Philadelphia Teeth Whitening Treatments & Procedures - Costs, Options

An Overview of Teeth Whitening in Philadelphia

Over time, your teeth can become stained or discolored from food and drinks, smoking, or aging. While completely natural, tooth discoloration can make people feel self-conscious about their smile. Luckily, various teeth whitening solutions are available in Philadelphia to safely brighten your smile.

Teeth whitening has become an extremely popular aesthetic dental treatment thanks to its dramatic results with minimal side effects. Options range from over-the-counter whitening strips to professional in-office power whitening supervised by dentists.

This article will explore the different teeth whitening options in Philadelphia, costs, side effects, tips for keeping your smile bright, and more.

Types of Whitening Treatments Offered in Philadelphia

Three of the most popular categories of teeth whitening treatment provided by Philadelphia dentists are:

• In-office power whitening
• Dentist-supervised take-home whitening
• Over-the-counter whitening products

The treatment option that's best for you depends on your budget, level of desired whiteness, and commitment to the process. Your dentist can guide you towards the most suitable solution.

Who Can Benefit From Teeth Whitening?

Almost everyone can benefit from professional or at-home teeth whitening including:

• People with stained or discolored teeth
• Those unhappy with the brightness of their smile
• People with yellow-tinted teeth wanting a whiter, more vibrant smile
• Anyone with minor enamel imperfections or defects

It's important your gums and teeth are healthy without major ongoing issues before undergoing whitening. Discuss the health of your teeth with your dentist first to determine candidacy.

Professional In-Office Teeth Whitening

For faster visible results in just one visit, professional teeth whitening in a dental office is an excellent option. Philadelphia dentists can perform power whitening treatments right in the comfort of their office.

The Power Whitening Technique

Dentists use a hydrogen or carbamide peroxide-based whitening gel at high concentrations of 15-40%. This gel is painted directly on your teeth and then accelerated by shining a special light or laser to speed up the whitening reaction.

As the gel interacts with organic particles inside the teeth, stains break up and color lightens significantly in one 30-60 minute session. Some residual sensitivity is common but temporary.

Advantages of In-Office Power Whitening

Some advantages of professional power whitening include:

• Dramatic visible color change in just one visit
• Treatment overseen by a licensed dentist
• Customized procedure and products for each patient
• Often includes a take-home touch-up kit for maintenance

However, in-office power whitening costs more per session than other options. Still, it remains very popular thanks to its instant, transformative results.

Dentist-Supervised Take-Home Whitening Kits

Dentists in Philadelphia may also provide customized take-home whitening trays and gel for a more gradual yet more affordable solution. Treatment times vary from two weeks up to a month of consistent use.

Custom Whitening Trays

Impressions of your teeth are taken to fabricate tight-fitting custom trays ensuring the whitening gel only contacts teeth, not your gums. Wearing the form-fitted trays for 1-4 hours at a time speeds up staining breakdown while minimizing tooth sensitivity issues.

Lower Peroxide Concentration

Take-home whitening gels often use gentler carbamide peroxide in lower amounts like 10-22%. This gradual exposure still lightens teeth 5-8 shades but with less irritation compared to in-office power whitening.

Ongoing Dentist Monitoring

The benefit of dentist-provided kits over pharmacy strips is continued dental supervision. Your dentist can monitor progress at follow-up appointments to check in on color change, sensitivity, and results.

Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products

For convenient, budget-friendly brightening without visiting specialists, countless over-the-counter whitening strips, gels, toothpastes, and more are sold in Philadelphia stores and pharmacies.

While not as strong or fast-acting as professional formulas and applications, OTC whitening can make teeth a few shades lighter with consistent use.

Whitening Strips

Adhesive whitening strips coated with 5.3% hydrogen peroxide are extremely popular thanks to their ease of use. Philadelphia brands like Crest and Walgreens sell their own versions lasting between 30 minutes to an hour of wear time.

Whitening Toothpastes

Whitening kinds of toothpaste typically use polishing or chemical ingredients like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or activated charcoal to lift some surface stains with brushing. However, evidence on their effectiveness varies.

Other Gels and Rinses

Lesser known OTC formulas like whitening gels, pens,mouth rinses, and waters help fight discoloration daily or dissolve surface stains. Compare active ingredients and patient reviews to judge quality.

How Much Do Teeth Whitening Treatments Cost in Philadelphia?

On average, teeth whitening in Philadelphia costs:

• In-office power whitening: $400 - $650 per visit
• Take-home whitening trays from a dentist: $300 - $500
• Over-the-counter strips or gels: $10 - $100

Dental insurance typically categorizes teeth whitening as an elective cosmetic procedure and may not offer coverage. Payment plans or financing options are available through some practices too.

Risks and Side Effects

When performed properly and under dental supervision, modern whitening treatments are widely safe. However, potential side effects include:

• Tooth sensitivity - Most common issue mitigated by products containing potassium nitrate
• Gum irritation - Properly fitted whitening trays prevent this reaction
• Increased staining tendencies - Daily maintenance helps sustain a white smile

Consult your dentist on the best whitening method to minimize risks based on your oral health history and goals.

Post-Whitening Care Tips

While teeth whitening itself seems straightforward, appropriate aftercare ensures your investment lasts. Ways to maintain your bright new smile's shine include:

• Using fluoride toothpaste for extra protection and decay prevention
• Brushing gently and regularly but without any harsh abrasives
• Drinking through straws to bypass stained beverage contact with teeth
• Quitting smoking and other tobacco products
• Following up with any provided take-home gel or touch-up kits

Your chosen dentist can also advise on when to return for periodic maintenance power whitening sessions or custom tray replacements as needed.

Finding a Teeth Whitening Dentist in Philadelphia

Searching for an accredited cosmetic dentistry practice offering professional whitening procedures in Philadelphia? Be sure to:

• Verify any dentist's license through the State Board of Dentistry
• Check reviews from independent online sources like Google or Yelp
• Ask questions on experience, training, products, and patient comfort
• Request before and after images of real client whitening results
• Compare costs between a few potential providers

Taking these steps helps identify a trustworthy, reputable local dentist to transform your smile.

Achieve a Brighter, Whiter Smile in Philadelphia

Teeth stained from food, aging, or other factors can be safely and effectively whitened by trained dentists in Philadelphia. Numerous clinical and at-home options make finding your perfect shade possible.

From dramatic one-hour power whitening sessions to gradual over-the-counter strips, consider budget, lifestyle factors, and treatment goals when deciding on the best solution. Proper aftercare and dental check-ups help sustain your new white smile too.

Say goodbye to discoloration and smile confidently again with professional teeth whitening in Philadelphia.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.