Is Professional Teeth Whitening Worth It?
Your smile is your best accessory. It has the power to attract others, lighten the mood in an entire room, and even boost your immune system. People with stained or discolored teeth tend to feel self-conscious and will actively hide their smiles or refrain from smiling altogether. As minor as this may seem, it can actually have a negative impact on relationships, career success, and quality of life. If stained or discolored teeth are holding you back, maybe it’s time to try professional teeth whitening and set your smile free.
How effective is teeth whitening?
We’ve all seen the commercials for over-the-counter teeth whitening products. They feature happy people easily fitting strips over their already-perfect teeth. But in reality, many of these products can be cumbersome, ineffective, or accompanied by tooth sensitivity or other unwanted side effects. Some do work, but because of their lower levels of active ingredients, they require significant time and effort on your part, and they can only get your teeth so white. If you’ve experienced the disappointment of these over-the-counter products, you may be tempted to dismiss teeth whitening altogether. But don’t give up on brighter whiter teeth yet if you haven’t tried professional teeth whitening. Professional teeth-whitening is highly effective, safe, and long-lasting.
Whitening strips vs. dentist
If professional teeth-whitening is not in your budget and you’re getting ready for a specific event, certain over-the-counter whitening strips may be able to get your front teeth a shade or two whiter. You’ll need to be consistent and wear the strips for two hours a day, for up to 20 days, depending on the strength of the product. Be sure to do your research and follow instructions carefully, as they can cause gum irritation or tooth sensitivity if left on too long. Unfortunately, even if the strips do brighten your teeth, the results probably won’t last very long. Professional teeth-whitening is a better option if you’re looking for more complete, immediate, dramatic, or longer-lasting results. Most people consider the expense worth it, especially if they’ve already wasted money over and over again trying and failing to get results with over-the-counter strips.
Choose In-Office Teeth Whitening Services
Most dentists who offer professional teeth-whitening services provide their patients with the option of in-office procedures or take-home kits with trays and teeth-whitening gel. The take-home trays are custom-fitted to your teeth, and the gels are professional strength, so as long as you’re consistent with using them, you’ll get far superior results than you’d get with over-the-counter products. The in-office procedure, however, offers significant advantages that make it even more appealing to those looking for brighter, whiter teeth. Benefits of using in-office teeth whitening services include:
- Immediate results
- Long-term results
- No need for daily home treatment
- No risk of complication from user error
In-office teeth whitening is the most effective and safest way to whiten your teeth to the perfect shade and restore your most beautiful, healthiest-looking smile.
How much does it cost to professionally whiten teeth in San Diego?
The cost of professional teeth whitening will depend on your needs, preferences, and the scope of the treatment. As a cosmetic service, it is typically not covered by insurance. Professional take-home teeth-whitening kits can cost between $300 and $600, and in-office services generally run anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Ready to brighten your smile? Visit Smile Designers today!
At Smile Designers in San Diego, we know the value of a beautiful, healthy smile, and we’re committed to helping you feel great about showing yours off. For more information about professional teeth whitening in San Diego or any of our other services, please give us a call at (619) 222-6000 today.