Teeth whitening in East Longmeadow

Is Professional Tooth Whitening Better Than DIY Products?

Your local pharmacy or big box store has a plethora of teeth-whitening products that are designed to sell the idea of whiter teeth. However, over-the-counter DIY teeth whitening kits are less effective than professional teeth whitening. Professional products are stronger and produce better results in less time. Also professional tooth whitening will be monitored throughout so that you receive even, thorough results.

In addition, there may be an underlying cause for your discolored teeth that has nothing to do with lifestyle habits and aging, such as an infection or decay. Your dentist can determine the cause and recommend the best solution for you. If you have had extensive reconstructive dentistry, you might not be a good candidate for teeth whitening, but your dentist has alternatives. If you'd like more information or to make an appointment, call our East Longmeadow office and we can help you.

Do You Provide At-home Teeth Whitening Products?

Sometimes, teeth whitening at home is a viable alternative and we can supply you with a kit that contains the same professional products we use in our office. You'll need to come in for an exam and evaluation to ensure that DIY teeth whitening is an option. We'll take an impression of your teeth so that we can fabricate your bleaching trays and compile your kit. On average, our patients report lightening their teeth by about six shades when they wear their trays for an hour each day for two weeks. After that time, you can return to our office to evaluate your progress and if you want additional teeth whitening. If you have questions, call our East Longmeadow office, and we'll be glad to answer them.

What Is the Teeth Bleaching Cost?

The cost for your teeth whitening will be unique to you and will depend on several factors, including:

• The type of tooth whitening system you select
• The number of treatments you need
• The number of follow-up treatments you'll need
• The number of repairs you'll need
• Any insurance coverage you may have

After your initial evaluation, we'll provide a detailed cost estimate for your teeth whitening procedure. If finances are a factor, let us know and we'll work with you. If you want to schedule an appointment or have any questions, call our office, and we'll be happy to help you.

What's the Advantage of Professional Teeth Whiteners?

Although at-home DIY products may be more convenient, they lack the results that a professional whitening procedure produces. Over-the-counter products aren't as strong as professional products, and can irritate your gums. They may produce unevenly colored teeth because dental restorations such as fillings don't respond the same as natural tooth enamel. They also take longer because they're less effective.

Some patients are good candidates for at-home teeth bleaching but need an office visit first. Your teeth-bleaching dentist will examine your teeth to ensure you're a good candidate for the procedure. Sometimes, there can be an underlying cause for tooth discoloration, and your dentist will detect that.

If you're a good candidate for DIY teeth whitening in East Longmeadow, we'll make impressions of your teeth and fabricate your whitening trays. Then, we'll assemble a kit that contains the same professional-grade products we use in our office along with instructions on how to safely use them. Our patients generally report they lightened their teeth about six shades when they used our DIY trays for an hour daily for two weeks. If you're interested in our DIY kits, call our East Longmeadow office, and we'll help you.

What Should I Expect During My Teeth Whitening Procedure?

When you come to our East Longmeadow office for your teeth whitening appointment, you can generally expect the following:

1. Your teeth bleaching dentist will examine your teeth and then clean them.
2. Typically, we'll take photos of your teeth so we can determine the best color for you. The photos will also help us monitor your whitening progress.
3. We'll insert a cheek retractor to expose as many teeth as possible and protect your cheeks and lips from the bleaching gel.
4. We'll apply a protective liquid to your gums to shield them from the bleaching gel.
5. We'll apply the first of several coats of whitening gel to your teeth, and will remove each application before we apply a new one.
6. We may use a special light on your teeth to speed and enhance the results of the whitening gel.
7. After your final application of gel, your teeth bleaching dentist will evaluate your progress and determine whether you need additional applications, follow-up treatments, or an at-home kit.

If you have any questions or want to make an appointment, call our East Longmeadow office.

Want a New Smile?

If you're ready for a dazzlingly white smile, call Alliance Dental Care at (413) 417-2797, and we can help you. We're among the best in the area, and we're sure you'll be happy with your new, white teeth!

Call us today. You'll be glad you did.