If you want to brighten your smile, you may be wondering, "Can the dentist make your teeth whiter?" Professional teeth whitening at a dental office is a safe and effective way to rejuvenate and brighten your smile. Here's how dentists can help you achieve the pearly whites of your dreams.

How Can the Dentist Make Your Teeth Whiter?

Depending on your teeth stains, dentists can whiten teeth in a few different ways. If you're curious about teeth whitening, ask your dentist if they offer any services at your next appointment.

In-Office Treatments

A dentist can typically whiten your teeth in just one visit. During an in-office whitening treatment, your dentist will polish your teeth to remove plaque and surface stains. Then, they will apply a bleaching agent to your teeth—like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The peroxide is typically activated with light to speed up and enhance bleaching. This gel is re-applied in a few sessions to achieve the desired tooth shade of white.

During professional teeth whitening treatments, a gingival barrier protects your gums from the bleaching agent. Since teeth whitening can make your teeth sensitive, your dentist may also follow up with a fluoride or potassium nitrate varnish to reduce sensitivity.

Take-Home Whitening Kits

Some dentists also offer custom-made whitening trays that you can use to whiten your teeth at home. These trays are made in the dental office to comfortably fit your teeth, which helps you avoid getting whitening gel on your gums. A dentist will also give you a peroxide gel to place into the trays. Depending on your teeth whitening goals, your dentist will explain how long to use the whitening trays. These systems typically take longer for the best whitening results.

Can Yellow Teeth Become White Again?

Professional teeth whitening can typically brighten yellow teeth. This discoloration is usually caused by pigments in food and drinks attaching to the outside of your tooth (aka the enamel). Coffee, tea, and red wine are usually to blame.

However, professional teeth whitening can't remove stains inside the tooth. It can be challenging to bleach brown teeth, and gray-toned teeth may not brighten. Teeth discolored due to medications or injury will also not brighten.

How Much Does it Cost to Get My Teeth Whitened?

The average cost of teeth whitening at the dentist is about $600 (for top and bottom teeth). Dentist-provided custom whitening trays and gel costs about $243 per tray.

Most dental insurance doesn't cover professional teeth whitening. However, some dental plans will reimburse between 20-80% of teeth whitening costs.

Ask Your Dentist About Teeth Whitening!

Ready for a brighter smile? Talk to a Dentologie dentist to learn more about professional teeth whitening options for your smile. Our dentists can brighten your smile in just 90 minutes! We also offer the Glow Up Club for year-round professional teeth whitening services, discounts on Invisalign, and more.

Book your visit today!