If you have been longing for brighter teeth and a whiter smile, you are not alone. Professional teeth whitening is performed here in our dental office under the supervision of Dr. Gandhi and our team of dental professionals. Professional teeth whitening in Murphy, TX is also available in a take-home kit which will let you to whiten your smile while watching your favorite show or listening to music in the comfort of your own home. Be sure to ask our dental team which option is right for you, and we’ll help get you on your way to a brighter smile today.
Why Choose Murphy Dental Home for Teeth Whitening?
Fast Results with In-Office Whitening
Take-Home Whitening Offered for Convenience
Personalized Treatment Plan to Meet Your Needs
Why Do Teeth Get Stained and Discolored?
Your teeth will naturally darken as you age. Certain foods, medications, and colored drinks can also contribute to the staining of your teeth and can give your teeth a yellowed or dull appearance. With professional teeth whitening, Dr. Gandhi and her team can erase years of staining and deliver the bright white smile you have always dreamed of.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
This simple and painless procedure involves applying hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gel or paste to the surfaces of your teeth. The bleaching agent works to break up stains into smaller pieces, making the color less concentrated, and resulting in brighter teeth.
Not all tooth discoloration will respond to teeth whitening in the same manner. Yellow teeth will bleach well, while brown and gray teeth may not show adequate whitening results. Whitening cannot lift staining off dental restorations and will not be effective if tooth discoloration is due to trauma or the use of medications.
Teeth whitening has been shown to be safe under the care and supervision of a dental professional. You may experience some temporary side effects such as tooth sensitivity which should subside quickly without any intervention.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Our professional teeth whitening procedure can brighten the appearance of your smile by as many as 5 - 10 shades in a single session. If you prefer the convenience of whitening your teeth at your home, we can provide you with a take-home kit that includes custom-made trays and whitening gel. Be sure to ask Dr. Gandhi which option is best for you to help you on your way to a brighter, whiter smile.
Over the Counter Whitening Products
There are different options available to you for in-home whitening that you can purchase over the counter. Peroxide-based whitening gels or strips work to lift stains by being placed directly against the surfaces of your teeth. You can also find whitening toothpaste which contains a mild abrasive that can only remove some of the surface stains.
While over-counter whitening products deliver some results, they will not be as dramatic as professional whitening treatments and may not be as safe. It's best to achieve your white, bright smile under professional supervision.
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Most dental insurance policies don’t cover the cost of cosmetic services like teeth whitening, and as a result, many patients want to know what they can expect to pay to upgrade their grins. The amount can vary based on your unique needs, but our Murphy Dental Home team is happy to provide a detailed estimate after your initial consultation with Dr. Gandhi.
Continue reading to learn more about how the rate is determined, and feel free to contact us for additional questions!
Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Although teeth whitening usually has a set price, several factors can impact how many treatments you’ll need to achieve your ideal hue, such as:
Other required procedures. Our team is happy to improve your appearance, but our primary concern is your oral health. We’ll examine your mouth to ensure no cavities or gum disease interfere, and you’ll be responsible for any additional services required.
The types of discoloration present. External stains exist in the outermost layer of enamel and often respond well to topical bleach, but intrinsic blemishes in the lower layers or age-related tinting might require other cosmetics to address, like porcelain veneers or direct bonding.
The severity of your condition. Teeth that are more yellow or brown than pearly white are likelier to require repeated whitening applications.
Types of Teeth Whitening and Their Prices
Those wanting to brighten their smiles have several potential treatment methods to choose from. Below, we’ve outlined several popular options and what you might expect to pay for them:
In-office whitening procedures. Our team offers professional-grade services that can lighten your grin up to eight shades in a single visit, often for about $400 to $800+, depending on your circumstances.
Take-home whitening kits. We can also provide take-home kits with professional-grade supplies to achieve a whiter smile from the comfort of your home, usually for a few hundred dollars.
Over-the-counter trays. Some stores carry whitening trays that aren’t custom-fitted for about $100 or less.
Store-bought solutions. You can often find whitening strips or gels at your local corner store or pharmacy for $20 to $40 per box.
Commercial vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
If you’re concerned about finances, it’s natural to wonder whether it’s worth investing in professional whitening with our team in Murphy when there are cheaper options available. However, when it comes to cosmetic dentistry, the quality of a service is often reflected in its price.
For example, many over-the-counter whiteners contain diluted bleaching agents that are less effective. Furthermore, they include one-size-fits-all strips or trays that lead to error in application. You might not achieve the desired results and could develop sensitivity if you’re not careful. Meanwhile, our team uses ultra-concentrated gels designed to mitigate potential discomfort and custom-fitted trays for an ideal outcome.
Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
Dr. Gandhi and the rest of our team believe that everyone deserves to have a beautiful, healthy smile to boost their confidence and improve their daily quality of life. If you’re worried about how to pay for your teeth whitening, we’ve got your back! We offer the following methods to help make your treatment more affordable:
Murphy Dental Home Discount Plan. For a low annual fee of $175, you receive a free exam, cleaning, and X-ray every year and up to 20% off of additional services offered in the office.
Flexible Financing. We’ve partnered with CareCredit so that you can divvy up your final invoice into more manageable installments that are paid over a designated period, if your application is approved.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Many patients are hesitant to commit to teeth whitening because they are concerned that it might hurt. While store-bought teeth whitening products can lead to injuries due to poor quality or user error, professional whitening treatments virtually eliminate these risks by using customized dental trays and professional grade brightening agents. While you should not feel any pain during the process, please let our staff know if your teeth are especially prone to sensitivity so we can plan your treatment accordingly. While you can expect to experience some minor and temporary sensitivity after your treatment, you can reduce this issue by waiting longer between retreatments, using a desensitizing toothpaste, or avoiding hot or cold beverages until your sensitivity goes away.
How Can I Make My Teeth Whitening Results Last?
The results of your teeth whitening treatment can last anywhere from several months to several years depending on how well you care for your teeth. The most important factor in preserving your results is practicing excellent oral hygiene at home by brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash every day. It’s also crucial to visit the team at Murphy Dental Home every six months for routine checkups so we can thoroughly clean your teeth and address any problems in their early stages. You can reduce the occurrence of new stains by limiting your consumption of richly colored foods and beverages like red wine, coffee, tea, berries, and dark sauces, and drinking dark liquids through a straw can also keep the staining agents from making contact with your enamel. It’s also best to quit smoking, as this habit can leave unsightly nicotine stains and cause a host of other oral health problems.
Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
If your stubborn dental stains and discoloration are making it difficult for you to smile proudly, you can probably be an excellent candidate for teeth whitening. The best way to find out if you qualify for this treatment is to schedule a consultation at Murphy Dental Home so Dr. Gandhi can evaluate your oral health and discuss your goals for the treatment. If your teeth and gums are in good health, we’ll be able to begin designing your treatment plan. If you aren’t ready for the treatment yet, we’ll be glad to address underlying issues like gum disease so you can receive teeth whitening later.
Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?
Professional teeth whitening treatments do not damage healthy enamel, but the chemicals used can cause problems if you have untreated issues like tooth decay or gum disease. We’ll thoroughly inspect your mouth for oral infections during your consultation to make sure that you can receive the treatment safely, and we can schedule you for a restorative treatment if necessary so you can receive whitening later. However, overuse of store-bought whitening products can wear away your enamel, and many DIY remedies like lemon juice or charcoal can cause similar damage. It’s best to consult with Dr. Gandhi before attempting any teeth whitening method so she can provide you with valuable expertise and offer an appropriate recommendation.
