In the last few years, teeth whitening has become very popular, even more so as technology has improved.
Going to the dentist for a professional teeth-whitening job has been the norm for a long time.
However, in today’s world, many people have shown that teeth-whitening at home may also help you get some pretty exciting results.
Let’s start with what a dentist does and how much it might cost, then go from there.
How Much For Professional Teeth Whitening
The professional way to whiten your teeth is by going to a dentist, who will most likely use a hydrogen peroxide gel, and a laser.
This method typically involves applying this gel to the teeth, and activating it with a special light or laser. This process is also commonly referred to as laser teeth whitening.
The cost of this method can naturally vary, depending on the location of the dental office and the extent of the treatment needed.
On average, the cost of professional teeth whitening in Canada using hydrogen peroxide gel can range from $400 to $1,200 or more.
Let’s look at the cost of this method in other provinces.
Most of the time, hydrogen peroxide gel treatments cost between $300 and $800. This price depends on the province, the dental clinic, and the treatment’s complexity.
Here’s a rough idea of how much a dentist in each of Canada’s ten provinces might charge for professional laser teeth whitening.
- Alberta: $350-$650
- British Columbia: $300-$900
- Manitoba: $250-$650
- New Brunswick: $150-$600
- Newfoundland and Labrador: $300-$700
- Nova Scotia: $250-$650
- Ontario: $250-$700
- Prince Edward Island: $200-$600
- Quebec: $250-$650
- Saskatchewan: $250-$650
Cost of in-house methods of Teeth Whitening
As mentioned earlier, teeth whitening is not something only your dentist can provide. It’s something you can do yourself as well. At least to a certain extent, for sure.
Let’s look at some of your in-home options and how much they would cost you.
Toothpaste
The price of toothpaste that whitens teeth can vary depending on the brand, the ingredients, and where you buy it.
Teeth-whitening tubes of toothpaste are cheap and can be bought for as little as $5 to $10 per tube. On the other hand, some high-end brands may cost $20 or more per tube.
People who want to whiten their teeth but don’t want to go to the dentist or use home whitening kits often choose toothpaste that whitens teeth.
Most of these toothpaste have mild abrasives and chemicals like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide that can help remove stains on the surface of teeth and make them look whiter.
Teeth whitening toothpaste can help remove surface stains, but they are usually better than professional treatments and may not get rid of deeper stains or discolorations.
Because some of the ingredients in teeth-whitening toothpaste are abrasive, it’s essential to know that they can also make teeth sensitive or irritate the gums in some people. Before using teeth-whitening products, talking to a dentist is always a good idea, even if you only have toothpaste.
It’s important to know that while teeth-whitening toothpaste can be a cheap way to make your teeth look better, they are usually not as effective as professional treatments and may not make a big difference in how white your teeth are.
Using Trays
Teeth whitening trays are also somewhat popular and work like this:
1. First you put whitening gel on these trays.
2. Slide them between your teeth.
3. Then keep them in your mouth for a certain amount of time.
Some may have LED activation (To activate the gel), and some may be a bit old school and have no need for any light at all.
Teeth Whitening trays in Canada come at all kinds of prices. Depending on the type of tray, the brand of whitening solution included, where you got it from, etc.
Teeth whitening trays are commonly sold on Amazon and other stores online. These trays are usually one size fits all, so please check with the company or seller for details. Professional teeth whitening with custom-made trays from a dentist can generally cost between $300 and CAD 800. You can also buy whitening trays or complete teeth whitening tray kits over the counter for as little as $20 to $50.
Although there is a noticeable market for them, it’s essential to know that dental insurance may not cover the cost of teeth whitening. As it may fall under a “cosmetic treatment.” Again, please check with your insurance company first.
Also, some dental clinics may offer deals or discounts on teeth-whitening treatments, so it’s always a good idea to look around and compare prices.
Strips
As it sounds, these are like strips you place on your teeth. Think of them like teeth-whitening stickers. Peel the cover off, and stick them on your teeth for a specific time. They already have the whitening gel, which naturally attaches to your teeth.
A box of teeth whitening strips typically contains enough strips for a two-week treatment, ranging from $30 to $60 CAD. However, prices can vary between different retailers and brands.
There have also been stories of overuse or misuse of teeth whitening strips, which can damage tooth enamel and cause tooth sensitivity. So it’s essential to follow the instructions carefully and consult a dental professional if you experience any issues.
So at the end of the day, it all depends on your needs. Trying a teeth whitening kit might be better if this is your first time getting into professional teeth whitening from a dentist. This way, you can learn about the process first-hand and go from there.
Before starting any teeth-whitening treatment, as always, talk to a dentist to ensure that teeth-whitening trays are safe and effective for your needs.
Pens
Teeth whitening pens usually cost between $10, and $50 CAD. Like I said before, the price isn’t always a good indicator of how well a product works.
It’s important to know that Health Canada regulates hydrogen peroxide, which may be in some teeth-whitening pens sold in Canada.
In Canada, the most hydrogen peroxide that can be in over-the-counter products that whiten teeth is 6%.
Because of this, teeth-whitening pens with higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide may only be sold by dentists. To make sure the product is safe to use, it’s important to read the labels and follow the directions carefully.