How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?

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    We are accustomed to seeing pictures and videos of movie stars with bright white teeth. If you smoke, drink dark liquids, or don’t take proper care of your teeth, you may find they do not look their best.  There are many options for whitening, whether you wish to perform these procedures at home or visit a professional to get your teeth shiny white.  You may be basing your decision on the cost of teeth whitening, and this analysis is going to discuss your options.

    What Is The Average Cost Of Teeth Whitening?

    The cost of teeth whitening depends largely on the procedure you will use. Obviously, it’s going to be less expensive to whiten your teeth at home than if you have it done professionally.  Teeth whitening does not last forever, so you will need maintenance to keep your bright new smile.  You can go for the least expensive way by buying teeth whitening toothpastes, which may show an effect over time for only a few dollars.  These do have the drawback that they are sometimes more abrasive than regular toothpastes, in order to scrub the stains away.  If you have a few hundred dollars to spend, you may want to go to a cosmetic dentist to have the procedure done.

    What Is The Average Laser Teeth Whitening Price?

    Laser teeth whitening is one of the newest procedures, and is growing in popularity around the country.  This is a bleaching process used to fade discoloration using a 25% hydrogen peroxide solution and a chair-side lamp to activate the whitening product.  This technique is effective and safe because oxygen will enter the enamel and dentin as the hydrogen peroxide breaks down, which will bleach the stained substances and leave the tooth structure unchanged.  It is recommended that you visit your doctor before undergoing a tooth whitening to make sure it is the best option for your case.  Keep in mind that veneers and crowns do not respond to whitening agents.  The procedure will take less than an hour, although you should have a regular cleaning prior.  The gel is applied to your teeth and left on for 15 minutes with the light activated.  This is repeated for a total of three 15 minute sessions.  The average cost for this treatment is $500, including take-home trays with whitening solution to keep up with teeth maintenance.

    How Much Does Professional Teeth Whitening Cost?

    Professional teeth whitening cost depends on your location, the dentist’s hourly rate, and the procedure that will be done.  If you have decided you want the more effective results of a professional whitening, keep in mind that you will be spending more money.  Professional teeth whitening cost can run anywhere from $250 to more than $1000, depending on where you live and the procedure.

    Light activated whitening is more expensive because of the increased cost of the hygienist’s and dentist’s time and overhead.  A pre-examination must also be conducted in order to ascertain if the bleach will irritate or damage your teeth and gums, and you must be closely supervised during the professional application of the whitening solution.  The dentist must also invest in the activation lamps, and these high priced items’ cost is passed on to the customer.  If you have the money to spend, a professional teeth whitening will give brighter results and will last longer than an at-home system.

    Are There Teeth Whitening Coupons?

    Insurance companies will not cover teeth whitening cost as it is seen as a cosmetic procedure.  However, many companies that sell home teeth whitening kits offer specials or coupons on their products.  Many dentists and cosmetic dentists also offer specials on these procedures, or may offer a financing plan so you can get your teeth looking bright and white at a discounted price!

    Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

    Studies have proven that tooth whitening is effective and safe.  The gels contain a relatively low percentage of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, and will not damage the tooth enamel.  Solutions available from your dentist have higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, but the enamel-weakening effects are counteracted by the fluorides in the solution.  If your gums or teeth become sensitive, simply whiten your teeth less frequently.  Sensitivity may occur whether your treatment is at home, in the doctor’s office, or over the counter.  It is usually reversible and mild, but can be alleviated with a product such as Orajel.

    What Are The Most Common Teeth Whitening Products?

    If you are planning to whiten your teeth at home, you have a few different options.  First, you can get teeth whitening gels from retailers or from your dentist.  These involve a low concentration bleaching gel that is squirted into molds made for your teeth and left on for a predetermined amount of time, usually for 60 minutes every few weeks or months.  The cost of teeth whitening strips make them a popular option and they usually cost from $20 to $40 for a teeth whitening kit.  The bleaching solution is soaked into the strips, and the user will place the strips on the teeth every day.  Depending on the product, the strips may be used for one week to two weeks for optimal whitening.

    The Difference Between Whitening And Bleaching

    Teeth whitening systems are used to bring the color of your teeth back to their original color by removing debris and dirt.  Teeth bleaching systems are used when you want your teeth to be whitened beyond their natural color and contain a bleach – most commonly, carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide.  Either can be used if they have been dyed by age, coffee, too much fluoride, and other causes.  Bleaching products can wear out tooth enamel, especially those that contain acid.  Professionals should perform bleaching procedures for the safest technique, although you can purchase at home bleaching kits ranging from $300 to $500.

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