What is the Cost of Teeth Whitening?

There is no denying that a lot of us wish we had whiter teeth. One of the major points of consideration however is the cost of teeth whitening . It is generally assumed that the cheaper a whitening option is, the more limited the effects are. Here are some of the factors that may affect costs.

Cost Factors

It is not possible to completely pin down the exact cost of teeth whitening. The amount that you would have to spend will depend on a couple of factors.

* The first obvious determining factor would be the method of whitening that you choose. You can ask the dentist to perform a procedure on you or you could buy whitening products over the counter. Of course, different product types and brand names also carry different prices.
* The cost of teeth whitening procedures with a dentist will vary according to the expertise and reputation of your dentist. A seasoned dentist who has many patients might charge more than the dentist who is just starting out with his practice.
* Your geographical location also has an impact on how much you have to pay. Your location may seem insignificant but if you think about it, dentists in high class locations servicing high class people like actors would definitely charge more. Different states and cities also normally have their own costing structure.
* The condition of your teeth has an impact on whitening costs. A dentist may have to charge more if he has to perform special procedures like customizing caps and fillings to fit your white teeth.
* A clinic whitening procedure would also depend on the extent of work. You could have only your upper or lower teeth done. You and your dentist would also need to determine the duration of the entire treatment which can also affect cost.

Cost Estimates

Based on the factors given above, it is now clear why it is difficult to get an exact figure for the cost of teeth whitening. It is however possible to give a reasonable price range.

* Toothpastes and gels are among those with the cheapest prices. This is because even ordinary toothpastes now have whitening ingredients. There are however, special pastes and gels that are sold solely for whitening. These products range from $2 to $15.
* You can apply strips for a few minutes twice a day on your teeth and enjoy a couple of months of white teeth. The cost of teeth whitening with this procedure is around $10 to $55.
* Over the counter tray treatments use chemicals applied on trays placed over the teeth for a period of time. These products cost from $10 to $150.
* Instead of buying over the counter, you can also ask your dentist to customize a tray for you. This would naturally cost you a little more. Expect to spend around $150 to $600.
* Aside from making custom trays, dentists also offer the option of laser assisted whitening. This is probably the most expensive of all. You might have to spend around $200 to $1500.

Teeth whitening performed in a dentist office is generally not covered by traditional dental insurance plans. However, today, with the emergence of great discount dental plans, professional teeth whitening can be very affordable.

Author Bio: - The author has been associated with the dental care field for a long period and understands the role of teeth whitening products and teeth whitening techniques in maintaining good dental health. Hence has shared some vital experiences with all through the article.