You’re not alone if you’re feeling frustrated by dental discoloration. After all, even those who regularly brush and floss their teeth might eventually notice changes if they frequently consume common culprits that are known to stain, such as coffee, tea, tomatoes, or berries.
Your dentist can help brighten your grin with professional teeth whitening services, but you might feel tempted to try more affordable over-the-counter options if you’re worried about the cost. Continue reading to learn why it’s usually worth it to work with your provider instead!
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Most teeth whitening products contain bleach, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which undergo a chemical oxidation reaction in your mouth. This blasts apart darkly toned pigment particles clinging to your enamel, reducing their size and concentration.
Although some patients need only a single application to achieve the desired shade, others with more severe discoloration may require repeated applications to see the intended outcome.
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?
Most teeth whitening products have predetermined pricing, as outlined in more detail below:
- In-office procedures. Many dentists offer in-office services that can brighten your smile by several shades in a single appointment, ranging from $400 to $800+.
- Professional take-home kits. Your provider might also be able to send you home with ultra-concentrated solutions and custom-fitted applicator trays for comfortable, reliable results from home, which might cost several hundred dollars.
- One-size-fits-all trays. It’s sometimes possible to find standard, one-size-fits-all whitening trays for about $100 or less.
- Store-bought gels or strips. Different stores and pharmacies carry a variety of strips and gels for $20 to $40 per box.
Is Professional Teeth Whitening Worth It?
You’re not alone if you’re looking at the information above and find yourself asking whether it’s worth paying for professional services when there are more cost-effective options available over-the-counter. But with cosmetic dentistry, a product’s quality often reflects its price, and many store-bought whiteners contain diluted bleaches that yield inconsistent results or cause sensitivity.
Meanwhile, your dentist utilizes professional-strength solutions and custom-fitted trays for outstanding results you can rely on. They also examine your mouth before administering cosmetics so they can treat any pre-existing concerns, such as cavities or gum disease, that might otherwise cause pain or interfere with the results.
If you’re worried you can’t afford to lighten your smile with your dentist, you can ask whether they offer any options, such as in-house memberships or flexible financing, that can help make treatments more affordable!
Meet the Author
Dr. Benjamin Deshetler has been helping families in the community build and maintain happy, healthy smiles for over 20 years. He earned his dental degree from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, and today, he offers a comprehensive menu of services under one roof, including teeth whitening, to meet the unique needs of patients of all ages. If you’re frustrated by dental stains and want to schedule a whitening consultation, contact the office through the website or call (770) 971-1511.