Among all the cosmetic dentistry treatments, teeth whitening is the most popular. It offers a quick, non-invasive and affordable way to enhance your smile. Based on your budget, time frame, and temperament, a host of teeth whitening options are available to satisfy your need. All teeth whitening methods offer you moderate to substantial improvement (brightness and whiteness) based on the state of your teeth. 

This article gives you a quick look at the cost and complications of teeth whitening. Keep reading to know more.

Teeth whitening options
There are primarily three types of teeth whitening options are available. All three options use peroxide for whitening in various concentrations and application times.

1. In-office whitening
It’s one of the best teeth whitening options available. This type of teeth whitening method offers a significant color change in a short period which is a big advantage. A relatively high-concentration peroxide gel is carefully applied to your teeth during in-office whitening by the dentist or trained technician. In this process, your gums are protected with a paint-on rubber dam. This whitening process usually costs around $650.

2. Professionally dispensed take-home kits
These are some of the most affordable  teeth whitening  options available, which also help you considerably. Most of the take-home kits come with an easy-to-use lower-concentration peroxide gel. The professionally dispensed take-home kits can cost between $100 and $400 based on the quality and efficacy.

3. Over-the-counter products
This is the best, most convenient, and cheapest option for teeth whitening. These products or kits contain a bleaching gel with a concentration lower than the professionally dispensed take-home whiteners. The over-the-counter teeth whitening kits usually cost between $20 and $100 based on their quality and effectiveness.

Risks and complications of teeth whitening
In most real-world conditions, teeth whitening is considered a safe procedure. However, some people can have a few minor complications, as listed below.

1. Sensitivity
Bleaching of your teeth sometimes can increase your teeth’ sensitivity to temperature, pressure, and touch. However, this is mostly temporary. If you have opted for in-office whitening, you will likely have sensitivity issues for some days due to the use of high-concentrated bleach. In certain cases, you may also experience spontaneous shooting pains down the middle of your front teeth. You are at greater risk if you suffer from gum recession or have significant cracks or leakages in your teeth.

2. Gum irritation
The use of peroxide-based teeth whiteners can lead to some degree of gum irritation. Such gum irritations usually last up to several days and reduce gradually.

3. Technicolor teeth
The  teeth whitening  solutions usually do not affect various teeth restorations such as bonding, dental crowns, or veneers. They maintain their color, but the surrounding teeth are whitened. This condition is known as technicolor teeth.

The teeth whitening solutions are temporary. If you want to maintain your whitened smile, you will need to keep repeating the procedures every few months.