Teeth Whitening in Dearborn, MI
A Brighter, More Confident Smile On Your Schedule
- Up to 16 Shades Whiter with KöR®
- In-Office and Take-Home Options
- Custom-Fit Whitening Trays
- Seasonal Specials and CareCredit® Financing
Real Patients, Real Results
This patient received dental bonding on her upper and lower teeth. We matched the composite resin to her newly brightened shade, achieved with our KöR® in-office whitening system.
Our Dentist Explains Your Whitening Options
Dr. Mark Luria explains the two teeth whitening options available at Dearborn Family Dentistry. Both bleaching systems involve the use of trays to remove unwanted stains and deep tooth discoloration. We can develop a whitening treatment plan during your visit to our dentist's office in Dearborn, MI.
Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Options
Dentist-Supervised Bleaching
Every whitening option offered at our practice is safe for your teeth and gums and highly effective. Your dentist can also personalize treatment based on your specific needs to achieve optimal results.
Over-the-Counter Options
Store-bought whitening strips and whitening toothpaste have a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide, so results are often slower and less noticeable than with professional treatment.
Types of Tooth Stains
and How Whitening Can Help
Intrinsic Stains
Deep intrinsic discoloration is typically due to trauma or genetic factors. This affects the deep dental layers underneath the enamel. As a result, whitening may not be effective for this type of discoloration. Your dentist will likely recommend alternative treatments like dental bonding or porcelain veneers.
Extrinsic Stains
This type of discoloration is caused by consuming dark-colored foods and drinks like red wine, smoking, or practicing poor oral hygiene. Extrinsic stains affect the enamel, the outermost layer of a tooth. The hydrogen peroxide in tooth whitening gels effectively breaks up most extrinsic stains to reveal a brighter, more beautiful smile.
Teeth Whitening Options
After an initial consultation, one of our dentists can determine if whitening is an effective solution for you. At our Dearborn, MI, practice, we offer both in-office and take-home whitening options.
In-Office
If you opt for KöR® in-office whitening, the process begins with our dentists taking impressions of your teeth. These are used to create custom bleaching trays that fit perfectly over your teeth. For the next two weeks, you will wear these trays while you sleep. At your next visit, you will come back to our practice for your in-office whitening procedure. Our doctors will carefully apply the whitening gel, which can whiten your smile by up to 16 shades. Best of all: KöR is one of the only whitening treatments that offers permanent results.
Take-Home
Another option for those with a busy schedule is the DayWhite teeth whitening system. This take-home treatment will take approximately two weeks, and you will wear a tray filled with hydrogen peroxide whitening gel for approximately 30 minutes each day. You will see gradual changes in the brightness of your teeth throughout treatment.
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?
Compared to other cosmetic dentistry treatments, tooth whitening is a very affordable option. In most cases, in-office bleaching is more expensive than take-home treatment, but in-office procedures also offer more dramatic results.
To make treatment more affordable, we offer several seasonal specials. We also accept payments through CareCredit®.
Alternatives to Whitening
In some instances, patients may be better suited for alternative treatment options. For example, not every type of discoloration responds to whitening. In other cases, the teeth may be damaged or weakened and may require restorations. Here are three of the most common teeth whitening alternatives available at our Dearborn, MI, practice:
Dental Bonding
This cosmetic treatment involves the application of a tooth-colored composite resin material. Our dentists will choose a color that matches your other teeth and carefully mold the material around your affected tooth to conceal cosmetic concerns.
Porcelain Veneers
Dental discoloration can also be concealed with porcelain veneers, which are strong, thin porcelain shells that adhere to the front surfaces of stained or discolored teeth. Veneers can produce incredibly lifelike results, making them a popular treatment.
Dental Crowns
If you have tooth damage as well as discoloration, your doctor may recommend dental crowns. Crowns fit over the entire tooth to conceal all types of discoloration while providing additional strength and reinforcement for a damaged or weakened tooth.
