Teeth Whitening – Wayne, PA

Reveal the Bright, Beautiful Smile You Deserve

Over the years, have your teeth started to look more yellow than white? If so, don’t waste your time and money on over-the-counter whitening products. Instead, visit our team at Main Line Dental Group! We’re proud to offer several cosmetic dentistry treatments, including in-office and take-home teeth whitening. To learn more, including what the stain-lifting process entails, read on or give us a call to schedule a consultation.

Why Choose Main Line Dental Group for Teeth Whitening?

  • Top-Rated Dental Team in the Area
  • Offer In-Office and Take-Home Treatments
  • Appointments Five Days a Week

Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

Shade scale next to smiling patient's teeth

There are several qualities we look for in a good candidate, including:

  • Healthy teeth and gums
  • A commitment to healthy habits, like brushing twice a day
  • A willingness to break bad habits, like smoking
  • A desire to whiten their teeth

With all of that said, the only way to know for certain if you’re a good candidate for in-office or take-home teeth whitening is by scheduling a consultation with us. That way, one of our experienced, talented, and caring dentists can pinpoint the cause of the stains and determine if they can be lifted with a professional brightening treatment.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Patient's smile before and after teeth whitening

Since we offer two different types of whitening treatment, the process will look a little different from patient to patient. At your consultation, we will help you decide which one is best for you and review what to expect. You can also read on for a brief overview of each!

Take-Home Teeth Whitening

Want to brighten your smile from the comfort of your own home? Fortunately, we offer take-home whitening treatments that are far superior to anything you’ll find over the counter. The best part is that you’ll see improvements after just one or two uses, and you’ll have the full results in two weeks!

In-Office Teeth Whitening

If you’d prefer to achieve the results you desire quickly, ask us about in-office teeth whitening! If we decide together that this is the best solution for you, then we will use a high-grade bleaching gel to lift stubborn stains. We may even be able to lighten your teeth by up to eight shades in just one visit!

Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile

Man smiling at reflection in handheld mirror

There are several habits we recommend incorporating into your routine to keep your teeth nice and bright, including:

  • Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash consistently
  • Using a straw when drinking coffee and other dark-colored beverages
  • Eating light-colored foods, like white fish, egg whites, and cottage cheese
  • Breaking stain-causing habits, like smoking
  • Coming to our office every six months for a checkup and cleaning

Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening

Smiling patient paying for treatment at reception desk

Whether you’re interested in an in-office teeth whitening treatment or you would prefer to lift stubborn stains from the comfort of your own home, you might be wondering how much it costs. Rest assured, we will provide you with an estimate after we learn about your unique dental needs and aesthetic goals. If you want to learn more on the topic of price in the meantime, you can also read on!

Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening

Closeup of patient's smile before and after teeth whitening

Before they can provide you with a price estimate, your cosmetic dentist will need to determine:

  • If Any Preliminary Treatments Are Necessary – It’s important that your teeth and gums are healthy prior to whitening your teeth. If they aren’t, then we will need to provide the necessary restorative care first.
  • If You Have Any Existing Dental Work – This is important because teeth whitening treatments don’t work on fillings, crowns, and veneers. In order to give you the bright, flawless smile you desire, we may need to replace existing dental work so it blends in seamlessly.
  • How Severe the Discoloration Is – While some patients achieve the results they want with just one treatment, those with more significant stains usually need two or more to achieve the brightness they desire.

Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?

Smiling patient holding teeth whitening tray

Here is some general pricing information about the four main types of teeth whitening:

  • In-Office Whitening – With this whitening treatment, you can lighten your teeth up to eight shades in a single visit. Although prices vary, they often cost between $400 and $800.
  • Take-Home Whitening Kit –  It usually costs a few hundred dollars to get everything you need to whiten your teeth effectively and safely at home, including custom trays.
  • Store-Bought Whitening Trays – Although the price can vary greatly depending on the store, these products often cost less than $100.
  • Strips, Gels, & Whitening Toothpastes – These can cost as little as $7 and as much as $40, making them the cheapest option.

Inexpensive Teeth Whitening vs. Professional Teeth Whitening 

Woman putting on teeth whitening strip at home

Like many other patients, you might be curious if professional whitening treatments are really worth the added price. The short answer is “yes.” After all, they begin with a comprehensive oral exam to ensure the cause of the discoloration, the state of your oral health, and any existing dental work is considered. They also use professional-grade brightening agents to ensure that you get the noticeably whiter smile that you desire. The same cannot be said for store-bought products, which is why they underdeliver time and time again.

Teeth Whitening FAQs

Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?

From preventive care to cosmetic treatments, many patients are hesitant to commit to dental procedures because they’re afraid they might hurt.

Thankfully, because professional whitening treatment is entirely custom, you’re significantly less likely to experience tooth sensitivity than with any other method. However, if your teeth are prone to sensitivity, please let your dentist know.

Activities such as spacing out treatments, avoiding hot or cold beverages, and using sensitive toothpastes can all help you avoid tooth sensitivity in the first few days following your professional whitening treatment.

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

Although professional whitening and storebought alternatives are both designed to whiten your smile by lifting stains and discoloration, the similarities between the two end there.

Over the counter whitening kits rely on a one-size-fits-all approach, including diluted brighteners and trays that may not fit every mouth. Conversely, professional treatment is completely customized to your unique smile goals.

Whitening treatments from your dentist always begin with a thorough dental examination which takes your existing dental restorations and oral health into consideration, making it a safer and more effective way to get dramatic results in as little as one appointment!

How Can I Make My Teeth Whitening Results Last?

With professional whitening, you can expect your results to last anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on how well you care for your smile.

Your first priority after treatment is to ensure that you have a solid at-home oral hygiene routine, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using a mouthwash regularly.

Also, don’t forget to attend your six-month dental exam and cleaning appointments. This can help prevent stains from developing and keep those hard-to-reach areas of the mouth clean. It can also help catch developing problems like cavities and gum disease.

Be sure to limit any dark-colored foods and beverages, as these can stain your smile. Use a straw whenever possible, especially when drinking wine, iced coffee, or cola.

Finally, if you smoke or vape, quitting will help keep your smile looking its best.

Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

If you’re struggling to show off your smile confidently because you’re embarrassed by stubborn stains or discoloration, you may be an excellent candidate for teeth whitening.

The best way to determine if you qualify is to schedule an initial consultation with your dentist. This appointment will allow our team to conduct a thorough dental exam and learn more about your smile goals.

If your teeth and gums are in good condition, we can begin drafting a custom treatment plan. Should your dentist discover any dental concerns such as gum disease or cavities, we will need to administer the appropriate treatment first.