When making decisions about health problems, specifically dental health, cost comes as a big factor. Cosmetic dental treatment like teeth whitening needs a lot of thought and has to be evaluated fully before deciding. The cost of teeth whitening varies widely with the methods to be used.

In-office teeth whitening is the most expensive method of treatment. It is done by a professional dentist in his clinic or office and uses the most effective method available in carefully controlled procedure. In this method the patient is assured of professional advice, care and treatment. It produces the best effect in the shortest time and the risks are more controlled. It should be noted that different dental health professionals charge different rates although they use the same method of treatment. The rate depends on the type of clinic they run, their expertise and experience and other amenities included in the treatment.

Professionally dispensed whitening kits are more expensive than the over the counter take home kits. Although both treatment procedures are done at home, professionally dispensed kits include custom-made bleaching trays that fits better than the fits all bleaching tray included in the over the counter kits. This lessens the risk of gum damage resulting from abrasion when using the ill-fitting bleaching trays. . It is dispensed with a lower concentration of bleaching agent than those used in in-office whitening treatments. It also comes with more professionally explained instructions for use, and the assurance of immediate professional help in case something goes wrong.  Professionally dispensed teeth whitening kits produces excellent results but takes longer time to produce results.

Over the counter teeth whitening kits are the least expensive method of treatment. The kit comes with a lower concentration of bleaching agent than the professionally dispensed whitening kit and a one size fits all bleaching tray. More often the bleaching tray does not fit well with the patient and causes damage to the oral mucosa, more particularly the gums. Sometimes, the kit comes without the tray and uses a paint-on applicator or an adhesive strip. Results may not be as good as the first two methods and takes longer than the professionally dispensed whitening kit.

Both take home kits are messy to use and takes some getting used to. Initial attempts may produce painful side effects like gum burns and “zingers” which may cause panic to the faint-hearted ones.

Both the in-office method and the professionally dispensed method use professional advice and pre-whitening treatments which are needed to assure that the cracks and restorations on the teeth will not be adversely affected by the whitening treatment. When choosing to use the least expensive over the counter method of teeth whitening it is best to consult a dental professional first to have the teeth examined and fixed and learn the risks involved.

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