No matter how healthy and straight your teeth are, if they’re not as white as you’d like, you may still be reluctant to show your smile. You may also be reluctant to have your teeth professionally whitened because of how much you think it will cost. But the truth is, the cost of teeth whitening procedures depends very much on how much time you have, the level of whitening required, and the length of time you want to go between treatments.
Different teeth whitening methods employ different techniques which can range from simple, at-home teeth bleaching kits to complicated creation and placement of porcelain veneers. The right method for you can depend on several factors.
Saving Money. If you just want your teeth a few shades whiter, and have a few weeks to devote to the process, then an at-home kit may be the perfect solution for you. They average around $40 per kit, and you can purchase them either from your dentist or at your local drug store. You can also have the same procedure done professionally, though the cost of teeth whitening in your dentist’s office can run into the $200-$300 range.
Saving Time. If you have a little more flexibility in your budget but less available time, you can opt for a laser whitening treatment. The procedure is very similar to a standard chemical whitening, but a low-energy laser is used to speed up the action of the peroxide solution. This kind of procedure can whiten your teeth in an hour, usually less, and is the perfect solution for people looking to improve their smile over their lunch break.
Saving Future Trips. Chemical whitening is easily the most affordable per-session, but over the course of your life, you’ll require multiple sessions. For patients looking for a longer-lasting solution, veneers may be just the thing. A porcelain veneer acts as an entirely new front surface for a tooth, instantly whitening as it covers any stains or visible decay spots. Veneers can cost anywhere from $500-$1,500, depending on the number of teeth to be covered and the materials used (composite resin costs less than porcelain, but doesn’t last as long either).
If the cost of teeth whitening is what’s holding you back from having the smile you’ve always dreamed of, then you owe it to yourself to ask your dentist about the modern options for whiter, brighter teeth. Getting your pearly whites even pearlier could be easier than you ever thought possible. More on this topic.