Teeth Whitening – San Marcos, TX
Brightening Your Smile
It’s fairly common to start seeing stains and discolored spots on your teeth over the years. This is likely the reason why teeth whitening in San Marcos is such a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment; after all, everybody knows just how much of a powerful impression a dazzlingly bright smile can make. If you would like to whiten your teeth and are dissatisfied with the results you’ve gotten from over-the-counter products, give San Marcos Gentle Dental a call to see what professional options are available.
Why Choose San Marcos Gentle Dental for Teeth Whitening?
- Quick In-Office ZOOM Whitening
- Customized
Take-Home Kits - Patient-Focused Dental Practice
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Patients with stains from dark-colored foods and drinks, like coffee and marinara sauce, are often candidates for professional teeth whitening. In some cases, even those whose teeth are discolored from certain medications, smoking, or the natural aging process are eligible. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not this cosmetic dentistry service is right for you will be decided at your consultation, which is why you will meet with our dentists to discuss your dental history, your oral health, and your smile goals.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
There are two teeth whitening options: in-office and take-home. Below, you’ll find more information on each, but don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or you’d like to schedule a consultation!
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Take-home teeth whitening typically takes a couple of weeks. This is longer than an in-office whitening treatment, but the results are no less dazzling. It’s a very simple process; all you need to do is take the provided whitening trays and fill them with bleaching gel. Then you can wear your trays for a specified length of time, during which you can carry on with your normal activities. Remember that you can call us at any time during the process if you have questions.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Our ZOOM in-office whitening treatment delivers fast results for those bothered by discolored enamel. In fact, we can complete the whitening process in just an hour! Part of the reason why ZOOM is so effective is that it has hydrogen peroxide as an active ingredient. When hydrogen peroxide breaks down, oxygen can penetrate your enamel and whiten any substances that might be causing discoloration. Don’t worry; it won’t have any effect on the tooth’s overall structure.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
Whether you chose an in-office whitening treatment or opted for a take-home one, you want the results to last! The best way to prevent stubborn stains from resurfacing is by adopting good habits, like:
- Eating white fish, plain yogurt, and other light-colored foods
- Using a straw when drinking beverages like coffee and wine
- Brushing and flossing your teeth consistently
- Coming in for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning twice a year
- Not using any tobacco products
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
The results of professional teeth whitening usually last anywhere from three to six months. The best way to ensure stubborn stains don’t surface sooner than that is by implementing healthy habits, like brushing your teeth after each meal. You should also be mindful of what you eat. For example, you shouldn’t over-indulge on BBQ sauce, tomato soup, or curry, and you should use a straw when drinking dark-colored beverages, like coffee.
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
There is a common misconception that whitening your teeth will hurt. In reality, what leads to discomfort, sensitivity, and soreness is overuse of brightening products. That’s one of the many perks of professional teeth whitening: it’s overseen by a licensed dental professional.
Tip: If you struggle with dental sensitivity, don’t hesitate to let our San Marcos dental team know! We can space out your treatments and recommend a de-sensitizing toothpaste to use at home.
Is There Anything You Can’t Eat After Whitening Your Teeth?
Immediately following your teeth whitening treatment, you shouldn’t eat marinara sauce, blackberries, or any other dark-colored foods. Instead, you should focus on eating plain yogurt, bananas, oatmeal, and other light-colored foods that won’t stain your teeth. It’s also important to drink lots of water; this will help remove lingering food particles and residue, reducing the risk of stubborn stains resurfacing in the process.
What’s the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?
Commercials on TV and ads on social media would have you believe that there’s only one difference between over-the-counter kits and professional teeth whitening treatments: the price. The reality is that there are several other noteworthy differences, starting with the fact that we consider the cause and severity of the discoloration. We also customize each treatment to the patient, ensuring that the final result is a flawless, seamless, and beautiful smile.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Take?
Typically, it takes about two weeks to achieve results with our take-home whitening kits. Conversely, our in-office treatments can lighten your teeth by eight shades or more in a single visit! So, if you are on a bit of a time constraint because you have an important event, like a wedding, coming up, you might prefer the latter. If that’s the case, let us know! We will do everything we can to ensure you have a smile you’re proud to show off in time.
How Can I Reduce the Cost of Teeth Whitening?
Typically, cosmetic dental treatments, like teeth whitening, are paid for out-of-pocket. As a result, many patients are curious what they can do to reduce the cost. At San Marcos Gentle Dental, there are a few options! First, you can sign up for CareCredit flexible financing so the cost is broken up into smaller, more manageable chunks. Second, you can sign up for our advanced in-house plan, which includes a 15% discount on smile-enhancing services. To learn more about either of these options, give us a call – we’d be happy to answer any questions you have!