Teeth Whitening – Temple, TX
Getting Rid of Tooth Stains
Like most folks, you may want a brighter and whiter smile. That’s only natural – gleaming teeth can improve your looks, enhance self-esteem, and more. The good news is that Dr. Fossum and Dr. Grosskopf will gladly help you reach this goal! With teeth whitening in Temple, our practice could make your pearly whites live up to their name. Learn more about the treatment (and how it works) by reading below or book a consultation today.
Why Choose Richard Fossum, DDS for Teeth Whitening?
- In-House and At-Home Whitening Options
- Focused on Putting Patients First
- Clean, Safe, & Comfy Dental Office
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
To be honest, it doesn’t take much to qualify for teeth whitening. The primary treatment requirement is that you have decent oral health. Still, the procedure benefits some more than others.
The best teeth whitening candidates are those with extrinsic tooth stains. When a patient’s discoloration stems from foods and drinks, treatment tends to be highly effective. The same can’t really be said for patients with intrinsic tooth stains – those beneath the enamel. However, most whitening treatments help people who want more confidence in social settings.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
As part of your consultation, we’ll outline the two main types of teeth whitening. The first is a take-home kit that can brighten your smile on a flexible schedule. Meanwhile, the other is our in-office Zoom! Whitening that’s done by our dentists.
The teeth whitening method you choose will impact your treatment timeline. That said, either approach should brighten your smile by six to eight shades.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
With a take-home whitening kit, you’ll enjoy the whitening process from the comfort of your home. The treatment only requires that you wear gel-infused trays for a few hours each day. By following that routine, you’ll end up with a whiter and brighter smile after just a few weeks.
For the record, our take-home kits are distinct from store-bought kinds. They’re far more effective and don’t cause side effects for your teeth.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Our in-office Zoom! Whitening is suited for patients who want fast and effective results. Unlike an at-home kit, it’s done at our office and directly applies whitener to your teeth. Exposing the treatment gel to a special UV light then quickly brightens your smile, all within a one-hour visit.
Of course, this treatment speed doesn’t sacrifice safety. In-office whitening doesn’t use any toxic ingredients that could harm your smile.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
Teeth whitening results aren’t permanent, but you can take steps to help them last. Simply use the following tips:
- Keep Your Mouth Clean – Please brush your teeth twice daily and floss at least once daily. By sticking to these habits, you’ll prevent plaque from causing stains.
- Avoid Stain Agents – Go easy on foods and drinks with tannins, as their compounds stain teeth. Major offenders are coffee, berries, red wine, tomato sauce, etc.
- Eat More Dairy – If you eat white dairy products, you’ll both strengthen your enamel and avoid dyes that stain teeth.
- Get Treatment Touch-ups – Before your whitening results fade, see your dentist for a touch-up.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?
Thankfully, teeth whitening treatment doesn’t (or at least shouldn’t) damage stable enamel. The unique gel it uses is safe for patients’ smiles.
You see, dentists have designed their whiteners to be harmless to healthy teeth. That means the gel won’t wear down your enamel once it’s applied. Instead, it’ll just seep into your smile and remove the most visible surface stains.
Granted, a whitener’s chemicals may cause problems for decayed teeth. The hydrogen peroxide used to brighten smiles can irritate cavities and cause severe tooth pain. Therefore, you should consult your dentist before your treatment.
What’s the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?
While professional and store-bought whiteners have the same roles, they differ on most other points. These differences make dentist-approved whitening the superior choice.
Overall, store-bought whiteners are generic and take a one-size-fits-all approach. Their trays aren’t tailored to the patient’s smile, and their brighteners are heavily diluted. The result is that they don’t tend to work well and only offer middling effects.
In contrast, whitening with a dentist is customized from start to finish. It uses a thorough dental exam to account for existing restorations, the state of your teeth and gums, and so on. That way, the process will safely and effectively brighten your teeth by several shades.
Does Teeth Whitening Qualify for FSA?
If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you may hope it’ll help with teeth whitening expenses. However, the truth is that it can’t apply to the smile-brightening process.
Don’t forget: FSAs only offer benefits for out-of-pocket medical expenses. Teeth whitening treatment isn’t such an expense, so your account won’t reduce its cost. You’ll still need to pay the full price of the procedure before you can get it.
In dentistry, it’s typically preventive services – checkups, cleanings, etc. – that qualify for FSA. These routine appointments are crucial to improving and maintaining your oral health. That being the case, an FSA will let you pay tax-free dollars to receive them.
Is Professional Teeth Whitening Worth the Cost?
Honestly, yes – professional teeth whitening is more than worth the cost. This treatment’s many and varied benefits justify its expense.
For starters, many of whitening’s perks are priceless. The bright smile it gives you can inspire confidence when you interact with friends, family, and other peers. Similarly, it often improves your quality of life by easing your anxiety and stress levels.
You should also note that teeth whitening is a great investment. Since bright smiles help with first impressions, they can (indirectly) lead to career success over time. The resulting rise in pay could then cover the cost of your treatment.