Teeth Whitening – Fort Smith, AR
Receive the Radiant Smile You Deserve
If stubborn stains are holding your smile back, professional teeth whitening in Fort Smith could be the answer. Our team offers safe, effective cosmetic dentistry options, like whitening, that go far beyond what store-bought products can do. Whether your teeth are dulled by coffee, tea, red wine, or the passage of time, we’ll create a customized plan to brighten your smile with brilliant results. Ready to restore the luster of your smile? Contact us or use our online scheduling tool to schedule your appointment.
Why Choose Snow Family Dental for Teeth Whitening?
- Highly Trained Cosmetic Dentist
- In-Office and Take-Home Whitening Options
- Flexible Dental Financing Available
Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Many adults are great candidates for teeth whitening, especially if their discoloration is caused by dark drinks, pigmented foods, tobacco, or vaping. These yellow or brown “surface stains” respond very well to professional whitening, often disappearing, even after many months of sitting.
Whitening works best on natural tooth enamel, so it won’t change the color of crowns, veneers, or fillings. During your visit, our team will take a look at your teeth, review your goals, and let you know if whitening or another cosmetic treatment will be the best way to enhance your smile.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Your teeth have tiny pores, much like your skin. Over time, dark stain particles from foods, drinks, and tobacco settle into these pores and make your smile look dull. Professional teeth whitening uses prescription-strength hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gels to break apart these deep-set stains.
The whitening gel penetrates the enamel, dissolves discoloration, and lifts it out of the tooth structure. Whether you choose in-office or take-home whitening, this process safely brightens your smile by several shades when used as directed.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
If you prefer whitening on your own schedule, our take-home teeth whitening is all about convenience. Our team will provide custom-fitted trays and professional-strength whitening gel you’ll wear for a short time each day. Over roughly two weeks, you’ll see your smile gradually become brighter and more even, all from the comfort of your home.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
For the fastest, most dramatic results, in-office teeth whitening is ideal. During a single appointment, we'll apply powerful whitening gel and activate it using a specialized UV light. In about an hour, many patients see their teeth brighten several shades. It’s a great option if you have a wedding, reunion, or big event coming up and want a noticeably whiter smile right away.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
After whitening, a few simple habits can help your results last longer:
- Brush twice a day with a non-abrasive whitening toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove stain-causing plaque.
- Limit coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas—or sip them through a straw.
- Avoid tobacco and vape products, which quickly re-stain teeth.
- Rinse your mouth with water after consuming pigmented foods or drinks.
- Schedule regular cleanings with our Fort Smith dental team.
With good home care and occasional touch-ups, you can enjoy your brighter smile for years. Ready to get started? Call our team today and set up a consultation.
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
When you begin researching the cost of teeth whitening in Fort Smith, you may be surprised to learn that the prices for this treatment can vary quite a bit. The truth is, however, that when it comes to removing deep set stains and discoloration, with professional whitening you truly do get what you pay for. Because there are several important variables that can influence the cost of this treatment, there is no way for us to charge a ‘one-size-fits-all’ fee, nor is it possible to quote a cost over the phone. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to visit Harper Dental for a consultation. In the meantime, feel free to read more about how we’ll calculate the cost when you do.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening
Although whitening treatment from your dentist is typically one set price, there are several factors that could influence how many treatments you’ll need until you reach your desired smile goals, including:
- How severe your stains and discoloration are.
- The types of discoloration present, and whether they’re caused by diet, medication, or age, as well as if they are extrinsic (on the enamel’s surface) or intrinsic (located within the tooth).
- Whether you’ll need any preliminary procedures, such as a filling or dental crown.
Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?
The cost of teeth whitening can vary greatly between treatment types. Here’s a closer look at some approximate ranges:
- In-office teeth whitening, such as the kind we offer at Harper Dental, typically costs anywhere from $400 to $800, although in some rare cases it may exceed $1,000 depending on your individual circumstances.
- Take-home whitening kits with custom fit trays usually cost a few hundred dollars.
- Over-the-counter whitening trays that do not include custom trays generally cost $100 or less.
- The most affordable option by far is those storebought whitening strips or gels. White strips in particular will typically cost between $20 and $40 a box and contain enough strips to treat your teeth for about two weeks.
Inexpensive Teeth Whitening Vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
If you’re only paying attention to the cost, you might be wondering why professional whitening from your dentist is so popular when it’s more expensive, but when it comes to cosmetic dentistry, the quality of the work is clearly reflected in the price you pay.
When you use cheaper strips and gels, it can take many months to see noticeable results, and you still may never get to the shade of white you desire.
Conversely, professional whitening treatments are designed to lighten your tooth enamel by multiple shades in much shorter timeframes. For in office whitening, in as little as one visit, and about two weeks with professional take-home kits, although most patients see noticeable changes immediately.
Ultimately, when choosing the right teeth whitening option for your smile, it’s important to consider what kind of results you want and how quickly you want them, not just the price.
Options For Making Teeth Whitening Affordable
Because professional teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure, most dental insurance plans will not cover it. However, at Harper Dental, we want to make this treatment as affordable as possible. That’s why we’re proud to welcome payment plans from our preferred third-party lender, CareCredit. This program allows you to break up the cost of your treatment into multiple, low-to-no-interest monthly payments that may be better suited to your budget. To learn more about these plans or to apply, please visit our website.
If you’re ready to have a whiter, brighter smile, we’re here to help, so contact us today to schedule a consultation and go over the financial details of your treatment.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
When Should I Start Whitening My Teeth Before a Special Event?
The sooner, the better! This is important because, if we find tooth decay, gum disease, or another common oral health problem during the initial exam, then we will need time to provide the necessary restorative care. Not only that, but it may take more than one whitening treatment to achieve the results you desire. So, it’s best not to wait until a week or two before a special event to begin the process. Instead, get in touch with us when you first decide that you want to whiten your smile.
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
No. In fact, the whitening process is so painless that we don’t even need to numb your mouth! We will also provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help prevent sensitivity from arising in the hours afterward, like sticking to room-temperature water, avoiding spicy and sugary foods, and using a desensitizing toothpaste. If you’re already prone to sensitivity, we can also space out your appointments so the stain-lifting process is as comfortable as possible.
Can I Drink Coffee After My Teeth Whitening Treatment?
It’s not recommended, especially in the hours immediately following your teeth whitening treatment. However, we know that some patients really look forward to having a cup of coffee in the morning. If that’s the case for you, then we strongly recommend taking the precautions necessary to prevent noticeable yellow stains from resurfacing, like rinsing your mouth with clean water when you’re done.
Does Teeth Whitening Last Forever?
Sadly, teeth whitening in Fort Smith is not permanent. There is good news, though: you can make your results last for 6+ months if you take good care of your smile. That starts with daily habits, like brushing twice a day, and extends to coming to our office every six months for a checkup and cleaning. You should also schedule an appointment with your cosmetic dentist if a yellow hue starts to surface on your teeth. That way, they can schedule a touch-up whitening treatment.
How Are OTC and Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments Different?
There are a few noteworthy differences, including that professional teeth whitening treatments consider the cause of the stains, how severe the discoloration is, and the health of your smile. They also utilize high-quality brightening gels and custom trays, which ensure a seamless application and noticeable results. Store-bought kits, on the other hand, contain diluted whitening agents and flimsy applicators, which is why they usually struggle to deliver the desired results.
Is There Anything I Shouldn’t Eat After Whitening My Teeth?
Yes. Following your teeth whitening treatment, it’s important to steer clear of dark-colored foods and sauces since they can cause yellow stains to resurface on your teeth. A few examples include mustard, BBQ sauce, beets, dark chocolate, and marinara sauce.