Costs of Professional Teeth Whitening
Has your smile started to lose its sparkle? Do you brush and floss daily and maintain regular professional cleanings, but still have stains and discoloration you wish you didn’t have? Maybe you have never considered having your teeth professionally whitened, or maybe it is the cost of whitening that has kept you away. There are many teeth whitening at dental serenity treatment options available to help enhance your smile and restore that sparkle. Below is a bit more information about professional teeth whitening and the estimated costs of the different treatment options.
Teeth whitening treatment options
If you are considering whitening your teeth you may have already identified the different treatment options available to you. If you haven’t, you should know there are many different whitening treatment options, including:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) toothpastes and whitening strips
- Prescription whitening gels
- Professional in-office teeth whitening treatment
- Custom-made whitening trays that can be used at home
Professional whitening treatment
What makes the in-office professional whitening treatment different than the other options available? Professional in-office whitening procedures usually use a much higher dose of bleaching chemical. Because they are trained and experienced in the treatment, dentists know how to safely monitor the chemical to get the results you desired without causing harm. The reason for this higher dose is that it can reach the desired results in a lot less time. In-office professional treatment results are usually visible immediately. The other available treatment options, including in-home treatments, have a much lower dose of chemicals and therefore will take longer (between two and four weeks) and may not be as effective. In-office treatments can provide effective results even after just one 1-hour treatment.
Estimated costs of professional teeth whitening
Due to the quick and promising results, in-office professional whitening is usually costlier than other approaches. The estimated costs can vary because there are many factors that will impact treatment cost. Potential factors that influence cost of dental treatments include:
- Where you live
- The expertise of your dentist
- The extent of the treatment needed (are your teeth badly stained?)
On average, the cost for one in-office teeth whitening treatment will be between $400-$1,000. If this surprises you, you should consider that you are paying for professional dental oversight and quick and effective results. Why is dental oversight important? It is important that you properly manage the amount of bleach used and monitor the possible side effects of bleach, such as gum irritation and tooth damage. The American Dental Association recommends that all adults have a discussion with their dentist prior to using teeth whitening agents to help avoid possible damage to the teeth and gums.
Is professional whitening right for you?
If you have decided that you want to try teeth whitening, but you are still trying to decide if professional whitening is right for you, you should consider your budget, your timeline, and your personal preference. Having a conversation with your dentist may be a good place to start to see if your desired results can be reached with in-home treatment options or if professional whitening is the right option for you.
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