Without a doubt, the most popular of all cosmetic dentistry procedures in the United States is teeth whitening. According to Research America, we spend an astounding $1.4 billion having our teeth brightened and rejuvenated to look more beautiful each and every year, and why not? When you consider that a study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) found that over 98% of Americans believe a great looking smile is the key to attracting a mate, why wouldn’t you want better looking chompers?
If you’re one of the many who are looking to get this type of cosmetic dental work done this year, there are a few things you need to consider before going ahead with it. From the cost of teeth whitening to the different types of procedures available to you, read on to find out everything you’ve ever wanted to know about this popular type of cosmetic dental procedures.
First Things First: There is a Difference Between Bleaching and Whitening
The first thing you should know when looking into teeth whitening procedures is that there is, in fact, a difference between bleaching and whitening your teeth. As YourDentistryGuide.com writes, “whitening” is the term used when toothpaste or other “whiteners” are used to return your teeth to their natural color by removing plaque and other debris. Bleaching procedures, on the other hand, use chemicals, such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide to chemically whiten your teeth beyond how they would naturally appear. That being said, “whitening” is frequently erroneously used in marketing, as it sounds better.
How Does the Cost of Teeth Whitening Compare Across Methods?
As you well know, there is a long list of different teeth whitening methods you can use, from over the counter kits to laser whitening at your dentist office. Just as these methods differ in their efficacy, so, too, do they greatly vary in price. As the AACD points out, an over-the-counter kit will cost you around $20, but the results will be mediocre at best. From there, treatment can range anywhere from $300 to $1,000 per session with your dentist, depending on the methods used. Total costs, obviously, can be much higher, depending entirely on how many sessions you need to get the results you’ve been looking for.
Have you had your teeth whitened? What more can you tell us about the procedure and cost of whitening teeth? Let us know in the comments below! Learn more at this link.
