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Teeth Whitening – Tullahoma, TN

Brighter, More Beautiful Smiles in Less Time

Wouldn’t you agree that your smile is the first thing people notice about you? The moment you smile and introduce yourself, whether at a party or job interview, the other person is taking a quick glance at your teeth and forming an opinion. It doesn’t sound pleasant, but let’s face it: it’s true! Since this is our reality, don’t you want your teeth looking their absolute best? Dr. John Petty certainly wants that for you, which is why he offers teeth whitening in Tullahoma to patients who are looking to improve and brighten their smile. Call and schedule an appointment today and let Dr. Petty transform your smile!

How Does At-Home Teeth Whitening Work?

Teeth whitening after and before picture

If having your teeth whitened in our office isn’t exactly what you had in mind, Dr. Petty does offer at-home whitening kits that will make it easier for you to whiten your teeth based on your schedule. This is a great solution for patients looking to gradually whiten their teeth.

We offer two brands for at-home whitening, both of which are safe and effective. Our kits are customized to fit your smile and include a powerful bleaching gel. After just two weeks of use, your smile will be up to 8 shades whiter!

The first option is called Reflection Whitening, and it includes four syringes of 15% gel and two trays. This is enough gel to last two weeks, and you will need to wear your trays for one hour each day. You can expect there to be some gel leftover, so don’t throw it away, as it can be used for touch-ups in the months ahead. Customized trays are available for an additional charge.

The other option is Opalescence Go, which uses a 15% gel that is already placed in the trays. If you’re interested in this method of treatment, you can purchase a sample set to try it out. In your kit, you’ll receive both upper and lower gel-filled trays.

Benefits of At-Home Teeth Whitening

At-Home Teeth Whitening Kit

Some of the benefits you will find by whitening your teeth at home include:

Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening

Woman in a white sweater smiling at home

As exciting as the idea of brightening your smile can be, you probably don’t want to commit to cosmetic treatments of any kind without having an idea of how much you will end up paying. Since teeth whitening typically isn’t covered by dental insurance, it’s important to consider the costs involved very carefully before you make any decisions. Talk to our team if there’s anything you want to ask regarding the cost of teeth whitening.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening

Woman sitting on side of the road smiling

Some patients may end up paying more for professional teeth whitening than others. There are several factors that can influence the final price such as:

  • How Severe the Discoloration Is: If the stains on your teeth are particularly stubborn, more than one whitening treatment might be necessary to get the results you want.
  • Whether Preparatory Treatments are Necessary: During the process of determining your candidacy for teeth whitening, we may discover that you have cavities and gum disease. Treating these issues can add to the amount that you will need to pay out of pocket.
  • Whether You Have Existing Dental Work: Teeth whitening doesn’t work on crowns and other types of restorations, so existing dental work may need to be replaced if you want your entire smile to be the same color.

Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?

Man sitting down outside on sunny day while smiling

There are multiple methods of whitening teeth, and each one has a different cost. Professional take-home whitening kits typically cost a few hundred dollars. Meanwhile, store-bought whitening trays (which you can typically find at a supermarket or your local pharmacy) often cost around $100. Whitening strips, gels, and toothpastes tend to be much cheaper than other methods; for example, a box of whitening strips may cost as little as $20.

Inexpensive Teeth Whitening vs. Professional Teeth Whitening 

Woman in orange sweater leaning forward and smiling

You shouldn’t default to the cheapest method of teeth whitening just because you’re worried about the price. Professional teeth whitening might cost more than store-bought options, but it is also highly reliable and tends to be more effective when it comes to particularly stubborn stains. On top of that, a professional whitening kit can brighten your smile by several shades in just a week or two; in contrast, store-bought products might not yield results for months, and in some cases, you might not see results at all. In short, you should consider quality alongside cost before deciding on the best strategy for whitening your teeth.

Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable

Bearded man holding a tablet and smiling

Would you rather pay for teeth whitening in a series of monthly installments instead of all at once? If so, you may want to apply for CareCredit financing. CareCredit has several low-to-no-interest plans to choose from; you can look for one that suits your budget so that you can pay for your cosmetic treatment at a rate that’s right for you.

Teeth Whitening FAQs

woman smiling after getting teeth whitening in Tullahoma

As a cosmetic dentist in Tullahoma, Dr. Petty would love nothing more than to help you feel more confident in your smile. Many of our patients could tell you that our teeth whitening treatment has done just that! Even after reading all about teeth whitening earlier on this page, you might still have some questions about whether this solution is right for you. We’ll gladly provide you with the information you need over the phone or at a consultation, but for now, we’ve answered a few frequently asked teeth whitening questions below.

What’s the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?

If you’re looking to get rid of stubborn tooth stains, you might be wondering why over-the-counter whitening kits don’t produce the results you want. Although these solutions are advertised as affordable and effective, their one-size-fits-all trays, diluted bleaching agents, and almost imperceptible results make them the inferior choice.

Professional teeth whitening in Tullahoma, on the other hand, is not only much safer, but several times more effective than anything you can find in stores. Our treatments are tailor-made for your unique smile to help you comfortably achieve dazzling results!

Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?

Many people who would love to have brighter smiles hesitate to undergo cosmetic dentistry because they’re worried it will hurt. Fortunately, professional teeth whitening minimizes the risk of discomfort and sensitivity by being personalized to each and every patient.

During your consultation, let us know if your teeth are prone to sensitivity. That way, we can take additional steps to ensure you’re comfortable, such as spacing out your usage of the whitening trays or using a special desensitizing toothpaste. 

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?

The short answer is no; even our extremely potent teeth whitening treatment is not designed to last forever. That said, you can expect your results to last anywhere from a few months to a year or more, depending on how well you take care of your smile. To extend the lifespan of your results, make sure to brush and floss every day, visit our dental office for routine cleanings and checkups, and quit bad oral habits like smoking. We also highly suggest limiting your consumption of foods and beverages that discolor teeth, such as wine, tea, and coffee (or at least sipping them through a straw to reduce their direct contact with your teeth).

Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

Whether you only have a couple of minor stains or major discoloration throughout your smile, there’s a good chance that you’re a candidate for teeth whitening! The best way to find out for sure is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Petty. He’ll make sure your teeth and gums are in good shape, and if they’re not, he’ll help them get there so they can shine as brightly as possible!

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