Teeth Whitening – Houston, TX

Factors That Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening treatments are typically a set price. However, there are some instances in which you may require more than one treatment to get the results that you’re hoping for, including:

• If you have serious stains or discoloration
• Whether you have extrinsic (located on the surface of the enamel) or intrinsic (located deeper within the tooth) discoloration
• Why your staining has occurred (due to aging, taking certain medications, etc.)
• If you require dental work before being a good candidate for treatment, like a filling or crown

In any of these scenarios, our team at Sunrise Dental will discuss your plan with you, as well as walk you through a detailed cost estimate, so you know exactly what to expect to pay out-of-pocket before moving forward.

Types of Teeth Whitening & Their Costs

We believe in meeting our patients where they are, so they can enjoy convenient, safe, and effective treatment, which is why we offer both in-office and take-home professional teeth whitening. However, we realize that there are other options on the market that patients may look into, which is why we have a side-by-side breakdown of them all here:

• In-office teeth whitening can cost between $400 and $800, although in rare cases that may require multiple treatments, the cost could reach up to $1,000.
• Take-home professional teeth whitening that comes with custom-fitted trays and is prescribed through a dentist typically costs between $200 and $300.
• Over-the-counter whitening trays that you can purchase at your local pharmacy and aren’t custom fit are typically $100 or less.
• Whitening strips and gels are the least expensive option, ranging between $20 and $40 per box.

Store-Bought vs. Professional Teeth Whitening

If you’re only focused on cost, you may be tempted to just invest in whitening strips and gels that you can buy at the pharmacy, but it’s important to remember that when it comes to cosmetic dentistry, quality is reflected in the price.

Although professional teeth whitening is more expensive than over-the-counter products, not only is it safely administered by a professional using ADA-approved products that won’t erode the enamel of your teeth, but it also offers fast, virtually guaranteed results. Many patients feel these two benefits are worth the added cost.

Options for Making Teeth Whitening Affordable

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment, which means that it will likely not be covered by a traditional dental insurance plan. However, our team partners with CareCredit to offer trusted financing for patients. Simply fill out an application and find out if you qualify for a little-to-no interest monthly financing plan!

Am I a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

Like other cosmetic dental procedures, teeth whitening is designed to improve the appearance of teeth; however, it can only change things in terms of color. That said, whether you’re struggling with minor staining or severely noticeable discoloration, you’re likely a good candidate for the treatment! After you’ve visited us to discuss your desired outcome, we can inspect your mouth, determine the severity of your staining, and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. That said, we still need to make sure that your teeth and gums are fit for whitening, so if there’s some type of oral health issue (like decay or gum disease) present, it’ll need to be treated beforehand.

Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?

You’ll be happy to hear that professional teeth whitening treatment is customized to each patient’s specific needs, meaning that the likelihood of experiencing sensitivity or great discomfort is very low! However, if your teeth are extra prone to sensitivity, let us know so that we can determine how to make your treatment as comfortable as possible. Some possible solutions include specialty toothpaste that reduces sensitivity, spacing out your appointments, and avoiding extremely hot or cold beverages.

What’s the Difference Between Professional and Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?

Even though professional treatments and store-bought alternatives are both designed to address discoloration, the similarities stop there. Over-the-counter options usually rely on one-size-fits-all trays and diluted brighteners, both of which can cause lackluster results and potential oral health issues. Conversely, professional treatment is tailored to your specific needs and supervised by a trained dentist, meaning that the quality of care, safety throughout the process, and expected results are notably more impressive.

How Can I Make My Teeth Whitening Results Last?

As fantastic and dazzling as the results may be, teeth whitening unfortunately isn’t meant to last forever. That said, it can still offer outcomes that last anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on your commitment to oral hygiene. Here are some simple tips to follow that’ll keep your results intact for as long as possible:

• Commit to a regular oral hygiene routine by brushing your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush coupled with fluoride toothpaste.
• Don’t neglect to floss; the habit is just as important as brushing and mitigates issues that will negatively impact your smile’s appearance and
• Reduce your consumption of foods and drinks that are known to cause staining; things like coffee, tea, soda, red wines and sauces, etc. contain pigments that can easily darken your enamel.
• Schedule routine preventive dental visits twice a year; these visits allow us to help you maintain your smile’s health and beauty!