If you are dissatisfied with the color of your teeth, you can have them professionally whitened to improve your smile. Your dentist can provide this helpful service upon request, though it is not covered by insurance. To help you decide if this procedure is right for you, read through this FAQ to learn all you need to know about professional teeth whitening services.

How bright will my teeth look after whitening?

Although the brightest white might seem tempting, it does not suit everyone. You need to consider many different factors to find a shade that flatters you. You will work with your dentist to find the optimize tooth whitening shade for your perfect smile. Professional teeth whitening can often lighten your enamel by up to eight shades. Your dentist will show you all the possibilities and you can select from them to perfect your beautiful smile.

Will whitening my teeth hurt or make them sensitive?

Having your teeth professionally whitened should never cause any pain or discomfort. If you note any problems, let your dentist know right away.

Over-the-counter tooth whitening kits have the potential to make your teeth much more sensitive, but it is much less likely with professional whitening services. Your dentist will take the necessary steps to ensure your enamel does not incur any damage during the whitening process. There is always a risk of increased sensitivity, however, as is the case with all teeth whitening products.

How long does it take to fully whiten my teeth?

To keep the risk of sensitivity to a minimum, dentists usually take up to four weeks to complete the professional teeth whitening process. By gradually removing stains and whitening the teeth, it is possible to achieve the desired results without side effects. You can expect to spend at least one hour in the office once a week throughout this process.

Do I need to have the teeth whitening process repeated?

Although effectively, professional teeth whitening does not provide permanent results. You must take proper care of your teeth and avoid stain-causing substances to get the most out of the improvements to your smile. Even then, you may need to have the process repeated from time to time to retain your dazzling smile.

When can I come in for teeth whitening?

You can schedule an appointment for professional teeth whitening services at your earliest convenience. Just give us a call at 304-744-4150 to schedule your visit with your trusted dental care professionals.

Do you have questions about an upcoming cosmetic dentistry procedure? If so, here’s a list of our most frequently asked questions and their answers.

What Are Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures?

Cosmetic dentistry procedures are any form of treatment that improves the aesthetic appearance of your mouth. For example, crowns and bridges can replace broken or misshaped teeth, dentures and implants can provide a brand-new smile, and teeth whitening can brighten and lighten stained teeth. These procedures are intended to improve your self-esteem and help you feel more comfortable with your smile.

Will My Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure Hurt?

While you might experience slight discomfort during the procedure, Dr. Tupta will do everything he can to minimize these sensations. He uses various kinds of anesthetic to numb your mouth so you won’t feel pain during the procedure.

Who Can Benefit From Cosmetic Dentistry?

Anyone who is unhappy with their smile can benefit from cosmetic dentistry. In particular, it’s a great choice for patients with broken or chipped teeth, missing teeth, and yellowing or graying teeth. At your initial appointment, Dr. Tupta will talk with you about your concerns and devise a personalized treatment plan to help improve these deficiencies. Usually, the only patients who don’t qualify for a cosmetic procedure are those with poor oral hygiene or active infection in the mouth.

Will My Insurance Cover a Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure?

Unfortunately, because most cosmetic dentistry procedures are not medically necessary, health insurances often don’t provide full coverage. However, if you have a separate dental policy, you may receive at least partial coverage for your procedures. To know for sure, contact your insurance companies to ask about your coverage.

Does Cosmetic Dentistry Have Health Benefits?

The benefits of cosmetic dentistry go far beyond just improving your smile. Chewing and speaking may be easier, and you may also be able to preserve density in the jaw if you’ve lost teeth. You may also have a decreased chance of infection because bacteria will have less room to grow once empty spaces have been replaced by crowns or bridges.