Teeth Whitening – Studio City, CA

Factors that Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening

Typically, teeth whitening is offered at one set price that depends on the variety of whitening gels you’re getting. However, the overall cost of the treatment can depend on several factors that have nothing to do with the price of the whitening kit itself.

For one, serious stains and stubborn discoloration could require multiple rounds of whitening treatment, which adds to the cost. We also won’t perform teeth whitening if you’re dealing with serious tooth decay, so you should consider whether you could need fillings before getting whitening.

Types of Teeth Whitening: What Do They Cost? 

As we mentioned before, teeth whitening comes in a variety of forms, each of which with its own distinct price point. First of all, there’s professional teeth whitening, both in-office and take-home. In-office teeth whitening usually costs anywhere from $400 to $800, occasionally hitting up to $1000 in certain cases. Take-home kits are less expensive, usually costing just a few hundred dollars.

Then there are the over-the-counter whitening trays, which are significantly cheaper and lower quality. DIY whitening tray kits are usually around $100, and whitening strips usually clock in at between $20-40 a box.

Cheap VS Professional Whitening

If you’re interested in whitening your smile on a budget, you may be tempted to reach for one of the over-the-counter whitening options mentioned above. However, there’s a reason why they’re so cheap—they don’t work very well.

The whitening gels that come with these products are more often than not weaker than what you’d get from a professional, meaning that you’ll either get sup-par results or overuse the product in an attempt to get a white enough smile. If you’re looking to get a whiter smile, you should make sure you’re getting something that works.

Options For Making Teeth Whitening Affordable

Teeth whitening is considered to be purely cosmetic by dental insurance companies, which means that you’ll be hard-pressed to find a plan that will pay for it. Thankfully, there are other ways to make teeth whitening affordable.

We partner with the healthcare credit firm CareCredit to offer financing options to our patients. If you qualify after a credit check, you’ll be able to split the cost of teeth whitening into monthly payments. Most patients can get this financing with little-to-no interest, meaning that you should have no problem making this treatment fit into your budget.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Take?

Ultimately, the time needed for teeth whitening varies. Treatment runs shorter or longer based on the type you receive.

With in-office whitening, the process only requires a one-hour dental visit. The dentist uses this timeframe to apply the bleaching gel and expose it to a specialized light. Afterward, your smile will look up to eight shades lighter. The in-office option is thus ideal when preparing for a milestone event on short notice.

In contrast, take-home whitening needs a few weeks to work. It has the patient wear bleaching trays for several hours daily for 14 days. At the end of this period, though, the results are comparable to in-office whitening.

Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?

Thankfully, teeth whitening is a painless treatment. Dentists take every step possible to ensure it goes smoothly and comfortably.

You see, the bleaching gel used for care is harmless. Repeated studies have shown it doesn’t cause any lasting discomfort. The material can result in minor tooth sensitivity post-treatment, but this effect is minor and temporary. Furthermore, such an outcome is rare and often minimized by tailoring the gel amount.

Of course, don’t hesitate to tell us if your teeth are prone to sensitivity. We can space out your treatments if necessary. Our team can also suggest ways to manage sensitive enamel, including specialty toothpaste.

Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?

Ultimately, no – professional teeth whitening doesn’t damage your enamel. The gel it uses is well-tested and won’t harm the tooth layer.

That said, whitening chemicals can cause other problems. They may trigger side effects if your teeth are weakened by decay or infection. As such, confirm your oral health and get a dental exam before treatment.

Furthermore, there is a risk to over-the-counter whiteners. Those like activated charcoal and hydrogen peroxide are abrasive and can wear away enamel. For that reason, they typically do more harm than good.

How Can I Make My Teeth Whitening Results Last?

Teeth whitening results can last a few months to a few years. That said, the actual lifespan will depend on how you care for your smile. For long-lasting effects, then, follow the habits below:

• Practice Good Oral Hygiene –Brush twice daily, floss once daily, and use mouthwash regularly. That way, fewer stains will accumulate on your enamel.
• Attend Dental Checkups – As much as possible, see your dentist for six-month dental checkups and cleanings. These visits prevent stains and clean hard-to-reach mouth areas.
• Limit Meals with Stain Agents – Try to ingest fewer dark-colored foods and drinks. After all, these items have tannins and other agents that stain enamel.
• Avoid Poor Dental Habits – Smoking is known to cause yellow tooth stains.

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?

Unfortunately, the results of teeth whitening aren’t permanent. They tend to last about 1-3 years at most. Consequently, you’ll need touch-ups if you want to preserve the effects.

Fortunately, you can take steps to help whitening last. These include twice-daily brushing, once-daily flossing, quitting smoking, and visiting the dentist.

In contrast, take-home whitening needs a few weeks to work. It has the patient wear bleaching trays for several hours daily for 14 days. At the end of this period, though, the results are comparable to in-office whitening.

What’s the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?

True, both professional and store-bought whitening are meant to fix tooth stains. In reality, though, they tend to be quite different.

On the one hand, over-the-counter whiteners are one-size-fits-all. They rely on standardized trays and diluted, mass-produced brighteners. As a result, their effects are minimal at best and don’t tend to last long. They also carry significant risks due to using abrasive materials.

Meanwhile, professional whitening is thoroughly customized. A dentist tailors it based on a dental exam, thus accounting for your restorations and present oral health. That means the treatment is safe, effective, and provides dramatic results quickly.