You’re not alone if you’re feeling self-conscious about the shade of your smile. After all, it’s one of the first things new people notice when they meet you, and you might worry about being judged for your appearance.
Thankfully, many dentists offer professional teeth whitening services to help brighten your grin and boost your confidence, but you might hesitate to schedule a cosmetic consultation if you’re worried you can’t afford this treatment. Continue reading to learn more about the price and how many providers help make procedures more affordable!
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Whether you opt for professional treatments with your dentist or consider over-the-counter solutions, most teeth whitening products use bleaches such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These chemicals undergo an oxidation reaction in your mouth that blasts apart stain particles clinging to your enamel to reduce their size and concentration.
But cheaper store-bought strips and gels might utilize more diluted solutions that yield inconsistent coloration or cause sensitivity. Meanwhile, your dentist uses ultra-concentrated gels and custom-fitted applicator trays designed to minimize potential discomfort while delivering outstanding results you can rely on.
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?
There are several potential methods of teeth whitening, and each has its own associated rates as outlined in more detail below:
- In-office procedures. Many dentists offer in-office procedures that can potentially lighten your smile by several shades in a single visit, which might range between $400 and $800+.
- Professional-grade take-home kits. Some providers also offer everything you need for top-quality results from home, such as professional-grade gels and custom-fitted applicator trays, which can cost several hundred dollars.
- One-size-fits-all trays. You can sometimes buy one-size-fits-all whitening trays for about $100 or less.
- Store-bought strips or gels. Different stores and pharmacies carry a variety of strips and gels, often for $20 to $40 per box.
Although these options do typically have predetermined pricing, different factors unique to your circumstances can affect how many treatments you’ll need to undergo to achieve the desired outcome, such as the severity of your discoloration, the type of stains present, and whether other dental services are required to address pre-existing concerns, such as cavities or gum disease, that can detract from the results.
Are There Ways to Make Teeth Whitening More Affordable?
Dental insurance can often be a simple and effective way to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for everything from routine exams and cleanings to more complex procedures. However, many policies exclude cosmetic services because they’re generally meant to improve your looks more than your dental health.
Fortunately, many providers understand that you might be concerned about the cost of elective treatment and offer other ways to make their services more affordable. For example, many dentists have partnered with third-party financiers, such as CareCredit or Lending Club, to offer low- to no-interest flexible payment plans that let you divide your final invoice into more manageable installments over a set period, which can be easier on your budget.
If you have additional questions about how much your teeth whitening might cost, your dental team can provide a more accurate estimate after a consultation and examination!
About the Practice
Patients at 21st Century Dental of Irving benefit from three dentists who share decades of combined experience helping families build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. Dr. Bristow, Dr. Kumar, and Dr. Roy collaborate to provide a complete menu of services, including in-office and take-home teeth whitening, to meet your unique needs under one roof. They take the time to learn about your individual goals and concerns, then devise custom treatment plans using state-of-the-art technology for reliable, long-lasting results. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (972) 255-3712.