Looking for Professional Teeth Whitening in Houston, TX?

Professional teeth whitening is a fast, easy, and effective way to get a brighter, whiter smile that boosts your self-confidence, and although this treatment produces what some people call the “Hollywood Smile,” it’s available in almost any city. Keep reading to learn more about teeth whitening in Houston, TX!

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

There are many causes of discolored teeth, and these reasons fall into three broad categories:

• Intrinsic: Something inside your teeth or body
• Extrinsic: Something that comes in contact with your teeth
• Age-Related: Pertaining to natural changes later in life

Dentin is the interior of your teeth, and this material yellows with age, causing discolored teeth. Enamel, the natural protective coating on your teeth, thins from a lifetime of brushing, allowing discolored dentin to show through.

Surface discoloration, on the other hand, can be caused by environmental factors, genetic factors, and underlying disease, but specific substances that can stain your teeth include drinks like coffee, soda, and wine; cigarettes and chewing tobacco; and certain medications.

How Does Teeth Whitening Actually Work?

Tooth whitening works in one of two ways: by removing surface stains from the enamel or changing the color of the dentin.

Whitening toothpastes scrub away surface stains using mild abrasives, but they don’t alter the color of the dentin, which is where most discoloration occurs. For a more dramatic effect, you’ll need to use bleach. Not the bleach you use around the house, though! 

Bleach-based whiteners often rely on the power of hydrogen peroxide, which brightens your teeth by releasing oxygen into the enamel’s surface when the chemical breaks down. This is true for both in-office teeth whitening treatments and at-home options like whitening gels, whitening trays, and strips. The difference is in the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. 

Professional teeth whitening relies on concentrations of hydrogen peroxide between 25–40%, while at-home options use concentrations between 5–15%. For in-office methods, your cosmetic dentist will most likely use some sort of rubber dam to keep the hydrogen peroxide from coming into contact with your teeth. They may also use a laser or LED light to accelerate the whitening process.

Is It Worth It to Get Your Teeth Professionally Whitened?

If you’re looking for a fast, easy treatment that brightens your teeth and delivers the smile of your dreams, then yes—professional teeth whitening is worth it! 

Visiting a cosmetic dentist who specializes in teeth whitening procedures is a safer, more effective alternative to at-home whitening trays that can cause increased tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. But don’t forget: This is a cosmetic procedure, so scheduling regular dental cleanings and brushing and flossing twice a day is still just as important!

Teeth Whitening FAQs

Keep reading to find answers to some of the most common questions patients have about professional teeth whitening procedures.

Will Teeth Whitening Treatments Work for Me?

The effectiveness of professional teeth whitening treatments varies from individual to individual, so you should always speak to a licensed cosmetic dentist to find out if tooth whitening is right for you.

Although there are countless benefits to a professionally whitened smile, it’s important to note that teeth whitening treatments don’t work on crowns, veneers, or other dental restorations. 

Teeth and gums should be clean and healthy before using any tooth whitening products, so if you have cavities, broken teeth, or gum disease, you’ll need to get that taken care of first.

How Long Does It Take for Teeth Whitening Services to Work?

In-office teeth whitening procedures offer results in less than an hour! 

Popular treatments, such as the Philips Zoom! Teeth Whitening system, can whiten your teeth by eight shades in as little as 45 minutes!

Does In-Office Teeth Whitening Hurt?

Tooth whitening can cause sensitivity to the teeth and gums, but many patients experience little to no sensitivity following treatment. 

If you’re concerned about pain, talk to your dentist about lowering the strength of time of the bleach. And, it goes without saying, but always have teeth whitening procedures performed by a licensed professional.

Will Tooth Whitening Damage My Enamel?

No! Bleach-based teeth whitening treatments target dentin, the material beneath tooth enamel, so you don’t need to worry about bleach eroding or wearing down your enamel. 

How Long Do Teeth Whitening Treatments Last?

The results from professional teeth whitening last anywhere from six months to three years. In most cases, patients report their results lasting about one year.

While treatments are designed to last several years, personal behaviors that stain your teeth may cause this time to be shortened.

Is Professional Teeth Whitening More Effective than OTC Treatments?

Yes! The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in whitening products that are available to dental offices is much more effective at treating discolored teeth than DIY options or over-the-counter (OTC) kits you can buy at the drugstore.

In addition to being more effective, professional teeth whitening is also much safer than at-home whitening.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Teeth Professionally Whitened?

It depends. The cost of getting professional teeth whitening by a cosmetic dentist varies based on a variety of factors. Insurance coverage, location, the severity of discoloration, and the whitening system used all contribute to the price. 

Heights Smile Co. specifically accepts Care Credit and Lending Point as third-party lenders if you’re interested in exploring financing options. Using these lenders, qualifying patients can get 0% interest for 12 months.

Brighter, Whiter Smiles in Less Than an Hour—Heights Smile Co. 

If you’re ready to whiten your teeth more effectively, schedule an appointment with your cosmetic dentist and find out if you’re a good candidate for in-office teeth whitening services, like the Philips Zoom! Teeth Whitening system.

To find a dental office that offers teeth whitening in Houston, we highly recommend reading reviews to find a provider near you who specializes in cosmetic dentistry, like Heights Smile Co.