Teeth Whitening – Torrance, CA

FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE COST OF TEETH WHITENING

In most cases, teeth whitening is one set price. However, some factors can affect how many treatments you need until you reach the goals that you have for your smile. Here are some of the most prominent factors:

• Severity of Discoloration:  If your teeth are very discolored, you might require additional treatments until you achieve the results that you’re hoping for.
• Type of Discoloration:  Intrinsic stains are much easier to lift than intrinsic stains.
• Additional Treatments:  If you have existing oral health issues, like cavities or gum disease, they will need to be treated and eliminated before you can have your teeth whitened.

TYPES OF TEETH WHITENING: WHAT DO THEY COST? 

There are several different types of teeth whitening, and they all have different effectiveness and costs. Here is what you will usually get with each one:

• In-Office Teeth Whitening:  This usually costs between $300 and $800. In some cases, it can cost over $1000.
• Take-Home Teeth Whitening:  Professional take-home kits usually cost a few hundred dollars.
• Over-the-Counter Trays:  Teeth whitening trays that you can find at your local drugstore usually cost $100 or less.
• Over-the-Counter Strips/Gels:  This is the most affordable option out there. These boxes can cost between $20 and $40 on average and contain enough product to last about two weeks.

PROFESSIONAL TEETH WHITENING VS INEXPENSIVE TEETH WHITENING

When you initially look at the numbers above, you may be wondering why anyone would pay more for professional teeth whitening when more affordable methods are available. The truth is that you get what you pay for when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. When you choose cheaper options, like over-the-counter strips and gels, you won’t see the same significant results as you would from choosing a professional option. Professional treatments can lighten your tooth enamel several shades in a relatively short period while keeping your teeth safer in the process. When choosing a teeth whitening method, be sure to consider the results that you’re looking for and how long you are willing to wait.

OPTIONS FOR MAKING TEETH WHITENING AFFORDABLE

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment, so it is not covered by dental insurance. However, this doesn’t mean that you are completely out of luck. With our Blue Coast In-House Plan, you can save on many procedures completed at our office. We also accept payments through CareCredit – a third-party financing company that can split the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little to no interest. For more information on your financial options, don’t hesitate to talk to one of our friendly team members.

To find out exactly how much you can expect to pay for teeth whitening,  schedule a consultation  with us. We are eager to help you achieve a brighter smile!

CAN CROWNS OR TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS BE WHITENED?

Once a crown, veneer, or tooth-colored filling has been placed and set, the color of the restoration cannot be changed. If you would like to alter its coloration, you’ll need to get a new one entirely. If you know you’d like to have your teeth whitened, but you need to get a restoration first, tell us about your goals. That way, we can give you a restoration that will fit in with your brighter smile.

DOES TEETH WHITENING CAUSE SENSITIVITY?

Not many patients report experiencing tooth sensitivity after the teeth whitening process. However, any discomfort usually doesn’t last long and is nothing to worry about. We may be able to offer you a fluoride treatment to fortify your enamel and/or recommend using a sensitive toothpaste if your teeth feel sensitive.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR TEETH WHITENING?

When it comes to qualifying for teeth whitening, there are a few requirements. You need to have a healthy mouth, meaning no cavities or infections like gum disease. If we find an impediment, we can postpone your whitening treatment until after we address the issue. For those who have dental crowns, veneers, or bonding, whitening through this treatment may not be the best way to achieve the results you’re looking for because bleaching does not change the color of these restorations.

DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING BEFORE TEETH WHITENING?

If whitening your teeth at home with our professional kits, your teeth will need to be as clean as possible. Our team can remove plaque and tartar before you get started on the process to ensure your teeth are whitened evenly. Likewise, at home, you’ll need to brush and floss your teeth before wearing the trays every night. Be sure you follow our instructions so that you can enjoy the best results.

DOES TEETH WHITENING DAMAGE ENAMEL?

No, teeth whitening will not damage healthy enamel. However, if you currently have a cavity or another oral health issue, the chemicals used in teeth whitening can cause additional problems. That’s why we always conduct a thorough exam to make sure your smile is in good shape before we move forward with the whitening process. Damage can also occur from some at-home remedies that do more harm than good, like using activated charcoal and hydrogen peroxide to attempt to address discoloration. If you want to whiten your teeth, you should always seek advice from a dentist beforehand, even if you aren’t considering professional teeth whitening. They can provide you with valuable insight so you can work to achieve your goals safely.

IS TEETH WHITENING PERMANENT?

No, teeth whitening does not make your teeth permanently whiter. Typically, the bright results you see will last anywhere from a few months to a few years depending on how well you care for them. To prolong the results, you should implement a solid at-home oral hygiene routine and see us for regular cleanings and checkups. You should also avoid poor dental habits, like smoking. Touch-up treatments are available when it comes time to refresh your results.

IS TEETH WHITENING EXPENSIVE?

When compared to other cosmetic services, like veneers, teeth whitening is relatively affordable. If you are worried about the cost of your treatment, you may want to consider third-party financers, like CareCredit. This way, you can split the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little to no interest. Feeling confident about your smile shouldn’t mean stressing over finances.