Cosmetic teeth whitening cost is an act whereby your stained teeth are lightened several shades over by a cosmetic dentist. Cosmetic teeth whitening business has been prevalent for decades.
Nonetheless, in the last 50 years cosmetic dentistry has really evolved. It has now become an inevitable part of almost every mainstream household.
Cosmetic dentistry is usually synonymous to the professional workforce. In USA, teeth whitening is a billion dollar business. This business is valued over $11 Billion globally and is growing at a rapid pace.
To explain this phenomenon better, I (LeanAndFit) am dividing my article into several sub-categories:
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Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Cost Article Contents:
1) What is Cosmetic Teeth Whitening?
2) What is Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Cost?
3) What are Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Certification Courses in USA?
4) What is Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Procedure?
5) Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Insurance – Does it Even Exist?
6) Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Before and After
7) Is Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Legal?
8) Does Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Hurt?
9) What is Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Shade Guide?
10) When Should You Avoid Cosmetic Teeth Whitening?
11) What is the Most Effective Bleaching Treatment for Your Teeth?
What is Cosmetic Teeth Whitening?
This is a procedure by which your stained tooth are lightened several shades over. Over here, chemicals are applied onto your teeth. These chemicals react with your oral cavity and lead to oxidation.
The oxidation process forces the stains that are present onto the surface of your teeth to fade. The bleaching chemicals may also scrape sway mild stains thereby making your teeth several shades whiter.
Treatment at the Dental Clinic: In this procedure, you need to pay a visit to the local dental clinic. The trained dentist shall then determine which procedure to be used for whitening your teeth with. The laser method is most common. All it takes is an hour and your teeth are lightened by up to 8 shades.
Whitening Teeth at Home: If you consult a dentist then, he shall advise whitening trays if you opt for in-house treatment. These trays are made as per your denture. You need to apply them once or twice daily. Usually, it takes 2 months to complete this treatment.
What is Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Cost?
When you have identified that your teeth are stained then, the next step is to choose a suitable cosmetic dentist. After having identified one, you need to then opt for either an ‘in-house’ or a ‘cosmetic dental clinic’ treatment methodology.
The Cost of Cosmetic Procedure:
The Professional Way: Also known as whitening your tooth with the aid of laser, this is an expensive procedure. You need to have a couple of hundred dollar bills in order to execute this. An average cost of laser whitening procedure is in excess of $600 and can go up to $1500.
When you get your teeth bleached by a professional cosmetic dentist then, you can be rest assured that the results shall be better and instant. The level of chemicals used (carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide) are on the higher side.
The DIY Method: On the other hand, if you opt for whitening your teeth at home then, the cost factor is vastly in your favur. These include whitening trays. The average cost of these falls in between $90 to $500.
These whitening trays are prepared by the cosmetic dentist as per your requirements. Over here, the proportion of the usual bleaching agents is reduced significantly. This makes at-home dental whitening process to be safe.
The OTC Whitening Methods: Finally, you have over the counter variants. These include free size trays, strips, rinse and gum. Nonetheless, these are unchartered and have extremely mild bleaching agents.
So, the result is nowhere comparable to the ones derived in a dental clinic. Nonetheless, they are rather soft on your wallet. In simpler words, you pay anywhere in between $ 1 to $99 to get the job done.
What are Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Certification Courses in USA?
Teeth whitening certification courses are plentiful. They are available both online as well as offline. When you complete this certification course, you become a dental hygienist.
In the United States, 14 states have given permission to only licensed teeth whitening professional to practice this dentistry legally. Tooth bleaching agents that use peroxide as their base are considered as cosmetics as per FDA. So, they are not categorized as controlled substances.
The American Dental Association has permitted certification in teeth whitening without the restrictions of state oppositions. This is owing to the lack of substantial harm caused by such procedures. So, it is a safe act, which does not need any legal approval.
FAQ on Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Certification
Q-1: Can I Get Certified Online?
A-1: Yes, you can get certified by any practicing dental clinic that offers teeth whitening courses. If you opt for an online course, you can easily access one.
Q-2: How Much do I Have to Pay for the Certification?
A-2: The cost can vary from $400 to $1000. It all depends on the contents of the course as well as the duration and expertise of the licensed dentist selling the course to you.
Q-3: Do I need to be a Licensed Dentist to Practice Teeth Whitening in USA?
A-3: No, you do not have to be a licensed dentist. Nonetheless, 14 states in USA have imposed certain restrictions on this practice. So, go through their laws before beginning this practice commercially.
Q-4: Do I Need ADA Seal of Acceptance?
A-4: No, that is not required. These are professional products that do not need a seal of acceptance. Nonetheless, it is highly recommended that you use whitening products that have an ADA Acceptance seal.
Q-5: How Much Can I Earn Annually after Getting Certified?
A-5: A certified tooth bleaching cosmetic dentist should ideally earn $30,000 annually. You can earn as much as $80,000 if your reputation as a cosmetic dentist is on the higher side.
Q-6: I am an Ordinary Woman with no Qualification in the field of Dentistry. Can I still Whiten Teeth Professionally?
A-6: Yes, you can practice teeth whitening as it is a cosmetic procedure. American Dental Association does not stop a certified tooth whitening man or woman from practicing this as a profession.
What is Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Procedure?
Tooth whitening is an art of removing stains from the surface of your teeth. These stains are commonly caused by genetics, aging, medications, certain food items such as tea/coffee etc. Some products contain bleach while others do not contain bleach.
The FDA states that when a tooth whitener contains hydrogen peroxide or similar bleaching agents then, it is termed as a bleaching agent. Carbamide and hydrogen peroxide bleaching agents have the ability to remove deep stains from the surface of your teeth.
The Laser Method:
Over here, a certified cosmetic dentist shall apply a special gel onto the surface of your teeth. Thereafter, your gums shall be covered with a special rubbery cast to save them from getting burnt.
A special pen shaped laser or a lamp is directed towards the teeth. This helps the whitening gel to get activated. The froth thus produced removes the stains. After the process (usually 15 to 20 minutes), the cosmetic dentist shall rinse your mouth with water.
This process can be repeated 3 to 4 times over in order for you to get the desired results. The average cost of this process is $650.
The Dentist Recommended Whitening Tray:
These are trays that are affixed to your teeth. A cosmetic dentist shall customize these trays filled with whitening gel as per your denture. You can apply these at home and leave them on for 15 to 45 minutes.
You can opt for ‘one size fits all’ whitening trays as well. These are cost effective but cumbersome. The cost can range anywhere in between $300 to $500 for these.
At Home Based Tooth Bleaching:
You can avoid a cosmetic dentist and try OTC method instead. These include strips, rinse, toothpaste, gum and even trays. The inclusion of bleaching agents is minimal.
These are mild and the results derived here are not at par with the ones delivered at the cosmetic dental clinic. The cost is low and ranges in between $1 to $100 (on an average).
In order to get the best results, you should buy products that have American Dental Association seal of approval. They are safe and best suited for conducting at-home tooth bleaching.
Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Insurance – Does it Even Exist?
No, dental insurance cover does not include teeth whitening or tooth bleaching. This is because such a procedure is considered cosmetic in nature and not a dental health hazard.
It is a cosmetic procedure to enhance your beauty and appearance. If you are seeking a discount then, consult your cosmetic dentist for a better price.
If your dentist is offering special insurance packages on teeth whitening then, you may consult him/her for the same. Nonetheless, the chances for availing the same are scant.
Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Before and After
The results derived from bleaching a stained tooth are positive regardless of whether you opt for an in-house treatment or via a cosmetic dental specialist. Your teeth get several shades lighter and your smile appears brilliant.
Here, you can get the best results when you opt for a laser treatment. Only trained cosmetic dentists are capable of delivering this treatment. All it takes is 45 minutes to make your teeth appear 5 to 6 shades lighter.
In-house whitening procedures are cost effective yet not as effective as the ones delivered by a trained dentist. If you want your teeth to appear dazzling white then, repeating this process twice annually is necessary.
The Bleaching Vs Whitening Effect
When you use bleaching agents in your tooth whitener (such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide) then, you are said to be bleaching your teeth.
On the other hand, if you use a chewing gum or toothpaste to cleanse debris stuck within your teeth then, it is whitening of the teeth. So in reality, the procedures (whether in-house or at a dental clinic) performed to whiten teeth are termed as bleaching.
Is Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Legal?
It is legal to whiten teeth of others at your home or at a clinic in the United States or the United Kingdom. There are a few mild rules that regulate whitening of teeth professionally in 14 states in USA.
Nonetheless, as this is a cosmetic procedure, whitening of the teeth is not a controlled procedure as per the FDA. Laser bleaching procedures may contain carbamide peroxide (anywhere in between 10% to 45%). Carbamide is one third the strength of hydrogen peroxide.
A certification to perform the bleaching procedure legally should be obtained in the United States. There are several kinds of certifications available both online and offline. So, getting hold of a practicing certificate should not be an issue.
Here are a few things you should watch out for while opting for teeth bleaching:
>>> Make sure that the dental clinic is located in a well-frequented and well known area. Shady places such as a kiosk should be avoided.
>>> The cosmetic dentist performing the laser bleaching process should have a valid certification for the same.
>>> If a salon is offering to bleach your teeth then, you need to watch out. Such procedures are usually not entertained by saloons involved in beauty treatments.
>>> In case the concerned individual is offering unbelievable discounts on the procedure then, you better cross check his/her credentials.
>>> Make sure that the products used at the dental clinic have an ADA seal of approval.
Does Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Hurt?
The most common side effect that is harmless yet uncomfortable is dentin hypersensitivity. This tends to affect men and woman with sensitive gums and teeth. The most common symptoms are sensitivity to anything too hot or cold being introduced into the oral cavity.
The main reason why your tooth becomes sensitive to anything hold, cold or spicy is because the bleaching agents present in your whitener somehow finds its way into the nerves of your tooth.
The nature of your tooth as well as the strength of the bleaching agent determines the extent of your suffering. Also, prior bleaching treatments administered to your tooth may flare up the current situation.
So while the process of getting your teeth bleached is usually painless, the minutes or hours following the process may be a bit uncomfortable for a few. Usually, this sensation dies down in a day or two.
Here are a few tips to maintain a pair of perfect teeth that are free from sensitivity and pain:
>>> In case you have sensitive teeth that tend to get irritated post the bleaching process commences then, increase the gap between bleaching treatments.
>>> If the severity of teeth sensitivity is unbearable, stop the bleaching process indefinitely.
>>> You might want to suggest the cosmetic dentist to make use of milder bleaching agents to minimize the discomfort caused.
>>> Switching bleaching treatments is also a suggestion. Avoid laser therapy and use whitening strips instead (if they provide added comfort).
>>> Avoid eating foods that are spicy, too hot or too cold. Doing so shall minimize your teeth sensitivity post the bleaching process.
>>> If you have teeth that are sensitive to bleaching then, use special toothpastes to minimize this uncomfortable sensation.
>>> Some cosmetic dentists suggest drinking coffee or wine with the aid of a straw. This helps the cold or hot liquid to bypass your recently bleached teeth thereby minimizing your current level of discomfort.
What is Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Shade Guide?
The shade of your teeth is directly proportional to your genetic makeup and your current oral hygiene. Diet also plays a vital role in determining their shade. If you have white, brightly polished and shiny teeth, you look confident and attract the attention of others (and vice versa).
If you consider the United States then, 40 million men and women opt for tooth bleaching on an annual basis. So, the demand here for possessing a whiter shade of teeth is rather high.
How to Choose the Right Shade?
You need to maintain the correct shade of your teeth, so that it matches your skin tone. So, the main aspect is your complexion with which should match your recently bleached teeth.
Here are the four main categories to choose from:
The A Shade: This is best suited when the current shade of your teeth are a blend of red or brown.
The B Shade: This shade is best suited for men and women that have reddish yellow hue embossed on their teeth.
The C Shade: In case the current shade of your tooth is grey then, opt for the C Shade.
The D Shade: The last and final shade is meant for men and woman that have reddish grey teeth.
When you have selected a particular shade, you also have the option of selecting a sub-category. For example, you opt for Shade A then, the cosmetic dentist shall offer four to six more sub-categories present within the Shade A. You need to select the one that fits your complexion and persona the best.
The Current Conditions to Watch Out For:
While getting your teeth whitened, you need to watch out for the current shade of your tooth.
>>> In case the current shade of your teeth is dark grey then, getting them to turn white is a daunting task. Even after the treatment, they may not appear as white as you want them to appear.
>>> Cosmetic dentists always state that the brightness of your teeth should not exceed the brightness of your eye (the white part).
>>> In case you have had a cavity filled then, such parts cannot be hidden or cleansed with a bleaching agent. So, choose a shade that blends in with the crown or cavity.
>>> It is suggested that you lighten the current shade of your tooth by just two or three times. Doing so shall give you a shade that blends with your complexion (and does not stand out).
>>> If your tooth has suffered an injury, it cannot be whitened.
>>> In case you are on certain medications that have scraped away the original color of your teeth then again, teeth whitening may not work.
>>> If your tooth enamel is low or you suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder then again, tooth bleaching may not be effective.
>>> In case you suffer from bruxim disease, avoid tooth bleaching as doing so may worsen your current condition.
>>> Lay more emphasis on oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice daily and avoid foods such as tea coffee, tobacco and wine. Doing so shall reduce your chances of darkening the current shade of your teeth.
When Should You Avoid Cosmetic Teeth Whitening?
While 40 million Americans opt for tooth bleaching on an annual basis, this process is not always suitable for you. Here are the following conditions wherein you need to avoid this procedure:
>>> In case you have had veneers embossed onto your tooth then, whitening them is not an option.
>>> If your tooth has been capped in a crown then again, you cannot bleach that area.
>>> In case you have had a cavity filled then, the dark spot left behind by this procedure may not be removed via a cosmetic bleaching agent/treatment.
>>> If you have had dental bonding performed on the front end of your tooth then again, whitening this area is not possible.
>>> Certain medications (especially antipsychotic and antihistamine drugs) such as the ones used for cancer or blood pressure treatment may disrupt the true color of your tooth. If this is the case then, getting them bleached is not practically possible.
>>> If you suffer from grinding of teeth or TMJ then, bleaching the tooth is not recommended. This is owing to the bleaching agents worsening your current condition.
What is the Most Effective Bleaching Treatment for Your Teeth?
We have now reached the concluding stages of the write-up. I have discussed the average costs of each and every tooth bleaching treatment available in the United States. Over here, the need of the hour is to choose the one that fits your budget.
The Dental Clinic:
In my opinion, the most suitable is a cosmetic tooth bleaching treatment performed at the dental clinic. The cosmetic dentist uses laser or zoom methods at the clinic. The bleaching agents are high in concentration (up to 45%).
They can lighten the shade of your teeth by as much as 4 – 10 times (in most cases). All it takes is 60 minutes of you time. Nonetheless, you need to shell out $650 (on an average) for this treatment.
The In-House Treatment:
If you have a lower budget then, opt for custom fitted bleaching trays. These are provided by the cosmetic dentists and have lower levels of hydrogen peroxide (10% or less). The duration for this process is 15 days. You need to wear these trays overnight (7 to 8 hours). The average cost of this treatment is $400.
The OTC Method:
Lastly, if you want to do it yourself and save money then, opt for the OTC method. You can choose from trays, gels, strips toothpaste and gum. The average cost is in between $1 to $120 (as per your preferred mode of treatment).
The choice of treatment is completely yours to keep. So, read this article carefully to take an educated decision for the sake of your sparkling white smile.