Do you have stained teeth? Do they make you feel uncomfortable? You can get your confidence back through teeth whitening.
This involves the use of peroxide to remove stains both on the surface of the teeth and some inches below the enamel. While other bleaching agents are used, none have the same capabilities as peroxide. That is why most teeth whitening professionals use it.
The procedure can be done at home but it would be best to seek the surfaces of a professional. It might cost you more, but it is worth it. So how much does teeth whitening cost?
When should one consider a teeth whitening procedure?
There are a couple of reasons why people consider teeth whitening. People have different teeth. The fact is only a few are blessed with a magnificent set of teeth. Besides, with time some people’s teeth become discolored.
Others suffer from the effects of heavy minerals found in the water they drink. Drinks such as coffee, red wine and tea are also notorious in teeth staining. Cracks inside the teeth can also cause staining.
All the aforementioned causes for staining affect the appearance of the teeth negatively. While some people would put up with this dental defect, others are more than willing to pay more to have a brilliant set of teeth.
They want to be able to smile again and feel confident.
What does it involve?
Usually, professional bleaching is the most common method for teeth whitening.
Your dental physician will advise you on whether you are a candidate for the procedure. In general, the professional will line your teeth with a rubber band or a gel, to protect the gums. They will then apply the bleaching agent.
The active ingredient in the mixture is carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. When the compound is broken down, it releases oxygen into the enamel, giving it a brighter color.
The whole procedure takes about three to four weeks. You will have to visit the dentist two to three times. The dental team who will work on you will have to create a fitting mouth guard for you before the procedure.
After the treatment, you will need to continue applying the whitening product for 2 to 4 weeks at home.
What determines the cost of teeth whitening?
The best way to look at how much teeth whitening costs, is by considering all the factors including financial, time and maintenance costs. The financial cost of the treatment is the first thing every person will consider.
Mostly, the dental insurance does not cover teeth whitening since it is considered as a cosmetic procedure. This means that you will need to find financing through other means.
Teeth whitening procedures vary widely.
The treatments depend on the materials and the technology used. They also vary based on the choice of professional. Various dental experts will price their services differently. Laser treatments are particularly pricey, though they are more effective.
However, the exact cost of a laser treatment will depend on the extent of discoloration of your teeth and the dentist.
The other way of looking at the cost of teeth whitening is by considering the time taken. If you are a busy individual, time might be very important to you. Something that takes so much time may not go well with your schedule.
If this sounds like you, laser treatments can help you to achieve sparkling teeth within a short time. It does not require a series of dentist visits. Actually, the procedure takes an hour to complete. This is something you can do during your tea break or lunch break. It is very convenient for working people.
On the other hand, some procedures require the patient to make more than one visit to the dentist’s office. Some also involve home-based treatment, which prolongs the treatment. If you are a busy person, you might not be able to implement the dentist instructions as required.
The maintenance of the whitened teeth can add to the cost of the procedure. Usually, the doctor advises that you maintain your teeth after the treatment. If you underwent a laser procedure, the last thing you want is to have your teeth discolored yet again. To prevent this you need to maintain sound oral hygiene.
Besides, you have to keep off certain drinks including tea and coffee. You could also help to maintain the whitening effect by brushing your choppers with whitening toothpaste. In addition, you will need to make a re-visit to the dentist every six months.
In terms of time and maintenance, laser treatments are the way to go. It takes an hour to complete the procedure and afterwards you can enjoy a set of white teeth. However, when you consider cost, laser treatment is a path you do not want to tread.
However, while other teeth whitening procedures require the patient to continue the treatment at home, laser treatments involve less maintenance.
Apart from time, finances, and maintenance, there are other factors which determine the cost of teeth whitening include the extent of the damage. If you only have a few stained teeth, the procedure will certainly cost less.
On the other hand, where the entire set is stained, the cost will be high. Whether you are using a teeth-whitening home kit or using the services of a dental professional is another factor which can influence the cost of the procedure.
A Return to Confidence
Teeth whitening can give you some level of confidence. It can help give you that grin you would like so much but cannot because your teeth are stained. Before you consider having the procedure, you need to factor in its cost.
How much does teeth whitening cost? A number of factors can determine the cost of the treatment including finances, maintenance and time costs.
Besides, other determinants will also come into play such as the level of damage and use of professional services. You should ensure that the treatment you choose gives you the best results possible and lasts a long time.
