How Much Is Professional Teeth Whitening in Pearland, TX?

Is It Worth Paying for Professional Teeth Whitening?

Investing in professional teeth whitening is often seen as worth it for several reasons:

• Effective Results: Professional treatments use stronger whitening agents than over-the-counter products. This means more noticeable and longer-lasting results. Many people see a much brighter smile after just one session.
• Safety and Supervision: Professional whitening is done by dental professionals who make sure the process is safe. It reduces the risk of gum irritation and other side effects that can happen with at-home kits.
• Customizable Treatments: Dentists can adjust the whitening process to fit individual needs. This includes changing the strength of the whitening agent and treatment time based on the patient’s dental condition and desired results.
• Quick Results: In-office whitening often provides immediate results, sometimes within a single visit. Therefore, it is a convenient option for those who want fast improvements.
• Long-lasting Effects: With good care, the results from professional whitening can last for years.
  Enhanced Confidence: A brighter smile can greatly boost self-esteem and confidence. This makes it a valuable investment for many people.

Bleaching Vs. Whitening

According to the FDA, the term “bleaching” is used only when the dentist aims to make your teeth whiter than their natural color. This applies to products that contain bleach, usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

On the other hand, “whitening” refers to restoring a tooth’s surface color. This happens when you remove dirt and stains. Technically, any product that cleans teeth, like toothpaste, is considered a whitener. However, the term “whitening” sounds better than “bleaching,” so it is often used even for products that contain bleach.

For in-office whitening, where time is limited, dentists prefer using powerful and fast-acting hydrogen peroxide. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide used in bleaching teeth ranges from about nine percent to 40 percent.

For at-home whitening, the preferred bleach is carbamide peroxide, which works more slowly and breaks down into hydrogen peroxide. Carbamide peroxide is about one-third as strong as hydrogen peroxide, so a 15 percent solution of carbamide peroxide is roughly equal to a five percent solution of hydrogen peroxide.

Teeth Whitening Options and Their Costs

There are three main teeth whitening options available today. Each uses different strengths of peroxide and varying application times.

In-Office Whitening

The biggest advantage of in-office whitening is that it can significantly change your teeth’ color in a short time. The process involves applying a high-concentration peroxide gel to your teeth. A dentist or trained technician performs it after protecting your gums with a rubber-like shield.
The peroxide gel stays on your teeth for several intervals of 15 to 20 minutes, adding up to about an hour. If your stains are particularly stubborn, you might need to return for additional sessions or use a home whitening system. It costs about $650 per visit on average.

Professionally Dispensed Take-Home Kits

Many dentists believe that take-home whitening kits provided by professionals can give the best long-term results. These kits use a lower-concentration peroxide gel that stays on your teeth for an hour or longer, sometimes overnight.
The lower the peroxide concentration, the longer it can safely stay on your teeth. The gel is applied using custom-made trays that fit your teeth like mouthguards. It can cost from $100 to $400.

Over-the-Counter Products

Over-the-counter whitening kits are the cheapest and most convenient option. They come with a gel that has a lower peroxide concentration than professional take-home kits. The gel is applied using one-size-fits-all trays, strips, or paint-on applicators.
These products can only whiten a few of the front teeth, unlike custom trays that can whiten your entire smile. You can expect to pay $20 to $100.