Is The Cost Of Professional Teeth Whitening Worth It?

There are lots of potential causes of yellow or stained teeth, including ageing, medications, coffee, tea, and even some of your favourite foods. Depending on the cause, there are various different types of teeth whitening treatments your dental professional may recommend.

You can bring the sparkle back to your smile with professional whitening procedures, administered in the clinic or at home.

• In-clinic whitening is a procedure where the whitening gel is applied to your teeth by a dental professional.
• Custom home-use systems are similar to in-clinic whitening, but you can do it in the comfort of your own home using a milder whitening gel.

According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), most at-home and in-clinic whitening methods use peroxide compounds. But there are various differences that make professional in-clinic whitening cost a bit more.

• Dental supervision. Before the whitening procedure, your dental professional will perform an examination to ensure that your gums and teeth are healthy enough for the procedure and determine if there are any restored teeth that will not be able to be whitened with a bleaching product.
• Stronger whitening agents. Professional in-clinic whitening procedures are carefully monitored because they contain a higher concentration of bleaching agents. For some systems, this may cause temporary sensitivity or irritation, so the dental professional may need to place a barrier on the gum tissue to protect it.
• Faster results. Nevertheless, because the concentration of professionally applied whitening gel is stronger than what you'd get in an at-home whitening product, results are visible immediately rather than a couple of weeks later.

The good news is that professional teeth whitening is right for most people with permanent teeth and good oral health. If you do not experience sensitivity or have receding gums, then you may be less sensitive to chemicals used in whitening procedures. In addition, teeth whitening works well for people with stubborn, yellowish stains but may not always whiten brown or grey stains as well. Whitening treatments are a great option for people who haven't had previous work done to their front teeth, such as tooth-coloured fillings, crowns, and caps which cannot be whitened with a bleaching product.

Teeth discolouration may be caused by a specific underlying disease or condition, so it’s always best to consult with your dental professional first. They will be able to tell you if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening and discuss all of the whitening options available to you.

If you can't get professional whitening, don't worry! There are plenty of alternatives that can help you improve your smile. These include:

• Professional cleaning. Regular dental cleaning can help to reduce or even remove external staining on your teeth.
• Veneers or bonding. If you've had restorative work to the front teeth, these are great options to help you get the dazzling smile you want.
• Over-the-counter whitening products. Whitening toothpastes, gels and pens are affordable options that can help with minor discolouration.

After visiting your dental professional and getting the all-clear for teeth whitening, you can start choosing the best method to brighten your smile. This will depend on your budget and preferences. If you're looking to flash a whiter smile soon, professional in-clinic whitening is a great option. For more sensitive teeth, though, your dental professional may recommend a custom-fitted whitening tray to use in the comfort of your home. But if the cost of professional whitening is more than you want to spend, there are lots of affordable and convenient over-the-counter whitening products that can help you get to the bright smile you deserve!