Are Daily Deals Helping Teeth Whitening Services Shine or Lose Their Luster?

Looking to get your teeth whitened and want it done cheaply? So does everyone else, and there is a burgeoning market for it that shows little signs of stopping.

Whitening your teeth for a brighter smile is now one of the most common services that dentists offer, and there are more and more clinics and dental offices offering the service than ever before, contributing to an explosion in the teeth whitening industry across the U.S.

Teeth whitening is getting less expensive as well, becoming far more accessible. While initially a service geared mostly toward celebrities, teeth whitening is now being marketed more and more to the average person as well.

Many of these price reductions are afforded through daily deal platforms such as Groupon or Living Social, which advertise steeply discounted coupons on a daily basis. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you get what you pay for.

While most discounts are offered by reputable services, there are some more desperate operations out there that might take advantage of a daily deal’s exposure and only offer low-quality or shoddy service in return.

It is true that most of the deals are legit, but be sure to assess each deal individually. One offer may be for professional bleaching trays, whereas another may be for in-office cleaning, and yet another may be for what amounts to a do-it-yourself kit.

Look at who’s offering it, as well. Are they dentists, cosmetologists, both, or neither? Is this an actual dentist’s office you are looking at, or that of a beautician? Many of these offers are not presented by professionals who have the optimal amount of training for teeth whitening services.

Usually, the best option is the professional attention of a well-trained cosmetic dentist who is sympathetic to your needs and can assess what is required. Whatever tools or procedures they use will be tailored specifically to the needs of the teeth in question.

Home treatment options exist, but usually are either uncomfortable, less effective, and can pose some risks if overused, such as stripping the protective enamel away, leading to permanent harm to the teeth. Exposing the nerves of a tooth is not exactly what is desired in a whitening procedure.

Ultimately, the buyer has to beware of the risks associated with certain products. Even if you don’t purchase services from your dentist specifically, it is best to consult with them in order to learn more about what is best for teeth whitening.

There are many who are looking to take advantage of the high amount of marketing for this service, and they don’t always have the best interests of your smile in mind. A discount today can be sorrow tomorrow.

The Change in Teeth Whitening Activity Across the United States (infographic)

About the Author:

Chris Magnone is the community manager at Dr. Azar-Mehr’s Dental Practice. Dr. Azar-Mehr is a Los Angeles dentist and prosthodontist with over 25 years of experience in general and cosmetic dentistry. Their Westwood office specializes in restoration and replacement of teeth, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and treatment of TMJ disorders. Dr. Azar-Mehr is also a Professor of Clinical Dentistry at the University of Southern California.