Costs and Risks of Teeth Whitening

Many individuals experience a desire to undergo a teeth whitening treatment at some point in their lives. It is such a standard treatment because over time, the teeth tend to become stained, whether it be from heavily dyed beverages, a lack of oral hygiene, or bad habits such as smoking.

Regardless of the cause of staining, the teeth can benefit from undergoing teeth whitening. However, with all dental treatments comes associated risks that are not always discussed as much as one might desire. With teeth whitening, there are a few risks that are important to be aware of. Additionally, having a general understanding of the costs can be helpful to those considering the treatment.

What to know about teeth whitening risks and costs

Outlined below are the most common risks associated with teeth whitening. Included in this information is also a general idea of what the costs are for getting this done. Continue reading to find out more!

The risks

When it comes to teeth whitening treatment, there are a couple of risks that may apply. Of course, they may not apply to everyone, but it is still crucial to be aware of them.

• Sensitivity: One of the main risks that comes with this treatment is that the teeth can become overly sensitive after teeth whitening solutions are applied. The enamel can be sensitive to various things, including the solution that is used for teeth whitening. After the treatment is done, extreme temperatures in beverages or foods may cause sensitivity. With this risk, another round of teeth whitening may not be an applicable option.
• Irritation: In some cases, during and/or after a teeth whitening treatment, the patient may experience irritation to the gums. If the solution accidentally touches the gum tissue, there may be some slight discomfort. This is an important risk to know about, especially for those with sensitive gums.
• Satisfaction: Another risk to keep in mind with teeth whitening is that the results do vary based on each individual. Some people with severely stained teeth will not experience immediate results. While this may not seem like an actual risk, it can be for some who are expecting to see immediate changes to their teeth.

The costs

Teeth whitening is definitely not the cheapest dental treatment to undergo; however, it is not the most expensive either. In most cases, insurance companies do not cover teeth whitening treatments because they are considered cosmetic. Because of this, the cost can be daunting to some. On average, a teeth whitening treatment is anywhere from two hundred to four hundred dollars.