Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening is one of the most common dental procedures, next to regularly scheduled checkups and cleanings. Tooth whitening uses a potent but safe peroxide-based agent to gently break up stain deposits on the surfaces of your teeth. When food, beverages, and more cause your teeth to lose their original bright color, or leave noticeable stains on one or more teeth, tooth whitening can offer a quick, simple, and non-invasive solution for brightening your smile.

The most common types of teeth stains, known as extrinsic stains, form on the outer surfaces of your tooth enamel. Though tooth enamel is semi-translucent, extrinsic stains can make your teeth appear as though they’ve changed color and/or lost their youthful exuberance. Tooth whitening works by breaking up the staining deposits on the surfaces of your teeth, and then brightening the underlying layers. The procedure can be performed in the dentist’s office during a single visit, or from the comfort of your own home with a custom-designed, take-home whitening kit.

If your stains or discoloration occur underneath the semi-translucent enamel and originate from within the tooth’s main structure, then whitening may not provide an effective solution. Your dentist may suggest a different cosmetic or restorative treatment after a careful examination, depending on the exact nature and severity of your concerns.

What is the cost of a tooth whitening?

The average cost of tooth whitening ranges between $400 and $700 for both arches, depending on the dentist, and it is not covered by dental insurance. But with a general dentist in Doctors Network, the cost is only $100 per arch.