How Much is Teeth Whitening?
Have you always wondered How Much is Teeth Whitening? Well, read this Guide to Whiter Teeth and I promise you this question won’t stay unanswered…
Your smile is one of the first things people notice. A brilliant, sparkling white smile will help you make a wonderful first impression. A drab, discolored smile will also leave a first impression, but not a good one.
The most common question people have is “how much is teeth whitening” – without knowing the answer, you could end up spending too much money. Before running to the dentist for the first available bleaching appointment, do your research and find out the cost.
Before we discuss how much is teeth whitening, let’s talk about the causes of tooth discoloration and the actual whitening process. There are two types of stains that discolor teeth – intrinsic and extrinsic stains.
• Extrinsic stains are on the exterior (the surface) of the tooth. These stains are caused by regular activities, like eating, drinking and smoking. These stains, if caught soon enough, can be brushed away. Without brushing, extrinsic stains become ingrained in your teeth.
• Intrinsic stains are on the interior surfaces of your teeth. These stains occur from the natural aging process, trauma (such as falling) to the teeth and exposure to certain minerals as the teeth are formed.
Bleaching and whitening are actually two different things. Bleaching of the teeth occurs when the teeth are whitened beyond their natural appearance. This is achieved with bleach-containing products, like hydrogen peroxide. Whitening of the teeth simply means getting rid of the surface dirt and discoloration to restore the teeth back to their natural appearance. When you have ingrained stains, no amount of whitening will remove the stains.
However, you should note that bleaching is often referred to as whitening, simply because it sounds better. That is why it is important to pay attention to the ingredients of the products used on your teeth. After all, if you want the whitest teeth, you have to use products that contain bleach. If you suffer from permanent discoloration, you need the best of the best to give you that million-dollar smile again.
There are several ways to whiten your teeth. Whitening toothpastes contain abrasive ingredients to remove surface stains from your teeth. These toothpastes contain no bleach – you can expect your teeth to be about one shade whiter after an extended period of using whitening toothpaste.
Over-the-counter whitening strips and gels contain the necessary ingredients to whiten your teeth several shades brighter and the results last about 4 months. Whitening rinses involve swishing a liquid around your mouth every day, just as you would a traditional mouthwash. After about 12 weeks of use, your teeth will be whiter.
There are also many in-office treatments your dentist can provide to whiten your teeth. Professional bleaching of the teeth can involve the use of heat, lights or lasers, depending on your dentist’s choice of treatment. These results last the longest, but are the most expensive and can require multiple visits to achieve your desired results. Determining how much is teeth whitening requires you to look at all of the available options, compare prices and choose the system that works for you.
Who Else Wants To Know How Much is Teeth Whitening?
So, how much is teeth whitening? If you are looking for a cheap fix at the dentist’s office, that is not going to happen. The average price of teeth whitening in a dental clinic is about $650. A take-home kit from your dentist for bleaching your teeth will cost anywhere between $100 and $400. Over-the-counter whitening kits cost between $20 and $100 – but the results of these kinds of kits are not exactly comparable to professional whitening.
Now that you know how much is teeth whitening, you can better make an informed decision about your teeth. Compare the different forms of treatment, as well as the current condition of your teeth. Choose the form of teeth whitening that fits within your budget, while having the best chance of giving you the smile you once had.
