What is the cost of teeth whitening in Mission Viejo, CA.
From an early age, the appearance of one’s smile is always a priority. Starting from childhood dental exams and often progressing through orthodontic treatment, having a white, straight smile is a goal that can be very difficult to achieve and maintain.
However, in a society that thrives on coffee, tea, red wine and acidic foods, it is not surprising that many people suffer from a dull and discoloured smile. Teenagers and adults alike all face a common goal; to improve their pearly whites and to maintain a smile that they are proud of.
In fact, a recent survey published by American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry showed that approximately eighty percent of Americans between the ages of eighteen and forty-nine wish to have whiter teeth. And when your smile is often the first thing that is noticed by others, it makes sense that this is a common goal shared by the community of Mission Viejo. However, the question that always lingers is what is the best, and most cost effective, way to get there?
Before we get into the specifics of teeth whitening options and pricing it is important to have a basic understanding of how the process works. The majority of teeth whitening products, regardless if they are applied at home or at a dental office, contain a peroxide-based bleaching agent (usually either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide).
The strength, efficacy and effectiveness of each product is dependent on whether it is available over the counter, as products that contain higher concentrations of hydrogen or carbamide peroxide are usually only able to be applied by a dental professional.
Once the bleaching agent comes into contact with your teeth, it enters the enamel and begins an oxidation reaction that ultimately breaks down the staining compounds guilty of leaving those yellow, discolored spots on the surface. On occasion, a high intensity light can be applied at the same time to expedite the whitening process.
When it comes to teeth whitening, the average patient typically has two options. They can either opt for at home, over the counter teeth whitening, or visit a dental office for an in-office application. The decision ultimately depends on two things: the immediate need for a whiter smile, and the cost the individual is willing to pay to get there.
If you are more concerned about price and are content with not achieving immediate results, at-home teeth whitening may be a better option. There are a variety of products available both online and at drug stores, and range from $20-$400.
The typical product contains either hydrogen or carbamide peroxide at a lesser concentration than those found at a dental office. Because of this, it can sometimes take weeks to months to achieve the full effect. To address this , a few companies even include a LED light to use concurrently with the teeth-whitening gel for a slightly faster effect. If you are concerned about using hydrogen or carbamide peroxide on your teeth, there are also more natural options that contain coconut oil, lemon, or sea salt.
However, for those who desire dramatically whiter teeth in the shortest amount of time, professional teeth whitening may be the better option for you. Over the past few years, teeth whitening and cosmetic dentistry has become more popular and technologically advanced. Because the bleaching agents used by dentists are much stronger than their over-the-counter counterparts, you can see a significant difference in your smile after just one treatment.
Some dental offices combine their bleaching products with high intensity light to allow for a more efficient and quicker process, just like some of the at-home products use. The end result is usually a smile that is approximately four to six shades brighter after a forty-minute session, and can last for approximately six months to two years. In comparison to over-the-counter products that typically take weeks to show an effect, it is no surprise that in-office teeth whitening is becoming a service that is offered by more and more dentists both nationwide and in Mission Viejo.
Dental offices in Mission Viejo are also offering a more specific process of teeth whitening, known as Sapphire Chairside Whitening. Sapphire Teeth Whitening in Mission Viejo allows you to get great results fast. When used with the Sapphire Supreme Light1, the system is known to do a great job in just 31 minutes. There is a reason this treatment is becoming a more popular service offered by dental offices in Mission Viejo!
A common question that enters the mind of a patient is the exact cost of such a procedure. It is easy to imagine the cost of in-office teeth whitening to be expensive; however, there are surprisingly plenty of affordable options.
The average price of a professional teeth whitening session is approximately $300-$800; however, there are options for dental insurance coverage and financing within the dental office. In addition, dental offices in Mission Viejo offer at-home bleaching kits, which often involve trays molded to a patient’s teeth and allow for professional quality teeth whitening from the comfort of their own home. While professional teeth whitening is typically more expensive than at-home products, it may be worth it to achieve a brighter smile in a much shorter period of time.
While the amount of teeth whitening products and services are overwhelming, dental offices in Mission Viejo offer consultation services to ensure that you receive the information and services that are the best fit for you. You can put your mind at ease by knowing that your teeth are in good hands, no matter which option you choose. We have certainly come a long way from teeth whitening strips, and your perfect smile may be much closer than you think!