Having a nice, white smile is a great confidence booster, but if we’re being honest, it doesn’t (always) come cheap. Having your teeth whitened at the dentist’s office might be costly, especially if you’re working with a tight budget.

But not everything’s lost. Thanks to the many affordable at-home teeth-whitening options, you still have a shot at achieving your dream smile. However promising this sounds, there’s room for precaution, because you don’t want to waste money on things that don’t work (and there are such).

Stay with us as we discuss some teeth-whitening options on a budget and break down tips on saving a few bucks and still getting solid results.

Importance of Having White Teeth

Today, a stunning white smile is the personification of an attractive person, and that’s just the way things are. From boosting self-esteem to improving the whole outlook on life, having a set of dazzling white choppers is paramount in this day of age.

• Great first impressions: People flashing a bright, white smile leave a great first impression. And today, those first impressions are everything, whether you’re at work, around your friends, or a potential significant other.
• Boosted confidence: When your teeth are all nicely aligned and white, you become more confident and smile more. That surge of confidence empowers you to handle otherwise struggling situations with more enthusiasm and a sense of self-worth.
• Better mood: Smiling tricks your brain into happiness. And with white teeth, you’re triggered to smile more, which is an instant wave of feel-good hormones like endorphins and serotonin rushing through your body and mind. 

Cost Considerations for Teeth Whitening

When people think of professional teeth whitening, most of them are instantly put off by the cost, and we can totally relate. Most cosmetic dentistry services are considered an investment, and a significant one.

When it comes to teeth whitening, the most expensive and effective option is a laser whitening treatment, which typically costs around US$1,000. In-office whitening is another option and costs around US$600. Although this price tag is significantly higher than home kits or other whitening products ranging from US$5 to US$50, the in-office treatment will produce noticeably brighter results. This is because dentists can use a stronger concentration of hydrogen peroxide.

For those looking for a cost-effective option that doesn’t sacrifice quality, a popular choice is to have a customized tray made to meet their specific dental needs. This option costs between US$250 to US$500, with an additional US$30 for annual maintenance. Once the tray is formed, the dentist will provide instructions on using it at home for optimal results. In addition, whitening kits get the job done just as well.

Tips for Saving Money on Teeth Whitening

From turning to nature’s remedies to using coupons and at-home teeth-whitening kits, luckily, there are ways to save money and get quality results while whitening your teeth.

Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Paste

The good old baking soda has found its purpose in teeth whitening, delivering great results. Combined with hydrogen peroxide, you get a powerful teeth-whitening combo you’ll love. All you need to do is mix two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide with one tablespoon of baking soda into a bowl. Mix it well until you get a paste-like consistency.

Brush your teeth with the paste, leave it on for a minute, and then rinse. 

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient Indian tradition used to maintain oral hygiene and kill bacteria in the mouth. Even though there is no solid scientific proof the method works for whitening teeth, more and more people are inclined to try the trick.

You need to have one tablespoon of oil in your mouth, preferably coconut oil, and use it as you would a mouthwash. Rustle the oil in your mouth for about 15 to 20 minutes. Be careful when spitting it out, as coconut oil solidifies quickly and could clog your drains.

Look for Coupons

A number of dental practices offer different perks to their client in terms of making teeth whitening more affordable for more people. You can look online for discount coupons (Groupon is a popular choice), promo codes, and special deals for teeth whitening. You can snatch some solid discounts, sometimes as high as 40 percent off the regular cost of teeth whitening.

Whitening Strips 

Another popular teeth whitening option that gathers a lot of attention is teeth whitening strips.  Today, more and more people choose to skip the dentist’s office and whiten their teeth using whitening strips that actually work.

These teeth-whitening products are easy to use and deliver results almost instantaneously. 

Natural Remedies for Maintaining White Teeth

If you’d rather be eco-friendly and save a few bucks (more like almost a hundred bucks!), turning to nature is the way to go. Strawberries, for instance, are more than a delicious snack, but a great teeth-whitening agent, as well.

Combined with baking soda or a few drops of lemon juice, it makes a paste you can use as toothpaste and whiten your teeth naturally.

Consider Dental Insurance

Investing in dental insurance could be the best option if you’re dedicated to maintaining your oral health. A lot of insurance companies do not cover dental cosmetic procedures as part of the standard insurance plan, but you can purchase dental insurance separately and get some of your money back.

To Sum Up: Saving Money on Teeth Whitening

The cost of whitening your teeth does not necessarily have to be a dealbreaker just because it’s more than you can afford to spend. Thanks to the advancement of technology, more and more dental cosmetic procedures are available to patients from the comfort of their own homes.

When it comes to whitening your teeth, the procedure’s availability has never been more within reach. From reliable teeth-whitening strips, gels, pens, trays, and toothpaste, to oil pulling, DIY teeth-whitening pastes, and couponing, there are many ways you can restore the whiteness in your teeth without breaking the bank.

For more on the latest in lifestyle, click here.