How Much Does Professional Teeth Whitening Cost?
Even people who practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing their teeth daily may begin to notice slight discoloration. While a good oral hygiene regimen can help prevent stains, things such as aging, medications, coffee and tea can lead to the discoloration of your teeth.
Professional teeth whitening poulsbo wa is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures available. However, the procedure can be expensive and cost much more than the at-home solutions. On average, in-office teeth whitening costs around $650. In helping to determine if it’s worth the cost, below are some things to consider.
The Difference with Professional Teeth Whitening
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), most forms of teeth whitening, including the over-the-counter (OTC) products, prescription gels and professional whitening procedure, use carbamide peroxide as the active bleaching agent. The composition of professional whitening is what often sets it apart.
Stronger Bleaching Agents
Contrary to the at-home whitening kits, which contain a low-dose bleaching agent, professional whitening procedures use a higher concentration of bleaching gel. As a result, the procedure is carefully monitored by a dentist. Because of the high concentration of bleaching gel, some patients experience a temporary increase in tooth sensitivity and some slight irritation in the soft tissues of the mouth.
Quicker Results
Because the concentration of professionally applied bleaching gel is stronger than the at-home whitening formulas, results are seen almost immediately. Most at-home treatments take a few weeks before there are any noticeable results. At-home products, products offered by your dentist and OTC items are directed to be used over the course of two to four weeks. In-office professional whitening is usually completed in less than an hour.
Dental Supervision
One major drawbacks of OTC and at-home products, such as whitening strips or bleaching trays, is that patients aren’t required to undergo a dental examination or consultation. The ADA recommends that prior to considering a whitening treatment, patients should have a dental examination to ensure their mouth and gums are healthy enough for bleaching. The dental examination can also help set realistic expectations and determine how much the color of their teeth can be improved. In addition, some materials used for teeth whitening can impact existing fillings or sealants and result in mismatched coloring.
Most importantly, the discoloration of the teeth can sometimes be caused by an underlying health issue that requires treatment. Visiting your dentist prior to pursuing whiter teeth can help ensure you have a positive experience.
Is Professional Whitening Worth It For You?
Once you visit your dentist and receive their approval to proceed with teeth whitening, choosing the best method depends largely on your budget and personal preferences. For patients looking for quick and effective results, professional in-office whitening is the best solution. For patients who have extremely sensitive teeth, however, your dentist may recommend using a custom whitening tray in addition to a lower concentration of bleach. There are also a variety of safe and affordable OTC products that are readily available.
The at-home whitening treatments may be a good solution for those who don’t have an immediate deadline for results. Whitening toothpastes can also be a good option and help prevent future stains. While these products don’t have the immediate results of professional treatments, they are convenient and affordable.
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