Teeth whitening is one of the most sought after cosmetic dental procedures. It is also one of the easiest and most affordable ways to improve your smile. It is normal for teeth to become discolored over time, developing a yellow tint or stains. Teeth whitening treatments are designed to remove stains and whiten teeth so that they look healthier.
There are professional whitening treatments and some you can buy in stores or online. Professional whitening treatments are those provided or applied under the supervision of your dentist. Whitening treatments provided by your dentist contain stronger ingredients that are more effective than store bought treatments, but they should only be used with your dentist’s approval.
If you’re comparing teeth whitening treatments, one common consideration is the cost. How much does teeth whitening cost in New York City? It depends on a variety of factors.
Average Cost of Teeth Whitening By Type
There are many types of whitening treatments and the cost varies greatly between them:
- Whitening toothpaste: $3-$20. One of the easiest ways to whiten your teeth is with whitening toothpaste. You simply brush your teeth with it and you get whiter teeth in a few weeks. However, results are minimal and sometimes difficult to see.
- Whitening strips: $20-$40. The most effective of the store bought products is whitening strips. They are made of clear plastic that contains a whitening agent. You wrap them around your teeth and wear them according to the instructions provided. Results are noticeable in a few days to a few weeks.
- Professional take-home whitening kits: $100-$600. Your dentist can provide you with take-home whitening kits that include a custom made tray that you use to apply the whitening agent. The active ingredient is stronger than what is contained in toothpaste and store bought strips, so you’ll get more dramatic results in a few days to a few weeks.
- Professional in-office whitening treatment: $200-$1,000. The most effective, longest lasting results come from in-office whitening treatments applied by your dentist. The use of a specialized light accelerates the whitening agent for optimal results.
Is Teeth Whitening Worth the Cost?
When it comes to teeth whitening, whether or not it is worth the cost is up to you. As you can see by the cost breakdown by product above, the higher the cost the better the results. If you want noticeable results you can really see in just a few treatments, professional grade whitening provided by your dentist will give you the results you desire. Professional treatments also provide longer lasting results, meaning you won’t have to keep purchasing more whitening products to keep your teeth looking white.
Another important factor to consider is that professional teeth whitening products are designed to be safe on tooth enamel, preventing damage and reducing sensitivity that could result from repeated use of store bought whitening products. Whitening toothpastes often contain baking soda and other abrasive ingredients that may scrub off stains, but weaken your tooth enamel in the process.
Am I a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Some factors to consider when it comes to teeth whitening include:
- The health of your teeth. First and foremost your teeth should be healthy before applying whitening treatment. If your teeth need any restorative procedures, these should be done first.
- Dental work. Prosthetics and composite fillings won’t respond to teeth whitening, so if you have any of these that are highly visible near the front of your mouth, there may be some uneven coloring after whitening your natural teeth.
- Other imperfections. Teeth whitening can only improve the color of your teeth. It has no effect on other imperfections like chips, uneven lengths, gaps, and misaligned teeth. To fully improve your smile, you may need additional cosmetic procedures.
Where Can I Get Professional Teeth Whitening?
Manhattan Dental Spa provides both in-office and take home teeth whitening treatments. We offer both KöR and Zoom! Teeth Whitening that have proven to provide dramatic results and are safe on tooth enamel. After a brief evaluation, we can determine whether or not you are an ideal candidate for teeth whitening.
Call 212-683-2530 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
