Is professional teeth whitening worth it?

If your teeth are stained, have discoloration, or aren’t as white as you want them to be, professional teeth whitening may be for you. This cosmetic dentistry service can help permanently brighten your smile while boosting your confidence. And those who have had their teeth whitened will all agree that it is definitely worth it.

In this blog, Anderson dentists Dr. Elbrecht and Dr. Summerlin will help you decide if professional teeth whitening is for you.

How much does it cost to have your teeth professionally whitened?

In contrast to the $400 dollars that it costs for at-home whitening trays and the $100 for over-the-counter bleaching strips, in-office professional teeth whitening cost generally starts around $600. There’s no argument that having your teeth whitened by a dentist is not as kind to your wallet as Crest white strips are. Cost aside, if you want to the best teeth whitening, having it done professionally is definitely the way to go.

Does teeth whitening harm your teeth?

The short answer to this question is no, teeth whitening does not harm your enamel or harm your teeth. Dentin is the part of your tooth that carries the stains. Therefore, whitening treatments are made to lighten the underlying dentin tissue by flowing through your enamel.

Although you may feel some sensitivity, this isn’t anything to be considered with. As the sensitivity is a result of the enamel tubules opening. Over time though, your saliva will help to remineralize these tubules and rehydrate the tooth.

How often can you get your teeth professionally whitened?

Professional teeth whitening generally lasts for six months to 2 years but can last for up to 10 years depending on how well you take care of your smile. Some individuals opt to have their whitening touched up every 6 months and some use the at-home trays to maintain their white smiles.

When it comes down to it though, your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits will have the biggest effect on the longevity of your newly whitened teeth.

So, is it worth it?

Whether you choose to have your teeth whitened in-office, or opt for the take-home trays, professional teeth whitening is the best choice for permanently whiter teeth. The quick and lasting results combined with an increased comfortability make the higher cost completely worth it. Plus, professional teeth whitening treatments can last up to 10 years according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Sounds like something to smile about it!

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