Money Matters: How Much Does Professional Teeth Whitening Cost?

If your teeth are looking dull or stained, you may be curious about how professional whitening can help you. The great news is that this treatment can typically remove up to eight shades of discoloration in just a few short weeks with a custom take-home kit from your dentist. But because it’s not usually covered by dental insurance, many patients aren’t sure what they should expect to pay. Here’s a closer look at the cost of teeth whitening, and why professional treatments may just be the best value for your smile!

Different Types of Teeth Whitening

There are many different types of teeth whitening available, including professional and over the counter. Typically, over the counter products like white strips and gels are lower priced, ranging from $20 to several hundred dollars depending on the product.

Professional whitening, on the other hand, can range in price from several hundred dollars to over $1,000 in some rare cases.

The Dark Side of So-Called Bargain Whitening

While over-the-counter kits like those white strips or gels that come with their own blue light tend to be much cheaper than the treatment available from your dentist, they are not without a few very important drawbacks. First, although they have a lower initial price tag, these kits often take much, much longer to get noticeable results, so you’ll end up spending more money over time to get the look you desire. Worse yet, because it could take many months to get your teeth the right shade, you are exposing them to sensitivity-causing chemicals for much longer, too!

The Benefits of Professional Whitening from Your Dentist

Professional whitening from your dentist may have a higher upfront cost, but the results are well worth the investment. For starters, a take-home kit includes custom trays that are specifically designed for your mouth, so the whitening agents will go exactly where they need to go and nowhere else. Better still, the trays are reusable, so if you ever need touch ups, you can return to your dentist for more bleaching gel and use the same trays as often as needed.

Another perk to professional whitening is that most patients can experience up to eight shades of difference in just two weeks, making this treatment faster than over-the-counter products, and thereby reducing both your cost and your exposure to sensitivity-causing chemicals.

Remember, while prices can vary dramatically between professional and over-the-counter whitening treatments, most patients find that whitening from your dentist is the best overall value, saving you time, money, and exposure to sensitivity causing chemicals.

About Dr. Lacquaniti

Dr. Stephanie Lacquaniti earned her dental doctorate from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and currently takes courses from SPEAR Education and study clubs throughout Lake County. She is also a regular attendee of the Florida Oral Pathology Symposium, and the FDC Annual Meeting. To schedule a consultation with Lacquaniti Dental for teeth whitening, visit our website or call us today at 352-383-8121.