How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost in New Haven, CT?

Teeth whitening is one of the most direct ways to brighten your smile, and the first question most people ask is what it will cost. The price of professional teeth whitening depends on your teeth, the kind of stains you have, and any dental work already in your smile. Here's what shapes the cost of teeth whitening in New Haven, CT, how to decide whether it's worth it for you, and how our team helps you plan for it.

How much should I expect to pay for teeth whitening?

The cost of professional teeth whitening depends on how much brightening you want, what's causing the discoloration, and whether you have crowns, veneers or fillings that show when you smile. Where possible, you go home from your consultation with a concrete treatment plan and pricing you can take your time with.

Cosmetic dentistry isn't covered by dental insurance, so our cosmetic treatments are handled on a fee-for-service basis. Not sure where your care falls? Call us and we'll walk you through it. You can also read more about professional teeth whitening at our office before your visit.

What affects the cost of professional teeth whitening?

A few factors shape the price of whitening for each patient:

• The type of stain. According to the American Dental Association, yellowish teeth usually respond well to whitening, brownish teeth respond less well, and grayish teeth may not respond much at all. Some teeth need more time to reach the shade you want.
• Your existing dental work. Whitening lightens natural teeth only. Crowns, veneers, bonding and fillings keep their color, so they may need attention if they stop matching once your natural teeth brighten.
• Your comfort. Some people notice tooth sensitivity during or after whitening, and that can change the pace of treatment.
• Your goal. For some patients, whitening is the whole plan. For others, it's one step in a larger smile makeover.

That's why we look at your teeth and talk through what you want before we talk about price.

Is it worth paying for teeth whitening?

For many people, yes, especially when the teeth and gums are healthy and the main concern is color. The ADA recommends talking with your dentist before you start any whitening, because the cause of the discoloration decides which approach will work.

If you're also unhappy with chips, gaps or the shape of a tooth, whitening may be one part of your plan. We can talk through options such as cosmetic bonding or porcelain veneers too.

How long do whitening results last?

Whitening results fade gradually, and how fast depends on habits like drinking coffee, tea or red wine and using tobacco. Many people plan occasional touch-ups to keep their shade where they like it.

Does whitening make your teeth sensitive?

Some people feel tooth sensitivity during or after whitening, and it's usually temporary. Tell us if you've had sensitive teeth before, so we can plan your whitening around it.

Can yellow teeth be white again?

Yellow teeth often respond well to whitening. Stains from food, drinks such as coffee, tea and red wine, and tobacco are common causes of tooth discoloration, according to the Mayo Clinic, and these surface stains are the kind whitening is designed to lift.

Some discoloration sits deeper in the tooth and responds less to whitening. When whitening alone can't reach the shade you want, bonding or veneers can change the color of a tooth. We'll explain which approach fits your teeth at your consultation.

Why do New Haven patients choose Dr. Summer Lerch for teeth whitening?

Patients choose Center for Esthetic Dentistry because their whitening is planned by a dentist who has spent more than 40 years perfecting the art of the natural-looking smile. Dr. Summer Lerch was the fourth woman ever Accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and she served many years as an examiner, reviewing the work of other dentists seeking accreditation.

Our approach to cosmetic work comes down to one line: "We make teeth that look like teeth." That means matching color, shape and proportion. It matters with whitening, because crowns and veneers keep their color while your natural teeth brighten.

Your consultation is built around you. You spend one-on-one time with our cosmetic dental assistant, our treatment coordinator and Dr. Lerch. We call it co-discovery: mapping out what's possible for your smile, with no pressure and no surprises.

Our office sits in the arts and historic district of downtown New Haven, two blocks from the New Haven Green, with free off-street parking right behind the building.

How can I pay for teeth whitening?

You can pay with cash, a credit card or CareCredit. Our treatment coordinator sits down with you to map out a plan that fits your budget, including third-party financing through CareCredit, Alphaeon or Cherry. You'll find the details on our finances and insurance page.

Curious what whitening would cost for your smile? Call our New Haven dental office at (203) 624-5256 or schedule an appointment, and we'll walk you through your options.

Published by Center for Esthetic Dentistry (Dr. Summer Lerch).