Teeth Whitening – Newton, MA

Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?

Whether you choose an in-office whitening treatment or a take-home one, you don’t have to worry – the process of lifting stubborn stains won’t hurt. In fact, we even provide our patients in Newton with aftercare instructions to prevent sensitivity in the hours afterward, like switching to a desensitizing toothpaste, not eating hot foods, like soup, and sticking to room-temperature water.

Tip: If you’re prone to dental sensitivity, let us know! That way, we can adjust your treatment as needed, like spacing out your whitening appointments.

Is There Anything I Shouldn’t Eat After Whitening My Teeth?

Yes, immediately following your teeth whitening treatment in Newton, you should avoid dark-colored foods, like blackberries, milk chocolate, and tomato soup. You should also steer clear of pigmented sauces, like mustard, ketchup, and soy sauce. Basically, it’s best to stick to oatmeal, plain yogurt, cottage cheese, bananas, egg whites, and other foods that won’t cause stubborn stains to resurface.

How Long Does Professional Teeth Whitening Take?

There are a few factors that will impact the length of your teeth whitening treatment. To start, do you need any preliminary treatments, like gum disease therapy? If so, that will add a few weeks or months onto the front-end (depending on how severe the infection is).

Of course, the type of teeth whitening treatment you choose will also play a role. While take-home options typically take about two weeks to deliver results, in-office treatments can lighten your teeth by up to eight shades in a single visit. So, that’s definitely worth keeping in mind, especially if you have a wedding or another important event coming up!

Is There Anyone Who Isn’t a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

As we mentioned above, there are some cases when patients need preliminary care, like a tooth-colored filling or gum disease treatment. The good news is that we offer several restorative services at our office. So, when we create your custom treatment plan, we can add the necessary treatment (or treatments) to the front end to ensure the final result is a smile that’s both healthy and beautiful.

When Can I Drink Coffee Again After Whitening My Teeth?

In an effort to prevent stubborn stains from resurfacing shortly after your whitening treatment, we don’t recommend drinking coffee immediately after. In other words, if you can, we recommend waiting a few days. Even after you get the green light, it’s important to take certain precautions to keep your teeth stain-free, like using a straw and rinsing your mouth with water when you’re done.

Is Teeth Whitening Covered By Dental Insurance?

Since teeth whitening is elective, it’s rare for dental insurance providers to cover the cost. The good news is that this isn’t the only way to make lifting stubborn stains more affordable. At Newton Corner Dental Care, we also welcome payment plans with CareCredit, which is a trusted third-party financier. That way, you can break up the total cost into smaller, more manageable chunks that work with your budget.

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

There are actually several noteworthy differences between the two, including the fact that professional teeth whitening treatments in Newton:

• Begin with a comprehensive oral exam: To ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy enough to undergo a whitening treatment, our team will complete a comprehensive oral exam.
• Determine the source and severity of the stains: If permanent stains have developed due to years of tobacco use, then we will discuss the other cosmetic dental treatments that we offer.
• Use high-quality products: While store-bought kits use diluted brightening gels and flimsy strips, our treatments use professional-grade whitening products and custom applicators.
• Consider the patient’s unique aesthetic goals: While some patients want a slight improvement, others want a noticeably brighter smile. That’s important to know before getting started!

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?

No, teeth whitening is not permanent. However, the results can last for 6+ months if you take good care of your smile by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash consistently. You should also eat lots of light-colored foods, like egg whites, and use a straw when drinking coffee, red wine, and soda. Lastly, you should schedule an appointment at our office every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning.

Tip: If a noticeable, yellow hue starts to resurface on your teeth, schedule a touch-up whitening treatment with one of our talented cosmetic dentists in Newton.

Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?

Not only do teeth whitening treatments not work on dental crowns, but they can actually weaken the bonding material holding your restoration in place. So, it’s important that you discuss any aesthetic concerns that you have pertaining to your smile with a dentist. That way, they can determine the best way to make your dream smile a reality, like having your dental crown replaced with a new one that better suits your smile goals.

When Should I Start Whitening My Teeth Before a Special Event?

Although scheduling a consultation months in advance may not seem necessary, we want plenty of time to provide any preliminary care that’s needed. Plus, it may take more than one whitening treatment to achieve the level of brightness that you desire. So, it’s very important that you don’t wait until the last minute to schedule an appointment.