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7600 San Jacinto Pl Ste 100 Plano, TX 75024
(972) 618-1111
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Teeth Whitening Plano Residents Prefer

Even the most carefully maintained smiles become yellowed or stained overtime. The good news is Preston Bend Dental offers patients two convenient ways to whiten teeth for a picture-perfect smile: in-office and take-home whitening. Whatever your whitening preference, our dental team will help you get the brilliant smile you desire. Whitening toothpastes and mouth rinses are good for removing surface level stains, but when it comes to deeper-set staining, they are not nearly as effective. To remove stains below the enamel, hydrogen or carbamide peroxide needs to be applied to teeth for an extended period of time. This becomes problematic when saliva mixes with whitening toothpastes or mouth rinses effectively neutralizing the chemical reaction necessary for stain removal. That’s why professional whitening is usually preferable.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

In about an hour, patients lighten their smile several shades for immediately noticeable, long lasting results. Dr. Anita Naik Madhav starts the procedure by preparing your soft tissue. We’ll need to cover your lips and gums so the carbamide or hydrogen peroxide do not damage your soft tissue. While the oxidizing effects are beneficial for stain removal, they wreak havoc on the skin the same way oxidation caused by UVA/B rays do, and a sun burn in your mouth is not pleasant! Once your soft tissue is protected, Dr. Madhav applies a concentrated whitening gel to the surface of your smile. The whitening agent will need to sit on your teeth for about 45 minutes. Once the whitening gel is removed, patients see an instant change in their smile. Some patients can lighten their teeth up to 10 shades in a single visit!

Take-Home Teeth Whitening

Patients who prefer to whiten their smiles gradually, have sensitive teeth or gums, or would like to touch up in-office whitening after a few years can utilize our custom at-home tray whitening systems. Dr. Madhav makes application trays to fit your unique smile. For a fully customized whitening plan, we also provide varying strengths of whitening gel depending on the results patients need.

Benefits Compared to Store Bought Teeth Whiteners

You may be thinking that over-the-counter whitening trays and strips could be just as effective, but one-size-fits-all whitening application trays and strips have two major flaws: they let saliva in and they let whitening gel out. The acid neutralizing qualities of saliva are typically a positive thing, but when it comes to teeth whitening, it’s essential that neutralizing saliva be blocked out in order to receive the full effects of whitening treatment. Essentially, saliva works to neutralize the whitening gel almost as quickly as it can remove stains, so while these over-the-counter whitening agents have many of the same ingredients as professional whiteners, it will take more than twice as long to see the same results. Additionally, ill-fitting applicators allow whitening products to leak onto gums, lips, and other soft tissue. This leads to sores or skin discoloration over time.

Call for Your Teeth Whitening Consultation

Don’t be the only person in your next family photo with a dingy smile. Call Dr. Madhav and the Preston Bend Dental team to schedule a teeth whitening consultation today.

Teeth Whitening FAQs

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Teeth whitening in Plano can reverse stains and discoloration to revamp your smile. Don’t worry if you have a few concerns. Dr. Anita Naik Madhav will explain everything during your consultation and address any apprehensions. You can also find the answers to the most frequently asked questions below. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to contact our office to speak with a member of our team.

Does Teeth Whitening Damage Your Enamel?

Modern whitening systems will not damage your enamel if your mouth is healthy. You must have healthy teeth and gums to benefit from a whitening treatment. Your dentist will examine your mouth during your consultation to look for anything concerning. It’s also important to space out whitening treatments, including OTC products, to avoid harming your enamel.

Does Teeth Whitening Cause Tooth Sensitivity?

Teeth whitening shouldn’t cause any sensitivity if your teeth are healthy. Let your cosmetic dentist in Plano know if you’re prone to sensitivity because your whitening treatment can be tailored to your comfort. Your cosmetic dentist may recommend using specialty toothpaste to block sensitivity before your treatment. Avoid hot or cold foods and drinks for 24-48 hours.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

Professional teeth whitening can last for several months or years, depending on your aftercare routine. You can get the most from your investment with good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth after every meal and floss every day. Limit dark foods and drinks. If you can’t resist a cup of coffee, drink it all at once using a straw to reduce its contact with your teeth. Rinse your mouth with water after having anything that may stain your enamel. As a general rule, if it can stain a white t-shirt, it can stain your teeth. Your dentist can also provide you with a touch-up kit to maintain your results.

Can I Use My Dental Insurance for Teeth Whitening?

Dental insurance doesn’t cover elective services, like teeth whitening. However, your dental benefits may cover your initial consultation and diagnostic services for a co-pay. Depending on your situation, your insurance may pay some of the expenses for any preliminary treatments, like a dental cleaning or filling. After meeting your annual deductible, your insurance can pay 50% to 80% of medically necessary dental treatments until you reach your yearly limit. A member of our office will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize any applicable coverage. If you owe any out-of-pocket expenses, we have several financial solutions, like a monthly payment plan with CareCredit.