Are you asking yourself: What teeth whitening questions should I ask a dentist near me? Learn more about teeth whitening here.

1. What Are My Tooth Whitening Options?

There are plenty of options when it comes to finding the right method of getting a brighter smile. By now, you've likely seen several advertisements that promise whiter teeth in only a few hours. If you're looking for a quick and efficient way of whitening your teeth, there are whitening strips, toothpaste, and gel trays that are available over the counter. 

However, these are less effective than options offered by dentists. The best option to get the smile that you want is by seeing a dental professional.



They'll polish your teeth and then apply a whitening gel. Then a special light may be included to help increase the effects.

2. Will It Cause Sensitivity?

Some patients do experience sensitivity after any whitening treatments. Some patients don't feel anything afterward. The good news is that if you do experience sensitivity, it tends to go away after 48 hours.



You can also use special toothpaste to help ease any discomfort, and you can always go longer between the treatments to give your teeth some time to recover.

3. Will It Hurt My Enamel? 

Teeth whitening does not damage your tooth enamel, so you don't need to worry about that. However, this is a great question to ask your dentist so they can go into detail about why people are concerned about this.



The dentin is the portion of the tooth that is responsible for the color of your teeth. The teeth are coated with a whitening solution on the surface, and then the solution travels through the enamel to the dentin. This does not cause any damage to the enamel. 

4. How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?

The cost of teeth whitening varies depending on many factors. You can find affordable over-the-counter options for less than $100. However, if you want the best and most effective option, the price tag might be higher. 

The average cost for having your teeth whitened at a dental office is around $600. If you do laser whitening treatment, expect to pay around $1,000. This may seem like a significant amount of money compared to take-home kits, but the results are worth it.

Not only will you have a brighter smile, but it'll also last a longer period of time, and you'll reduce the chances of any potential damage to your teeth. 



There is also the option to have a customized tray made to address your own unique dental needs. This is a great balance for people who can't afford the more expensive treatment options and want something more effective than what you find at the grocery store.

5. How Long Until I See Results?

It's natural to be eager about results. Especially when certain whitening treatments require multiple sessions, if you're someone who loves quick results, you'll appreciate that most patients see results immediately following the in-office procedure.

You can even see the full effects after the first 24 hours.



With at-home whitening kits, you can expect to wait longer for any results. This is because there is a lower concentration of whitening agents. You'll be able to notice a difference after two to three weeks.

6. Will My Teeth Stay White?

If you're going to be spending a significant amount of money, it's nice to be reassured that the results will be worth it. The good news is that you can expect your teeth to stay white from six months to two years. This means pearly whites that last a long time.

With that said, that result depends on your lifestyle habits. If you tend to eat or drink stain-causing foods, you might notice that your teeth might be less white in a shorter time.



Try to avoid items like red wine or coffee. You should also keep up with your dental cleanings. This will help your teeth stay white and shiny for a long period of time. 

7. How Will I Find the Right Dental Office Near Me?

There are several ways to find the right dental office. Relying on friends and family for recommendations is an option. Even if they haven't had any teeth whitening services done, they might know someone who has.



If that isn't leading to anything, you can always rely on the internet. You can search for 'dentist 20121' or 'dental office in Centreville VA' to get the most popular results. 

Questions to Ask Dentist Near Me