Man using Colgate LED teeth whitening device at home

Teeth Whitening in the Philippines: Cost, Procedures, and What to Expect

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Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

A bright smile is often viewed as a sign of good oral health and beauty. As such, the demand for teeth whitening in the Philippines is high. It is a cosmetic dental procedure that brightens your smile. It can be done at home or in a dental clinic. If you are curious to know the teeth whitening cost Philippines, then this article is for you. Read on to learn about the causes of discoloration, various whitening options, their costs, and the factors affecting the price.

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

No matter how much you care for your teeth, they are likely to discolor over time. The discoloration can be on the enamel (the hard outer surface) or within the tooth. It may appear as yellow, brown, greyish, or black stains. The common causes include:

  • Overuse of colored foods like berries, sauces, and beverages like coffee, tea, or red wine. Their pigmented molecules stick to the teeth, causing discoloration. 

  • Smoking or tobacco use can cause a yellow or darker appearance of teeth over time due to nicotine stains. 

  • Aging causes the enamel to become thinner. This lets the yellowish dentin below the enamel show through.

  • Plaque accumulates and hardens into yellow tartar due to poor oral hygiene.

  • Dental cavities give a darker appearance to teeth.

  • A root canal-treated tooth (a tooth without pulp) may darken over time.

  • Some medicines taken in the early ages, dental injury, or trauma can discolor teeth from within.

Types of Teeth Whitening Treatments in Philippines

If you want a brighter smile, different types of teeth whitening procedures are available. From professional teeth whitening services to over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products, your choices abound. Whether you need quick results or a budget option, there is something for everyone.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

If you need fast and dramatic results, in-office teeth whitening from a dental professional is a great choice. The most common procedure is teeth bleaching, which lightens stains and reveals the natural tooth shade. A whitening gel with a safe, high-concentration bleaching agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, is applied to the teeth. A laser or LED light may be used to speed up the whitening action.

Professional teeth bleaching gives you whiter teeth, typically in just one visit. It works safely for surface stains and deeper stains within the enamel. However, it does not work on dental restorations like fillings. In such cases, cosmetic dentistry offers advanced treatments such as:

  • Veneers: Thin porcelain shells placed on teeth to change their color, shape, and strength.

  • Dental Bonding: A tooth-colored resin applied and shaped to improve the appearance of a tooth.

At-Home Teeth Whitening

It is an ideal choice if you are seeking a professional whitening at home on a lower budget. A dental professional can provide you with an at-home whitening kit. It includes a professional-strength whitening gel and a customized tray that snugly fits your teeth. You will be instructed to place the gel in the tray and wear it for a certain amount of time each day for one or two weeks.

At-home teeth whitening kits help brighten your smile conveniently from home and are effective when used as directed. Results are gradual and may vary based on the severity of the stains. Compared to teeth whitening cost Philippines for in-office options, they are less expensive. 

Over-The-Counter Teeth Whitening

Several over-the-counter whitening products are available in the Philippines to help you achieve a radiant smile. They are available in drugstores and online, easy to use, and budget-friendly. They help remove surface stains, though they may not be effective on deep stains from within the tooth. Results may vary among individuals. Common teeth whitening products include:

  • Whitening Toothpaste: Easy to include in your daily oral care routine. It has mild abrasives that scrub away surface stains and a whitening agent to lighten stains. Advanced formulas, like Colgate Optic White O2, use active oxygen to lighten deeper stains, giving you visibly white teeth when used daily as directed. Besides, color-correction toothpastes give an instant shine to your smile. They use purple brighteners to neutralise yellow tones for temporary efficacy.

  • Whitening Strips: An ideal choice to whiten teeth quickly and easily. Whitening strips are usually coated with a whitening gel (usually hydrogen peroxide). You may stick them to your teeth and leave them on for about 30 minutes a day, for 1 to 2 weeks. They slowly release the bleaching agent over the tooth surface to lighten the stains.

  • Whitening Pens: They contain a whitening gel or serum. You may paint the gel onto each tooth and leave it to work for a certain amount of time. An example is the Colgate Teeth Whitening Pen with active oxygen technology that lightens deeper stains. Applying and leaving it overnight lets you have a brighter smile the next morning.

  • Whitening Trays: OTC trays include a whitening solution or gel. You may place the gel into the tray and wear it on your teeth for some time. The results appear gradually over a few days. Though affordable, these trays use lower-strength whitening gels and may offer a poorer fit than customized ones from a dental clinic. Yet, using the tray as directed will be worth it.

  • LED Teeth Whitening Kit: Includes a whitening pen and a blue or indigo LED device. You may apply the serum in the pen to your teeth and wear the LED mouthpiece for a certain duration. The light activates the whitening gel to speed up the process. For instance, the Colgate LED Teeth Whitening Kit includes patented indigo light used by dental professionals. Most kits are designed to be used daily for about 10–30 minutes over 1 to 2 weeks.

Teeth Whitening Cost in the Philippines

If you are wondering how much is teeth whitening in the Philippines, the cost depends on the type of treatment you choose. Below is a breakdown of how much Php (₱) you can expect to pay for each option.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening cost Philippines range from ₱9,000 to ₱20,000*. It is higher as dental clinics usually cover a full treatment. They involve expert professional service and the use of high-strength whitening gels, LED, or laser light. Despite the higher charges, many people prefer this method as it provides quicker, better, and lasting results.

In office teeth whitening cost may also depend on the dental clinic, its location, the professional expertise, and the type of whitening system used. Advanced treatments can be costlier than regular teeth bleaching. A single session laser teeth whitening cost is usually around ₱22,000*. Veneers may cost around ₱20,000* per tooth, while dental bonding typically costs at least ₱1,000* per tooth.

At-Home Teeth Whitening

They bring the advantage of professional-grade whitening to the comfort of your home. They are an affordable option for those who want dentist-supervised results at a lower cost. Teeth whitening cost Philippines using most at-home kits is less than ₱9,000*. Some dental professionals include tartar removal for better efficacy. Tartar removal price Philippines can vary between ₱1,000 to ₱3,000*, depending on the clinic and the intensity of the buildup.

Over-The-Counter Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening price Philippines with OTC options is less than in-office or at-home methods, making them more affordable. They usually cost less than seven thousand Philippine pesos. However, the price can vary with the type of product, the results it delivers, whitening method, ingredients used, and more. Here is a breakdown for each type of product:

  • Whitening Toothpaste: Teeth whitening toothpaste usually costs between ₱20 and ₱400*.

  • Whitening Strips and pens: The cost of teeth whitening using strips is usually between a few hundred to a few thousand pesos. It may vary based on the brand, number of strips, and more.

  • Whitening Trays: OTC (over-the-counter) whitening trays are cheaper than customised at-home trays. Their price typically ranges from ₱199 to ₱3,800*.

  • LED Teeth Whitening Kit: It is cheaper than in-office laser teeth whitening and offers greater efficacy and faster results. The cost ranges from ₱199 to ₱9,000*, with most kits priced below ₱7,000*.

Teeth whitening cost Philippines with OTC products may depend on brand, promotions, discounts, and online or offline purchase. Compare prices from multiple sources as you shop.

Key Factors Affecting the Price of Teeth Whitening Procedures

Various factors can affect how much it costs for teeth whitening in the Philippines. Knowing them helps you choose what best aligns with your goals and budget.

  • Type of Treatment: When considering how much is teeth whitening in Philippines, the type of treatment matters. In-office tooth whitening procedures are typically the most expensive, while over-the-counter products are cheaper. At-home kits fall somewhere in between.

  • Clinic Location: Dental clinics located in big cities like Manila may charge more than those in smaller towns. They feature advanced facilities and higher operating costs.

  • Dental Professionals: Different professionals may charge differently. A skilled and experienced professional may charge more, yet you are likely to get better and safer results.

  • Whitening System: The use of advanced whitening systems may increase the cost of teeth whitening.

  • Number of Sessions: Stubborn stains or severe discoloration may require more than one sitting. Multiple sessions until you get the desired whitening can increase the overall cost.

When to See a Dental Professional

Visiting a dental professional is essential before you opt for a whitening treatment. They can examine your tooth stains and suggest the best teeth whitening method for your oral condition. Besides, here are some more reasons you should have a dental visit in advance:

  • Removing hardened plaque deposits responsible for yellow discoloration. Regular dental checkups every six months are crucial for good oral health.

  • Checking and treating cavities before whitening treatments is important. It helps avoid pain and prevents cavities from worsening.

  • If you have gum problems, whitening procedures may cause gum irritation. Hence, checking for signs of gum disease is vital before whitening.

  • Using DIY remedies or products can lead to side effects like tooth sensitivity. Hence, seeking expert medical guidance is vital to know what is right for you.

  • If whitening does not work, a dental professional can offer alternatives like veneers or bonding.

A brighter smile is within your reach. From affordable OTC products like whitening toothpaste to in-office bleaching, options to whiten teeth are plenty. You may choose based on your budget and oral care needs. Teeth whitening cost Philippines depends on factors like the treatment type, clinic location, and professional expertise. Expect to pay anywhere from ₱199 to over ₱20,000* based on the option you choose. Make a dental visit to know what is best to brighten your smile. Remember to brush twice and floss once daily to keep your smile healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is teeth whitening safe?
    Yes, teeth whitening is safe when done correctly. Dentist-supervised in-office or at-home treatments use safe, high-concentration whitening gels. OTC products contain low-concentration whitening agents that work safely when used as directed. It is best to seek expert guidance before choosing any method to whiten teeth.

  2. Why is teeth whitening so expensive?
    Teeth whitening can be costly, especially when performed at a dental clinic. Factors like materials, technology, LED or laser light, and professional expertise can affect the cost. Clinic locations and long-lasting results also influence the cost. Meanwhile, affordable OTC products like whitening toothpaste can help achieve a brighter smile with consistent use as directed.

  3. How much does it cost to fully whiten your teeth?
    Teeth whitening procedure cost Philippines depends on the treatment you choose and the intensity of the stains. In-office treatments may cost between ₱8,000 to around ₱20,000*. Dentist-supervised at-home kits can cost between ₱3,000 to less than ₱9,000*. Teeth whitening cost using OTC products falls between ₱20 to less than ₱7000*.

  4. Is dentist teeth whitening worth it?
    Yes, dentist-supervised whitening is effective, fast, safe, and offers dramatic results. It is particularly helpful for deep stains that do not respond to OTC products. Personalized care and low risk of side effects make professional whitening worth it.

 

* Charges may vary among dental professionals, clinics, locations and products.

Best home remedies for teeth whitening

Here is a list of effective treatments you can try to achieve spotlessly clean teeth at home.