How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?

The cost of teeth whitening (at John T Green DDS) will vary depending upon what type of whitening method you decide to pursue. At-home teeth whitening kits tend to be more affordable than professional whitening procedures; however, they may not provide results as quickly and may need to be applied with more frequency. Additional factors that may play a role in the final cost of teeth whitening include your geographic location, if any additional procedures need to be performed, how frequently you have the procedure performed, and what type of technology is used to perform the teeth whitening.

Average Cost of Teeth Whitening

The most expensive (and most effective) method for whitening teeth is a laser whitening treatment, which costs (on average) around $1,000. Having your teeth whitened in-office will cost approximately $600, and while this is significantly more money than the cost of take-home kits or other teeth whitening products, such as gels, gums, or whitening toothpastes, which can range from $5 to $50, having your teeth whitened in office will result in a significantly brighter smile, because your dentist can use a stronger concentration of hydrogen peroxide.

A popular option for patients looking to have faster and better results, but for whom cost is a significant consideration, is to have a customized tray made to address your unique dental needs. Once the tray is formed, your dentist will provide instructions for wearing the trays at home. These custom kits typically cost around $250 to $500, with an additional $30 factored in for annual maintenance.

Preventing Staining from Occurring

Teeth can become stained for a variety of reasons, the most common of which is poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, or excessive consumption of certain foods or beverages. Teeth staining can also be the result of an underlying issue. If you are interested in having brighter, whiter teeth and are looking to avoid paying costly office bills, here are a few things you can do to improve the appearance of your teeth.

  • Practice Good Oral Hygiene: One of the most effective methods for avoiding and correcting stained teeth is to practice good daily oral hygiene habits. Be sure that you brush and floss twice daily, ideally using a toothpaste with fluoride or whitening agents. It is also important to replace your toothbrush every three or four months.
  • Avoid Staining Foods: Although it can be hard to avoid soda, tea, or a nice glass of wine, each of these beverages can play a primary role in causing your teeth to stain. Foods like tomato sauce and certain berries can also cause your teeth to stain.
  • Stop Using Tobacco: There are countless reasons why it is a good idea to stop using tobacco, one of which is that use of tobacco will not only jeopardize your health, but will also stain your teeth, especially smokeless tobacco.
  • Routine Dental Checkups: In addition to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and being conscious of your diet, scheduling dental exams every six months (or more frequently for patients prone to periodontal issues) will allow your dentist to remove plaque and staining substances that will brighten up your smile.

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