How much does teeth whitening cost?
Teeth whitening can cost up to $650 depending on the location of the dentist and the type of professional teeth whitening product used. The actual price can even reach up to $1,000.
In-office treatments are more cost-effective than at-home remedies. Bleaching agents used in in-office treatments consist of 25-40% hydrogen peroxide, whereas over-the-counter whitening products (such as whitening strips) normally contain no more than 10% hydrogen peroxide.
Thanks to the use of more powerful hydrogen peroxide gels, desensitizers such as fluoride and potassium nitrate, tooth sensitivity are less of a concern for patients seeking in-office dental care.
In-office treatments remove persistent discoloration caused by exposure to tobacco smoke, aging, or ingestion of certain food items, such as red wine, dark-colored vegetables, and coffee.
In-Office vs At-Home Teeth Whitening
Among the many teeth whitening options, careful at-home whitening and professional whitening procedures may vary in intensity. Discuss your options with your dentist before beginning any treatment program. For most cases, teeth whitening falls into one of the three categories and ranges from gentle surface whiteners to stronger options that remove deeper stains.
Whitening Toothpaste: Whitening toothpaste is used to remove surface stains. Toothpastes are the most gentle whitener, which is good for those with sensitive teeth. They achieve a polishing action as opposed to bleaching chemicals, so whitening toothpastes often have fewer adverse effects on your teeth than traditional ones. However, bearing in mind their gentleness, they’re not as efficient as chemical products for whitening teeth as quickly. It generally requires repeated use for a number of weeks for whitening toothpastes to show noticeable results.
At-Home Teeth Whitening: You can purchase over-the-counter at-home whitening kits at pharmacies or dental offices. Strips are used on a regular basis over short periods of time, while trays, rinses, and brushes are applied for a long duration of time. Overlying peroxide brightens tooth enamel.
The dentist may design a special whitening tray for your upper and lower teeth to whiten them better than over-the-counter trays you can purchase at the drug store. With these custom trays, you can squeeze the whitening gel in the trays and wear them for short periods during the day or overnight, depending on your dentist’s advice. If you wear food trays for too long, the peroxide in the gel can pose a threat to your teeth, gums, or both. Follow the instructions of your dentist.
Professional Teeth Whitening: The act of whitening teeth is performed professionally in a dental office. In-office whiteners are stronger than other at-home whitening options as they have more peroxide in the solution. They will help whiten your teeth much faster than at-home whiteners.
The in-office whitening procedure may take up to 1 hour. To guard the mouth against the effects of the peroxide, the gums are protected by the rubber sheet or gel sheet. Occasionally a light or laser may be used along with the peroxide.
Who Can Benefit From A Teeth Whitening Procedure?
Teeth whitening is a great alternative to anyone who wants whiter, healthier teeth. The tooth whitening procedure works best in cases where your teeth and gums are discolored or yellow.
Some people are afflicted with discoloration of the teeth due to these reasons:
- Smoking or using tobacco: These products will cause stained and yellowed teeth over time. (Not to mention, nicotine can give rise to bad breath.)
- Coffee, tea, and wine: These drinks are common causes of discolored teeth, as a result of the dark colors they contain.
- Age: Your teeth naturally lose their whiteness with age. Yellowing and staining can occur due to a decrease in the production of enamel and dentin.
- Poor dental hygiene: Improper dental care can lead to plaque and bacteria developing on your teeth and gums, causing stains.
- Genetics: Your genes and historical family background play a role in your teeth’s color. Some people are just more susceptible to discolored teeth than others.
Teeth whitening is among the most inexpensive and effective ways to refresh your smile. No matter what is causing your teeth to discolor, an excellent way to accomplish that is through a teeth whitening procedure.
Teeth Whitening Side effects and other considerations
Teeth whitening is considered to be safe, but you may still experience side effects from procedures.
- Teeth sensitivity: The sensitivity of your teeth may decrease following teeth whitening. You may see this effect with your first or second treatment, and it is likely to improve as time passes. Your dentist might prescribe solutions for managing sensitivity with salts and potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride whitening gel.
- Irritated gums: You may also experience gingival irritation if your gums come into contact with the whitening product. The fact that this occurs indicates that your gums mode contact with the whitening gel. This is temporary and may resolve after several hours or days.
If you want to whiten your teeth, consult with your dentist to determine if you have extrinsic and intrinsic discoloration, this will greatly determine the success of your teeth whitening. Also, know that teeth whitening products such as these are only for natural teeth. Speak to your dentist about how to shade your teeth if you have implants, crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Teeth whitening procedures won’t be compatible with your treatment if you have active cavities or some dental work scheduled.
Teeth whitening can be done at home for a fraction of the cost of going to a dentist. However, it is important to follow the directions carefully and not overuse the whitening products, as this can damage your teeth. If you are looking for a safe and effective way to whiten your teeth, consider using one of the many at-home whitening kits.