Teeth-Whitening – Belmont, MA

Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening

The main thing that can affect the amount you pay for teeth whitening is how many treatments you’ll need to get the results you want. This is not something that’s set in stone; severe stains may take more effort to remove, and some types of discoloration respond better to teeth whitening than others.

Furthermore, if you need to have a certain procedure performed before teeth whitening, you’ll need to account for that when calculating the final cost. For example, if you have a cavity, you’ll have to pay for a filling or crown before you can move on with the whitening process.

Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?

Most professional-grade whitening kits cost around a few hundred dollars. On the other hand, over-the-counter whitening trays are usually around $100 or less, and whitening strips and gels are usually in the $20 to $40 price range. Of course, all of these prices can vary depending on the brands in question.

Inexpensive Teeth Whitening vs. Professional Teeth Whitening 

When you see how much professional whitening costs compared to store-bought whitening products, you might wonder why paying for the professional option is worth it. The answer is quite simple: professional whitening tends to get much better results.

Over-the-counter whitening products can usually only remove surface stains; they don’t work as well on discoloration that’s underneath the enamel. Meanwhile, professional whitening has a much easier time removing hard-to-reach stains. They also tend to work much faster; when using a professional whitening kit, you can expect to see a major difference after just two weeks.

Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable

Dental insurance usually doesn’t cover cosmetic procedures. This means you can’t rely on your insurance plan to pay for whitening. You can, however, sign up for our Wellness Dental Access Plan. You’ll receive discounts on a variety of services, including specialty treatments like whitening. We also offer the option of financing through CareCredit; this lets you break up the cost of your care so that it fits into your budget more easily.

Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?

Many patients are hesitant to commit to treatment because they are fearful that the procedure will hurt. Since professional whitening treatments are entirely custom, you are significantly less likely to experience tooth sensitivity. If your teeth are more prone to sensitivity, don’t hesitate to let your dental team know. By spacing out treatments, avoiding hot beverages, and using a specialty toothpaste, the unpleasant sensation can be avoided.

Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?

No, teeth whitening doesn’t damage healthy enamel. However, if your teeth are compromised by decay or gum disease, the chemicals can cause problems. That’s why conducting a comprehensive dental exam beforehand is so important. Additional damage can also come from at-home remedies, like using activated charcoal and hydrogen peroxide. Overuse of whitening products can wear away enamel over time. Ultimately, if you want to whiten your teeth, you should always consult with your dentist first. This way, they can provide you with valuable insight into products and habits that will help you achieve your goals safely.

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?

Teeth whitening is not a permanent treatment. Typically, results will last anywhere from a couple months to a few years depending on how well you care for your teeth. To prolong results, implement a solid at-home oral hygiene routine, attend your six-month dental checkups and cleanings, and avoid poor dental habits. Touch-up treatments can also help you to maintain your beautiful results.

Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns cannot be whitened like your natural teeth. Whitening gels can actually weaken the bond between your tooth and restoration, which can lead to complications. The good news is that you can prevent your dental crowns from discoloring by implementing the same best practices you use for your natural teeth. If you are unhappy with the shade of your dental crown, it can be replaced to better suit your smile goals.