Teeth Whitening – Mineola, NY

Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening usually has one set price. That said, some factors impact how many treatments you’d need for desired results. Common ones include the following:

• Issue Severity –  As expected, darker tooth stains may require follow-up whitening sessions. In that case, you’ll have to pay more.
• Stain Type(s) – Whitening can quickly fix extrinsic stains caused by foods or drinks. In contrast, intrinsic ones within the tooth require multiple appointments.
• Need for Preliminary Work – Sometimes, a patient needs a preliminary procedure before whitening – fillings, crowns, etc. Should that apply to you, your treatment will cost more than otherwise.

Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost?

Of course, the price of teeth whitening also depends on the type you get. The four standard ones are:

• In-office Whitening – In-office teeth whitening can cost anywhere from $400 to $800. Granted, its cost can reach $1,000 or more in certain rare cases.
• Take-Home Whitening – Take-home whitening kits, which include custom-fit trays from a dentist, usually cost a few hundred dollars.
• Over-the-Counter Trays – Due to being one-size-fits-all, over-the-counter whitening trays tend to cost $100 or less.
• Teeth Whitening Strips – Most stores and pharmacies carry teeth whitening strips. As such, their price ranges from $20-$40 per box, with each container having enough strips to treat teeth for up to two weeks.

Professional Teeth Whitening vs. OTC Teeth Whitening

Considering the numbers above, you might wonder why professional whitening is preferable. It’s more expensive than other options, so why pay for it?

The answer boils down to how price reflects the quality of work. While cheaper, store-bought strips and gels offer almost no noticeable results. (This fact is especially apparent when you have more severe discoloration.) In contrast, professional whiteners quickly lighten enamel by multiple shades – improvements come in as little as one visit!

Ultimately, you should consider your ideal results when choosing your teeth whitening method. Given the right effects, an approach’s price is more than worth it.

Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable

Since whitening is purely elective, most dental insurance plans won’t cover it. Thankfully, though, there are other options for making the procedure affordable. Here at Meadowbrook Dental Care, for example, we offer:

• Membership Saving Plan – By paying a low monthly fee, our savings plan would give you (among other things) a 10% discount on whitening treatment.
• Flexible Financing – Thanks to third-party services like CareCredit, our office can let you pay in monthly installments. Doing so would allow you to afford teeth whitening more easily.

Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?

Teeth whitening gel and other professional-grade products do not damage healthy enamel. With that said, if there is existing decay or gum disease present, the chemicals can lead to problems later on. This is why it’s so important for us to perform a comprehensive oral exam before recommending teeth whitening. Keep in mind that home remedies for tooth stains, including activated charcoal and hydrogen peroxide can do more harm than good. You should also avoid overusing teeth whitening products. If you’re looking to whiten teeth or remove tough stains, speak with one of our dentists first! They can discuss your specific goals and make sure you’re achieving them safely.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Take?

Professional whitening in-house can be completed extremely quickly, something that cannot be said for store-bought solutions. In fact, many people are able to lighten their smiles up to eight shades in a single visit. Professional take-home options use stronger bleaching materials and can slowly whiten your teeth over a span of a couple of weeks. Other treatments may be needed if you have more pigmented discoloration, so feel free to ask us about your options to do so before your initial whitening. If you have an important event coming up and you want to look your best, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?

Teeth whitening is not a permanent cosmetic treatment, meaning that you’ll require a touch-up every so often depending on your day-to-day habits. For example, you may only need to visit for more whitening after a year or a few months based on you’re at-home oral hygiene and diet.  To ensure the longest results possible, stay committed to brushing, flossing, and visiting our office for a checkup every six months. Avoid habits that can negatively impact your smile’s white appearance, such as consuming foods and drinks that are richly pigmented. Alternatively, you can use a straw to redirect fluids away from your teeth, such as red wine or dark juices and sodas.

Is Professional Teeth Whitening Worth the Cost?

Millions of patients across the country who have safely and quickly removed stubborn tooth stains and major discoloration would say yes! Not only is professional whitening made from significantly more powerful bleaching agents, but treatment is non-invasive, safe, and less likely to cause tooth sensitivity than ever. Decades of research has shown that those who have whiter teeth are considered younger and tend to find smiling easier, meaning you may be more likely to leave a positive first impression. For many, the confidence boost that comes with a whiter smile is worth the cost. Of course, our team is happy to discuss your needs with you directly to determine the best way to achieve your dream smile.