Counting the cost of teeth whitening: which method works best?
When considering teeth whitening products, it is always wise to take into account the cost of teeth whitening involved. In fact, for many people, the cost of teeth whitening is one of the most influential factors in deciding which teeth whitening method or product to invest in.
Professional teeth whitening is rarely cheap, but a dentist’s expertise and experience is worth paying for, if you can afford it. For those on tight budgets or who want more control over the teeth whitening process, at-home teeth whitening products are available and in most cases are just as effective.
It’s all about the cost and flexibility of teeth whitening. The following is a review of teeth whitening products, their processes, and the cost of teeth whitening required for each method.
Counting the cost of teeth whitening – Professional laser treatment
Laser treatment is a fairly quick procedure that involves two things. First, a translucent teeth whitening gel is carefully applied to the teeth. A laser light is then used to activate the crystals in the gel to absorb the heat of the light and enhance the whitening process. The duration of treatment depends on the discoloration of the teeth.
Laser treatment is effective and immediate. The cost of laser teeth whitening depends on where you live, but is generally around $1,000.
Counting the Cost of Teeth Whitening – In-Office Whitening
The whitening methods used by dentists generate a result similar to laser treatment in that the effects are immediate. However, instead of using a laser light to speed up the process, dentists will rely solely on a peroxide-based bleach solution to do the whitening job.
While there is no doubt that solutions like carbamide peroxide work, there is something to be said for the instant whitening effect: it may not be as significant as you think. Sometimes teeth can become dehydrated during the whitening process and become temporarily lighter as a natural result. Once they come into contact with saliva again, they rehydrate and the lightening effect wears off. That’s why some dentists require patients to follow up their in-office treatment with at-home bleach. Treatment sessions vary, depending on how discolored your teeth are. It may take 2-6 visits to your dentist to get decent results. The cost of teeth whitening can range from $600 to $2,000 per treatment (not including any additional at-home bleach).
Counting the cost of teeth whitening: ZOOM and other at-home whitening trays
A teeth whitening tray is a popular tool for whitening teeth at home. It works by being filled with a special whitening solution (which varies with each brand) and then placed over your dentures, either overnight or during the day.
A popular tray-made teeth whitening solution is called ZOOM, named for a patent-pending whitening gel technology that is said to whiten teeth an “average of six shades in three nights.” The cost of a Dual Syringe ZOOM Teeth Whitening Kit is just under $50.00. However, the cost of zoom teeth whitening does not include the trays; you must be responsible for purchasing or making your own trays. Other companies offer custom-made trays of whitening solutions that will last for several months. The cost of a teeth whitening kit ranges from $300 to $500.
Counting the Cost of Teeth Whitening: Bonding and Porcelain Veneers
Bonding is a teeth whitening system used by dentists to modify the color and shape of your dentures by using a composite resin that they mold over your teeth. However, the resin is said to stain and even chip in the long run. Bonding will set you back between $300 and $700.
Porcelain veneers are like resin molds in that they mold and bond to stained teeth. They can be shaped in such a way as to lengthen and lighten the appearance of the teeth. It usually takes two trips to the dentist for the veneers to be fully installed on the teeth. The cost of teeth whitening is too high: a porcelain veneer costs on average between $700 and $1,200 per tooth.
Counting the cost of teeth whitening: tooth whitening pastes and strips
Whitening toothpastes help keep teeth clean, but there is ample evidence that they are not as effective at keeping teeth white. There simply isn’t enough time for the whitening chemicals in teeth whitening toothpastes to stay in contact with your teeth to whiten them.
As for teeth whitening strips, many manufacturers are confident in their effectiveness. However, it should be noted that the strips do not actually cover the teeth as extensively as they should. They are designed to cover the front of the teeth, but no attempt has been made to design them into the nooks and crannies of individual teeth. The result is called “striping” in which whitening occurs but only in the areas directly in contact with the strips. This can be very embarrassing for users.
The cost of teeth whitening whitening toothpaste can range from $3 to $7. Strips range from $25 to $35 per pack.
There you have it, the most popular whitening methods and their costs. As a final tip for teeth whitening, it’s worth remembering that there really is no “best teeth whitening product”, many of them are equally effective. And as mentioned above, many times it comes down to what works best for your budget. Simply compare the cost of professional teeth whitening with the cost of teeth whitening if you are looking for an at-home method and let your pockets decide for you.