Having stained or discolored teeth can make it hard to feel confident in your daily life. After all, if you’re constantly worrying about hiding your mouth when you eat, speak, or smile, it can be very distracting- and it can make you seem insecure and even untrustworthy. However, despite its ability to solve these problems, many people avoid dental treatments like professional teeth whitening because they’re not sure what it will cost. Here’s a closer look at this safe, effective option, and what you can expect to pay to get your gorgeous, glowing grin back!
White Strips / Gels
At around $40 a box, storebought white strips and gels are the most affordable way to whiten your teeth, however their price is low for a very important reason. You see; the reason they cost so little is because these products contain diluted ingredients, meaning they don’t work as quickly or effectively as their costlier professional counterparts. In fact, for about $20 a week, over-the-counter whitening may seem like a better deal up front, but it can often take many months to get results, meaning that by the time you’ve reached the shade of white you desire, you could have already invested hundreds of dollars and exposed your teeth to unnecessary sensitivity for much longer than you needed to!
Custom Take-Home Kits
Available only from a dentist, professional take home whitening kits contain reusable custom-fit trays and refillable bleaching gel that is custom mixed to achieve the level of whitening you desire. This treatment typically costs between $150 and $600, but the trays only need to be purchased once, so any refill costs are only for the purchase of the bleach itself. With these kits, you can achieve your desired results in about two weeks from the comfort of home, while traveling, or anywhere you have access to water.
Professional In-Office Whitening
Professional in-office whitening from your dentist is the fastest and most effective way to remove up to eight shades of stains and discoloration from your smile. In most cases, treatment takes about an hour, meaning you won’t have to expose your teeth to those powerful chemicals for long, and any resulting sensitivity should only last a few short days. While it’s true that professional whitening is more expensive up front (between $500 and $1,000, depending on how stained your teeth are) it is often the best value when you factor in how much time and money you’ll save by using such a fast, efficient treatment!
Making the Most of Your Money
Now that you know how much money you can expect to invest in teeth whitening, it makes sense that you’d want to get the most from your results. To ensure that your smile keeps its newfound luster, be sure to limit your consumption of dark, staining foods and beverages, brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist for your regular checkups and cleanings every six months. Furthermore, be sure to quit bad habits like smoking, vaping, and chewing tobacco, as these can all contribute to deep stains and discoloration in your smile, not to mention increase your risk of periodontal disease and oral cancer.
Remember, while safe, reliable treatments like professional teeth whitening may cost more than over-the-counter products, the savings in time, sensitivity, and ultimately long-term cost could make this the most reliable and affordable method for getting a gorgeous, gleaming grin!
About Dr. Magid
Dr. David Magid earned his undergraduate degree at Brandeis University and his DMD at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Today, he is a certified Invisalign provider as well as a member of the Academy of General Dentistry. To learn more about your professional teeth whitening options, schedule a consultation for cosmetic dentistry at Magid Dental Care by visiting our website or calling 973-227-9211.