Professional and At-Home Teeth Whitening Options in Metairie, Louisiana

Teeth Whitening in Metairie, LA - Options and Costs

With the new year comes new resolutions. For many people, having whiter, brighter teeth is at the top of their list. If you live in Metairie or the greater New Orleans area and are looking to improve your smile through teeth whitening, you have several effective options to consider.

Professional In-Office Whitening

Seeing a dentist for an in-office whitening treatment is the fastest way to dramatically whiten your teeth. Most in-office treatments take 60-90 minutes and use a concentrated hydrogen peroxide gel along with a special light to lift stains off your enamel. You can expect to see results of 8 or more shades whiter after just one visit.

Professional whitening also lasts the longest - up to 3 years or more if you maintain it with occasional at-home touch-ups. The upfront cost, however, is the highest of all teeth whitening options. Expect to pay $500-$1,000 per treatment.

Custom Take-Home Whitening Trays

Dentists can also provide custom-fitted take-home whitening trays and professional strength whitening gel. The trays allow the gel to stay in contact with your teeth for optimal results. With daily use, custom trays can lighten teeth dramatically over 1-2 weeks.

This option is more affordable than in-office whitening at around $300-$800. It also allows you to whiten at a comfortable pace and topped up as needed to maintain brightness. The trays are reusable for years as well.

Whitening Strips

Over-the-counter whitening strips like Crest Whitestrips are an accessible option found at local drugstores and groceries. The polyethylene strips are coated with hydrogen peroxide gel and worn for 30 minutes twice a day.

Strips are very easy to use but only lighten slightly over 2-4 weeks of consistent use. At around $30 per treatment, the value and longer term results may not be as favorable.

Whitening Toothpastes and Rinses

Special toothpastes, mouthwashes and rinses can also lighten teeth over time. Products with ingredients like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, citric acid or peppermint oil gently remove surface stains each time you brush.

These methods produce subtle whitening results over weeks of use. But they are very affordable at just a few dollars per item. Using them to maintain your bright smile after other whitening treatments can be worthwhile.

Considering Your Options in Metairie

When weighing your teeth whitening options, think about your timeline, budget and how white you want your smile to be. In-office treatments offer stunning results quickly but are expensive. More gradual methods like whitening trays or strips cost less but require consistency for best results.

Working with an experienced local dentist is also advised to determine the safest, most effective path to your desired shade of pearly whites!

FAQs

How long do professional in-office whitening results last?

In-office whitening results can last 2-3 years or longer with periodic at-home touch-up treatments to maintain brightness.

Is whitening safe for teeth?

When administered properly, whitening is generally safe for enamel. Some short-term sensitivity is possible but goes away quickly. Consult a dentist if you have any concerns.

How long until I see results from strips or trays?

Custom trays work over 2-4 weeks with daily use. Strips may take slightly longer at 2-6 weeks with consistent twice daily application.

Can whitening harm teeth restorations?

Whitening only affects natural tooth enamel, not dental work like fillings, crowns or veneers. Best to whiten before new restorations are placed.

Is whitening right for teens?

Whitening is usually only recommended for teens after braces are removed and enamel is mature. Always consult a pediatric dentist first.