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Teeth Whitening New Haven

Brighten Up Your Smile

Have you ever hesitated to smile due to feelings of self-consciousness about the appearance of your teeth? Perhaps you were afraid that people would notice their dull or yellow coloration. If you are afflicted by stubborn dental stains, we encourage you to visit our New Haven cosmetic dentistry team. We offer professional teeth whitening services that have the potential to brighten your smile by several shades.

Why Choose New Haven Dental Group for Teeth Whitening?

Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

You might be a good candidate for teeth whitening if:

Teeth whitening is a great option for most people, but it is not suitable for everyone. Our team will consider your unique circumstances before approving you for this treatment.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Teeth whitening formulas penetrate the tooth enamel and destroy unwanted pigment molecules. Often, the active ingredient is either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. A variety of brands provide professional whitening products, but at New Haven Dental Group, we favor Zoom! due to its outstanding reputation.

There are two main types of teeth whitening. Depending on your situation, you may prefer in-office treatment or a take-home kit.

Take-Home Teeth Whitening

Take home teeth whitening kit

A take-home teeth whitening kit is a great option if you want to brighten your smile on your own schedule. Simply use the provided products as directed, and you should start to notice a difference within a few days. Ultimate results can take two weeks or so.




In-Office Teeth Whitening

Woman receiving in-office teeth whitening

With an in-office Zoom! treatment, we apply the whitening formula to your teeth and then activate it with a special light. We rinse it off and repeat the process a few times. Within the space of an hour or so, your teeth may become several shades brighter. This is the fastest way to whiten teeth!

Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile

The results of teeth whitening are temporary, but you may be able to make them last longer by applying these guidelines:

Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening 

Close-up of woman’s smile before and after teeth whitening

Teeth whitening in our New Haven practice is one of the most affordable cosmetic dentistry services that we offer. Of course, its cost can still vary between each unique case. We will be happy to provide an estimate and help you understand your payment options. Most patients find that teeth whitening is a budget-friendly way to enhance their smile!

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Factors that Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening

Gloved hand holding shade guide close to patient’s teeth

Most teeth whitening services are one flat fee, though some factors may make it more expensive:

  • Severe discoloration: Severe staining may require more time and extra treatment planning.
  • Type of discoloration: Most dental stains respond well to regular whitening formulas, but some are stubborn and may need specialty treatments. For example, some intrinsic stains caused by medication or other factors may not look significantly better after normal whitening.
  • Preparatory care: Your teeth should be healthy before your whitening treatment, so you might need fillings or other restorative procedures prior to your cosmetic endeavors.

Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost? 

Teeth whitening formula being placed in custom tray

There are four main categories of teeth whitening, which have differing price ranges:

  • In-office teeth whitening is usually the highest-priced option. It ranges from $400 to $800 or more, but it is also the most efficient way to brighten your smile.
  • Take-home professional teeth whitening starts out at a few hundred dollars. These kits include custom trays and a whitening formula that is selected for your unique circumstances.
  • Over-the-counter whitening trays often run around $100 or so. They are not customized.
  • Teeth whitening strips and gels are readily available over the counter and may cost just $20 to $40 for a kit that lasts two weeks.

Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Vs. Professional Teeth Whitening

Woman undergoing in-office teeth whitening

When you look at the above-listed numbers, an obvious question might come to mind: Why would anyone choose professional teeth whitening when much cheaper options are available? There are a few big reasons:

  • Professional teeth whitening is more concentrated and is often able to provide more noticeable results in a shorter period of time.
  • The customizability of professional teeth whitening makes it suitable for a wide range of patients, including those who struggle with dental sensitivity or who have certain challenging types of dental discoloration.
  • Safety is a priority for our team, so we offer only high-quality whitening products that are very low-risk. In contrast, some OTC products contain harsh or abrasive ingredients that could harm your enamel.

Options For Making Teeth Whitening Affordable

Man using card to pay for treatment at dental office front desk

Insurance does not usually cover teeth whitening because it is an elective service. However, other provisions that might make a brighter smile easier to afford include:

  • Essential Dental plan: This in-house discount plan provides reduced fees on most of the treatments available in our office.
  • Financing: We accept third-party financing through both Sunbit and CareCredit. Ask our friendly team how you can apply.

Are you ready to learn more about teeth whitening and its cost? Contact us today so we can answer your questions and/or book your appointment.

Teeth Whitening FAQs

Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?

Teeth whitening in New Haven is a gentle and non-invasive treatment. Many patients find it to be a comfortable experience. However, you should note that a temporary increase in dental sensitivity is a common side effect of teeth whitening. For a few days after your treatment, you might find that hot, cold, acidic, and spicy foods cause discomfort.

Until the sensitivity wears off, you can manage discomfort by taking over-the-counter pain relievers and eating a mild diet. Sensitivity-reducing toothpaste may also be helpful.

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

Some professional and store-bought whitening products use similar active ingredients. However, there are some significant differences between the two options:

  • Professional whitening formulas are usually more concentrated. Therefore, they often provide more noticeable results in a shorter period of time.
  • Professional whitening prioritizes patient safety. Professional whitening is done under the supervision of a highly trained dental team. We will not approve you for whitening if you have untreated cavities or gum disease. In contrast, some store-bought whitening products contain abrasive ingredients that can damage tooth enamel.
  • Professional whitening is customizable. If you are concerned about sensitive teeth or certain stubborn types of stains, we can customize a whitening plan to suit your needs.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Take?

Our Zoom! in-office treatment is remarkably fast. In fact, in just a single session (which may take one hour or so), your teeth may become up to 8 shades brighter.

If you opt for a take-home whitening kit, you might start to notice a difference after just a few days. However, full results usually take about two weeks.

If you wish to get your teeth whitened before a certain deadline, such as a special event, let our team know so we can do our best to accommodate you.

Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?

No, dental crowns do not respond to teeth whitening formulas. That is simply because crowns and natural teeth are made of very different materials. Unlike real enamel, crowns are non-porous and cannot absorb whitening agents. Whitening formulas might even weaken the adhesive that is keeping the crown secure on your tooth.

If you are unhappy with the color of your crowns, we might be able to polish them so they look a bit better. However, if the discoloration is severe, you might need to get it replaced altogether.

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?

Teeth whitening is not permanent. After your treatment, your teeth will still be able to accumulate new stains over time.

You can prolong the results of your whitening by visiting us for periodic touch-ups. You should also attend regular dental cleanings, eat a reasonable diet, and maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine.

Depending on how you care for your teeth, your whitening results may last anywhere from a few months to a few years.

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New Haven
(203) 781-8051 Crowns Tower Building
123 York St, Ste 4L
New Haven, CT 06511
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