When you look for a brighter, whiter smile and let the new you shine, you probably think about teeth whitening. The next thing that might come to mind is the cost. There are roughly three ways to whiten your smile without veneers. For in-office teeth whitening, it costs about $400-$700. The take-home tray is about $300-$500 and under $100 for over-the-counter whitening. Teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure, which means that insurance typically does not cover the cost of these treatments.
Professional teeth whitening gel
The bleaching or whitening gel used in these procedures remains consistent, though the percentages may vary based on the purpose and situation. Generally, any of these methods can help you achieve a whiter smile. However, the key distinctions lie in comparing over-the-counter whitening and other options.
Over-the-counter whitening has a drawback: the whitening gel doesn’t stay on your teeth’ surface long because the tray doesn’t fit perfectly. As a result, the gel can leak out from open space and come into contact with your gums, potentially causing sensitivity for some individuals. Nonetheless, younger people, in particular, can anticipate excellent results. So, it’s worth considering it before exploring alternative options.
Take-home teeth whitening kit from dentist
The advantage of take-home tray whitening lies in the individually crafted trays made from your dental impressions. These trays fit precisely, minimizing gel leakage and increasing efficiency while reducing sensitivity. Depending on the percentage of the whitening gel or your desired outcome, you can expect to see results within 1-2 weeks. Even with custom trays, sensitivity may still occur, and you may skip a day, which could slightly prolong the process.
During teeth bleaching, your teeth become highly susceptible to staining. We recommend avoiding foods and drinks with rich colors while whitening your teeth. However, we understand that consistently doing so for two weeks can be challenging.
In office teeth whitening
Unlike take-home tray whitening, in-office whitening requires just a single visit to the dentist. Typically, dentists utilize a blue light to expedite the process, ensuring the gel remains on the teeth throughout the treatment. For instance, Zoom in-office whitening consists of up to 4 sessions, each lasting 15 minutes, excluding preparation and cleaning time. In total, the appointment typically spans around 2 hours.
With this treatment, you can expect results on the same day. By refraining from consuming colored foods and drinks for 24-48 hours, the results can be long-lasting. If sensitivity arises during the in-office whitening process, we can adjust the intensity of the blue light to accommodate our patients. Therefore, sensitivity is usually not a concern, considering it is a one-time visit.
Teeth whitening results vary from person to person
Dental bleaching results can vary depending on age, heredity, and the type of stain present. It’s important to note that teeth whitening or bleaching results are not permanent, but they typically last from a few months to a few years. Regularly applying the bleaching gel is necessary to maintain whiter and brighter teeth. As part of our in-office whitening service, we provide a custom bleaching tray and bleaching gel for touch-ups.
There are certain situations where whitening may not effectively whiten your teeth. Examples include grayish teeth with banded color, root-canaled teeth, non-vital teeth resulting from trauma, tetracycline stains, or fluorosis. The process aims to restore your teeth to their previous whitest shade rather than providing an unnatural super-white color. It’s important to note that if you frequently smoke, consume dark sodas, coffee, tea, or red wine, or eat colored foods, your teeth may stain more quickly. Maintaining good oral hygiene is also crucial in preserving the results.