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Teeth Whitening – Annapolis, MD

We Can Cure Your Stubborn Stains

Woman with bright smile after teeth whitening

When someone meets you for the first time, one of the first things they notice about you is your smile. If your teeth have discoloration that make it hard for you to be confident in your grin, you might benefit from Opalescence® Teeth Whitening from Annapolis, MD cosmetic dentist, Dr. Neil W. Vanik. Using a bleaching gel several times more potent than anything you can find in stores or online, this method of teeth whitening is guaranteed to brighten your smile up to eight shades in just a couple of weeks. If your smile feels a little lacking because of stains, why not contact us today and ask about teeth whitening?

Why Choose Neil W. Vanik, DDS for Teeth Whitening?

  • Take-Home Whitening Kit for Added Convenience
  • Customized Trays That Fit You Perfectly
  • Brightens Your Smile in Just Two Weeks

Types of Tooth Stains

Smile with white stain on tooth

There are two types of stains that teeth can experience: extrinsic and intrinsic.

Extrinsic stains are caused by the foods and drinks you consume, tobacco use, and normal erosion of the enamel over time. These stains appear only on the surface of the teeth and can typically be removed with regular brushing or over-the-counter whitening products. Some extrinsic stains, however, are more stubborn and require professional teeth whitening to get rid of.

Intrinsic stains are more serious and can be caused by trauma, aging, excessive fluoride ingestion at a young age, and antibiotic staining (especially tetracycline). Although these stains used to be considered permanent, modern advancements in professional whitening treatments have rendered that belief untrue.

How Does Take-Home Opalescence® Teeth Whitening Work?

Smile before and after teeth whitening

Unlike other organic elements in the body, tooth enamel does not regenerate as it wears down over the years. Because of this, enamel erosion causes the yellowish layer of dentin underneath to become exposed. Moreover, discoloration can occur when particles that result in staining get stuck inside the crevices of the enamel. Bleaching gels permeate the enamel and break down the stains from the inside, brightening the teeth.

Your take-home whitening kit is extremely easy to use. First, we’ll take impressions of your teeth to design your customized trays that fit you and only you. Then, we’ll instruct you to wear your trays with a prescribed bleaching gel for a certain amount of time each day, usually around 30 minutes. You can do pretty much whatever you want while wearing your trays, as long as it’s not eating. Your smile should be several shades brighter after just two weeks of use!

How Long Will My Results Last?

Woman on beach with white smile

The length of time that your results will last depends on a few factors, like your diet and tobacco use as well as your general dental care habits. Although, it definitely is possible for your results to last for years to come. Just follow these tips:

  • Cut down on tobacco use
  • Brush and floss daily
  • Reduce your consumption of darkly pigmented foods and drinks
  • Perform regular whitening touch-ups
  • Attend checkups and cleanings every six months

Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening

Cash separated in black envelop

Teeth whitening can reveal a bright, beautiful smile, but it's often attributed to a large price tag. However, many factors affect the cost of teeth whitening, but we have the solutions you need to revamp your pearly whites without breaking the bank. Your cosmetic dentist at Vanik Dental Group of Annapolis will create the personalized treatment you need to reverse stains and discoloration.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening

Female patient speaking with dentist

No two mouths are identical and many things can cause tooth discoloration. As a result, there's no one-size-fits-all solution for teeth whitening. Your cosmetic dentist will examine your mouth to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. If they find anything concerning, like cavities or gum disease, they must be addressed before moving forward. Your dentist will determine the source of your discoloration to find the solution you need for a whiter smile.

Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?

At-home teeth whitening kit

Our office offers take-home teeth whitening because it allows you to enjoy the convenience of an OTC kit while achieving in-office results. We will give you everything you need to whiten your teeth gradually over 1-2 weeks. The length of your treatment plan will influence the cost. Don't worry, we'll explain exactly how much you'll have to pay before committing to anything.

Inexpensive Teeth Whitening vs. Professional Teeth Whitening

Before and after teeth whitening

There are countless OTC whitening products on the market, but none contain professional-grade whitening agents. Therefore, they won't provide any drastic or noticeable improvement. This can lead to overusing the whitening products to try to reach the results you want. Not only can this get expensive, but it can also damage your enamel.

You can stop throwing money away and reach your goals safely by visiting a dentist for teeth whitening. Your teeth can get up to 8 shades whiter, and your results can last for many months or years, depending on your aftercare routine. When compared to OTC kits, professional teeth whitening is a cost-effective solution that will produce the improvement you desire.

Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable

Male hands counting cash

A member of our team will review your estimate and explain the fees, so you'll know exactly what you'll have to pay. They will also discuss your payment options, including:

  • Traditional Payments: Our office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards.
  • Dental Insurance: It is unlikely your dental insurance will pay for teeth whitening because it's elective. However, you can use your coverage for certain aspects of your treatment, like a cleaning and checkup or preparatory treatments. We will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize any appropriate coverage.
  • Monthly Payments: You can pay any out-of-pocket balance using a monthly payment plan through a third-party financing company, like CareCredit. You can enjoy little or no interest in financing based on your credit approval.

If you have any questions about the cost of teeth whitening, or you're ready to schedule your consultation, contact our office today.

Teeth Whitening Frequently Asked Questions

Man smiling after teeth whitening

Do you want a brighter smile but still have some questions about getting professional teeth whitening in Annapolis? To learn more, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Vanik or read below to find the answers to some of the most common questions asked by our patients.

Will professional teeth whitening harm my oral health?

Some patients worry that whitening their teeth can erode their enamel and make their teeth more susceptible to decay. While this may be true if you use over-the-counter products that aren’t approved by the ADA, Dr. Vanik only uses high-quality and safe ingredients that preserve your tooth enamel while breaking apart deep stains. Opalescence teeth whitening kits include cavity-preventing potassium nitrate and fluoride to strengthen your enamel. Not only will this eliminate dental sensitivity, but it will also ensure that your mouth stays healthy while you’re undergoing treatment, as long as you keep up with your daily hygiene routine.

Are ingredients used in professional teeth whitening products safer?

The ingredients used in professional teeth whitening kits, such as the Opalescence take-home treatment have been thoroughly tested and clinically proven to be effective and completely safe to use in your mouth. However, this isn’t always the case for over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments that don’t contain the ADA seal of approval. These ingredients may not be safe to use on your teeth and could increase your risk of developing oral health problems down the road. That’s why it’s always recommended to visit a professional, like your dentist in Annapolis for cosmetic procedures.

Can I get my teeth whitened if I have a dental crown?

Unfortunately, if you have visible restorations such as a dental crown or bridge, teeth whitening may not be the best option for you. This is due to the fact that your prosthetics are made from non-porous ceramic and porcelain that won’t whiten with the rest of your teeth. If you do have the treatment, it will cause everything to brighten several shades except for your restorations, leaving them to noticeably stick out next to the rest of your natural teeth.

Can I whiten my teeth at home?

Many patients try whitening their teeth at home by using hydrogen peroxide, charcoal toothpaste, or even baking soda. Although these products may work to some extent, using them comes with a steep cost. All of these are abrasive materials that will wear away your enamel and leave your teeth at an increased risk of developing cavities. Instead of risking your oral health for a brighter smile, it’s best to just visit a professional for effective and safe treatment.