What does teeth whitening cost?

teeth whitening cost

If you are looking to dramatically improve your smile, teeth whitening offers an easy and convenient solution without needing to resort to expensive surgery or procedures, but how much does teeth whitening cost?

The answer may surprise you as the cost can vary from just a few dollars to a few hundred. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry recently did a survey and found that the majority of Americans think that an attractive smile makes a person more appealing. Of all the qualities that make up an attractive smile, whiter teeth were seen as the key component to an attractive smile. 

Teeth can become discolored over time as the outer layer of the enamel wears away. Additionally, drinking and eating staining things like coffee, tea, berries, and wine can contribute to discoloration by staining the teeth as well as smoking.

What will professional teeth whitening cost me? 

The cost you expect to pay for getting your teeth whitened by a dentist is estimated at $650, but it can climb to close to $1000 or more depending on a variety of factors from the type of whitening done and how much your dentist charges. 

Why such high prices? Well, with teeth whitening what you pay for is what you get. You could elect to go with a cheaper option, but your results will not be as dramatic and will often require a longer period of treatment. 

You could go with options that are as cheap as a tube of toothpaste if you choose a kind that includes whitening power. A box of teeth whitening strips will be about $20 to $40 a box, and over the counter trays that are filled with a bleaching gel are often under $100. 

These options for in-home treatment can be more affordable but they are not as powerful as in-office treatments. They can whiten your teeth by one or two shades, but for the best whitening, you should look into your dentist’s offerings when it comes to teeth whitening.

Is getting your teeth professionally whitened worth it? 

Because of the large difference in price, it may seem like it isn’t worth it to get your teeth professionally whitened, but is the teeth whitening cost really worth it?

For most patients, the return on investment of in-office treatments is high. People see a more dramatic change after their in-office treatment compared to at-home treatments sometimes from just one treatment.

The main reason is that dentists can use a much stronger version of the bleaching agent that is used to whiten teeth: hydrogen peroxide. At-home treatment options often contain no more than 10% of hydrogen peroxide, whereas in-office treatments use stronger solutions that are often at 20%-40% hydrogen peroxide. 

Also, consider the long term maintenance for getting your teeth whitened. No teeth whitening solution is permanent, and how long you retain your beautiful smile largely depends on your lifestyle. If you stop smoking, drinking or eating staining foods, and practice good oral health habits like brushing twice daily and flossing at least once a day you can ensure that your results will last for up to a year. 

For the fastest, most effective solution, in-office teeth whitening can’t be beaten. They often take no more than an hour and a single treatment is sometimes all that is needed. 

Will my insurance cover teeth whitening?

Most dental insurances do not cover cosmetic procedures, like teeth whitening. They tend to focus on procedures that are medically necessary and are related to health and wellness, like cleanings, x-rays, root canals, and similar treatments. 

Be sure to check your benefits! You never know if they do in fact cover cosmetic dentistry options. Additionally, your dentist may be able to provide you with more information or a payment plan, so be sure to work with them to find a good solution.

Is it harmful to get your teeth whitened?

The short answer is, not really. Apart from mild temporary sensitivity, the bleaching agent that is used has no harmful side effects. The sensitivity is a natural result of the peroxide gel that is used and is common among 66% of the people who are treated with it. 

The severity of the sensitivity is different based on the condition of your tooth enamel. If you are worried about the sensitivity, be sure to speak with your dentist before doing any kind of teeth whitening treatment whether at home or in office. 

The lasers that are used in the in-office treatment are not harmful and won’t make your teeth hurt more, but a higher dose of peroxide will. 

If you have questions about teeth whitening cost, the treatment, or want to schedule a consultation, and you live in La Verne, California give La Verne Dental and Implant Center a call at 909-586-1155 to arrange your consultation today. 

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