Teeth can develop frustrating dental stains and discoloration due to factors like age, certain medications, and chemical exposure, and this can make some people quite anxious about showing off their smiles. Thankfully, professional teeth whitening treatments from your dentist can be a great way to achieve a brighter smile. Here’s a quick look at a few popular teeth whitening solutions and what they usually cost.
Cheap Teeth Whitening Solutions
When it comes to teeth whitening products, you can expect to get what you pay for, and you can almost certainly find a selection of purported whitening options at your local grocery store or pharmacy. These may include:
- Whitening toothpaste: These products are designed to reduce dental stains when the user brushes their teeth, and a tube of whitening toothpaste may cost between five and twelve dollars.
- Whitening strips or gels: These products are designed to be applied to the teeth daily and typically cost $20 to $40 for a two-week supply.
- Over-the-counter whitening kits: One of these will include a tube of whitening gel and one-size-fits-all whitening trays and may cost $100 or more.
Professional Teeth Whitening Solutions
Your dentist offers a choice of two professional-grade teeth whitening treatments that can safely and reliably lift stubborn stains and brighten the smile by up to eight shades. These include:
- Take-home teeth whitening kits: These include concentrated whitening gel and customized dental trays, and they can whiten teeth in about two weeks. They usually cost several hundred dollars.
- In-office teeth whitening: This treatment can brighten a smile in about an hour and may cost up to $800. In severe cases, multiple sessions may be necessary.
Why Is Professional Teeth Whitening the Better Choice?
While store-bought whitening products may seem like a tempting choice at first glance, they often deliver lackluster results and may even lead to oral injuries due to poor manufacture or user error. Professional whitening treatments, on the other hand, are designed to minimize the risk of the gums and inner structures of the teeth being exposed to harsh whitening agents, and they can deliver magnificent results in brief timeframes. This makes them great for those who wish to present prettier smiles at an upcoming special event like a wedding or a graduation.
Professional teeth whitening treatments may be the best way to achieve the bright smile you’ve always wanted. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to brighten your grin.
About the Author
Dr. Sikander Singh earned his dental degree at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and was selected for the Honors Program for Medically Complex Patients. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the Pennsylvania Dental Association. His office in York offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening. If you are concerned about dental stains, contact his office on the web or dial (717) 755-4143.
