in-office whitening procedures for more immediate outcomes, which can range between $400 and $800+.
- Take-home kits. Our team can send you home with everything you need to achieve beautiful, reliable results from your living room, often for a few hundred dollars.
- Store-bought trays. It’s sometimes possible to purchase one-size-fits-all whitening trays for about $100 or less.
- Commercial-grade strips or gels. Stores and pharmacies often carry various brands of strips and gels, which can cost $20 to $40 per box.
Store-Bought vs. Professional Whitening Solutions
If your budget is your primary concern, it’s only natural to wonder why you should invest in professional teeth whitening with Dr. Thomas rather than purchase strips or gels at your local store. But the truth is that when it comes to cosmetic dentistry, quality is often reflected in a product’s price.
For example, cheaper, store-bought kits often include diluted bleach that is more likely to cause sensitivity or produce inconsistent coloration. Meanwhile, our team sends you home with ultra-concentrated gels designed to reduce possible discomfort along with custom-fitted applicator trays for more accurate results that you can rely on.
Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
Dental insurance can often help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for different services, but most of these plans exclude cosmetic treatments intended to improve your looks more than your dental health, such as teeth whitening. But there may be exceptions, or your plan might contribute to aspects of your visit, such as your examination.
But Dr. Thomas and the rest of our compassionate team believes that everyone deserves to have a beautiful smile that sparkles, regardless of their current financial situation. If you’re concerned about affording your elective treatment, you are welcome to sign up for one of our in-house memberships. These include preventive exams, X-rays, and cleanings, as well as discounts on other services we offer, including cosmetics.
At-Home Teeth Whitening FAQs
How Long Do Take-Home Teeth Whitening Treatments Take?
There are several factors that will impact how long it takes to achieve your dream smile, including whether any preliminary treatments are needed and how many rounds of whitening you need to achieve the results you desire. That’s why we advise against waiting until the last minute to schedule your consultation; we want ample time to deliver a smile that’s as healthy as it is beautiful!
With all of that said, our patients typically see improvements after just one use and the full results after about two weeks with our take-home teeth whitening treatments.
Is There Anything I Shouldn’t Eat After Whitening My Teeth?
A good rule of thumb is to avoid foods that could cause stubborn stains to quickly resurface. A few examples include blackberries, dark chocolate, and beets. For the same reason, we recommend limiting your intake of soy sauce, mustard, ketchup, and other pigmented sauces. Instead, opt for foods that are lighter in color, like white fish, egg whites, plain yogurt, bananas, and cottage cheese.
What Is the Difference Between Store-Bought and Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments?
There are actually several major differences between store-bought kits and our take-home teeth whitening treatments in Burien. To start, we complete a comprehensive oral exam to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy (and that any existing dental work is considered). We also use custom-made trays and high-grade whitening gel instead of one-size-fits-all applicators and diluted brightening agents. Simply put, we consider your unique dental history, needs, and goals, and we use only the best products to deliver results you absolutely love.
Can I Drink Coffee After Whitening My Teeth?
Drinking coffee following your teeth whitening treatment is not recommended, especially in the hours immediately after you return home. With that said, we know that many patients love starting their morning with a hot cup or sipping on an iced latte in the afternoon. If that’s you, then take preventive measures to prevent stubborn stains from resurfacing, like using a straw. When you’re done, rinse your mouth thoroughly with clean water and brush your teeth about 20 minutes later.
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
This is a very common concern, but you don’t have to worry – the process is painless! The most you will experience is slight sensitivity immediately afterward, but even that can be easily alleviated with a few simple steps, like taking OTC pain medication as directed and avoiding hot and cold beverages.
