Teeth whitening treatments vary in cost from a few dollars to a thousand or more. Depending on what exactly you’re looking for cosmetic dentistry has the potential to significantly damage your bank account. Some treatments are one time deals; others wear off and require follow ups after 6 or 12 months.
For someone who doesn’t know any better it may seem that the more expensive the treatment, the better it must be. It’s our nature to assume that price equals quality, but anyone that’s ever bought a quality discount product knows that’s not always the case. The same is true for whitening products.
Porcelain veneers are the most expensive form of cosmetic dentistry, but are rarely absolutely required. They are the best option for crooked or damaged teeth, as an alternative to orthodontic treatments. However, if you’re looking to remove stains and discoloration, turn to veneers as a last resort only.
After veneers, the next most expensive treatment is professional whitening performed by your dentist. This treatment, depending on whether it includes laser whitening or simply peroxide-based gels in a mouth tray, can cost anywhere from $300-$600. Sometimes the dentist applying the treatment may charge more than $600 based on their experience and customer satisfaction ratings.
Dentist teeth whitening is a practical choice, more so than veneers, however the price of this treatment also runs a bit high. The upside to choosing professional whitening is the quality (gets teeth up to ten shades whiter) and long-lasting results (won’t fade for up to 8 months), so you won’t require repeat treatments for at least a year, usually longer.
You can purchase hundreds of teeth whitening products over-the-counter for less than $100, many of which work wonderfully. These types of products include whitening strips, trays and gels. With many kits available for $30 or less, home whitening kits are a popular choice to begin whitening. The effect usually lasts 4-6 months before gradually fading.
Because teeth whitening is typically considered cosmetic and insurance companies rarely cover them, the cost of the treatment is a big concern for many people. Thankfully, there are many options available, that are very successful and at reasonable prices. Now that you know the treatments don’t have to break the bank, you can focus on finding the right one for you at a cost that you’re comfortable with.
