If you’re bothered by stained, dull, or otherwise discolored teeth, professional teeth whitening can be a very attractive option. However, before you decide whether the treatment is right for you, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you can expect when it comes to cost. What factors can have an impact on the price tag of professional teeth whitening? And is there anything you can do to make it more affordable?
What Types of Professional Teeth Whitening are Available?
Professional teeth whitening often takes the form of an in-office treatment that can typically be completed in about 90 minutes. During the procedure, bleaching gel is carefully applied to the teeth before being activated with a special light. The ingredients in the gel can break up stains above and below the enamel, thereby giving the teeth a significantly brighter appearance.
Some dental offices also offer professional-grade take-home whitening kits. These kits contain bleaching gel along with special trays. All you need to do is fill the trays with the gel, then wear them for a specified amount of time each day. Many patients who use take-home whitening kits notice dazzling results after just two weeks.
What Factors Influence the Cost of Professional Teeth Whitening?
The amount you end up paying for professional teeth whitening largely depends on the following factors:
- The Type of Whitening Performed: An in-office whitening treatment often costs more than a take-home whitening kit.
- The Extent of Your Discoloration: Sometimes multiple whitening treatments might be required to address particularly severe discoloration on your smile. The more treatments you need, the higher the overall cost will be.
- The Location of the Dental Practice: The local cost of living can have an impact on the fees that your dentist charges for teeth whitening and other services.
To get an accurate idea of how much professional teeth whitening will cost in your case, you will need to schedule a consultation with your dentist.
How Can You Make Professional Teeth Whitening More Affordable?
Since professional teeth whitening is an elective procedure that is only meant to improve the way your smile looks, it is not typically covered by dental insurance. However, there are other options for fitting the treatment into your budget. Some practices offer an in-house savings plan that includes discounts on cosmetic dental procedures. Alternatively, you may want to think about applying for CareCredit financing so that you divide the cost of teeth whitening into easier-to-handle monthly payments.
If you want to make improvements to the color of your smile, teeth whitening can be well worth paying for. Be sure to reach out to your dentist if you’re interested in learning more about teeth whitening and the costs associated with it.
About the Practice
At Jasper Dentistry, we care about making sure that our patients feel at home while we take care of their smiles. We’re proud to be able to offer a comprehensive menu of dental services in a welcoming, comfortable environment at our dental practice in Fort Mill. We offer both in-office whitening treatments and take-home whitening kits for patients who want to brighten their smiles. If you think teeth whitening may be right for you, you can schedule an appointment with our team by visiting our website or calling (803) 548-4353.