You are here looking for the no BS answer to the question: How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?
Teeth whitening is a typical and prevalent procedure in cosmetic dentistry that involves bleaching the teeth from the several existing shades to a lighter complexion.
A bright white and perfect smile is a confidence booster and aesthetic. In addition, teeth whitening eradicates years of stain and discoloration from the teeth.
However, lucrative as it sounds, teeth whitening, regardless of your preferred option ( DIY or professional administered teeth whitening ), can be a costly procedure.
This post offers valuable insights on teeth whitening and answers the top sought query of how much does teeth whitening cost.
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a straightforward answer to how much does teeth whitening cost. This is because it depends on your preferred mode of teeth whitening.
In addition, different specialists have variable pricing. The cost of teeth whitening is a range and not an exact figure.
There are also different products and procedures of achieving that, which also contributes to the variance.
For example, if you seek the help of a dentist would cost you anything between $500 and $1000. On average, the cost is usually $650.
The highly concentrated peroxide gel and the fact that the dentist is an expert make the results outstanding. Therefore, the procedure is worth every penny.
On the other hand, there are pretty cheap products sold over the counter that can facilitate teeth whitening. They will cost you between $20 and $100.
It uses a relatively low concentrated bleaching gel but often doesn’t whiten the entire dentition. On the contrary, it might only work on the front teeth.
Additionally, there is another option that balances the two. You get to do the procedure yourself, just like the case of over-the-counter products. At the same time, you get to use kits recommended by professionals.
How much does teeth whitening cost in such a case? The cost is usually between $100 and $400.
What Are The Causes Of Teeth Staining?
Teeth are white by design, but that can change over time. It is usually a result of various activities and food, which discolor your teeth over time.
It would be great to know these things so that you can avoid them unless unavoidable.
Some eating habits can lead to teeth staining, including eating and drinking the following:
- Dark tea
- Coffee
- Soda
- Blackberries, blueberries, and their juice
- Red wine
Medical conditions, drugs, and medication may also cause teeth whitening. An excellent example is tetracycline.
As you grow older, teeth staining also increases. Grinding your teeth removes the white enamel leaving behind the yellow dentin.
Smoking, fluoride, amalgam restorations are also probable causes of teeth staining.
Does Teeth Whitening Come With Risks?
Unfortunately, just like many other procedures, teeth whitening has its risks. They are more common when a dentist isn’t involved. They include:
First, tooth sensitivity since bleach is quite harsh. Consequently, you start experiencing pain from touch, pressure, cold or hot temperatures.
Secondly, peroxide can cause gum irritation, hence put a guard on them during the teeth whitening procedure.
Another risk associated with teeth whitening is Technicolor teeth. It often arises if you have veneers, dental crowns, and implants.
Since bleach can’t affect them, you end up having the rest of the teeth white while the fake ones remain unchanged.
Another significant effect of constant teeth whitening is that it causes enamel erosion.
Enamel is the outermost protective layer of the teeth, and it protects the tooth from physical, thermal, and chemical forces that might affect the sensitive underlying dental pulp.
Also, it’s vital to avoid swallowing the bleaching agent administered during the whitening procedure. This can cause stomach and throat irritation and might have detrimental medical complications.
Maintaining Your Results
To ensure the longevity of your newly whitened teeth, and importantly, to refrain from constant teeth whitening procedures, it’s best to heed the following practices:
- Drink a lot of water and avoid dark-colored food and beverages such as wine and coffee. In addition, rinse your mouth after drinking coffee, wine, soda, and other staining beverages.
- Maintaining a perfect oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing after every meal. In addition, use whitening toothpaste to enhance your results and ensure they last long.
- Avoid smoking and tobacco products.
- Eat foods rich in calcium. Fruits and vegetables can help clean your teeth.
Summary
There is a teeth whitening solution for everyone, whether the budget is big, average, or tight. In the same vein, some are better and safer than others. There are also ways of avoiding teeth staining in the first place.
Last but not least, take all the necessary safety measures to prevent risks associated with teeth whitening. How much does teeth whitening cost? Whichever the answer, ensure that the results are perfect, whereas the risks are minimal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Worth Getting Your Teeth Whitened At The Dentist?
The answer to that is a resounding yes. A dentist uses effective yet safe teeth whiteners and couples that with their professional supervision.
They also take all safety measures necessary when doing this procedure to avoid risks. Therefore, do not hesitate to settle for a dentist despite being relatively expensive.
How Long Does Teeth Bleaching Last?
Teeth whitening isn’t permanent, and its effect fades away over time. Depending on the products and procedure, it can last for six months to 3 years.
Commonly used bleaching agents are carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. Besides the method used, their concentration also decides how long the effect will last.
Does Insurance Pay For Teeth Whitening?
In most cases, that’s never the case. That’s because it is often classified among cosmetic procedures that dental insurance policies rarely cover.
At What Age Is It Safe To Whiten?
You should not allow your children to use whitening products of toothpaste before getting 12 years old. At this time, they will have all permanent teeth.
It is advised to consult your dentist before you start using whitening products or treatments.
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