Is Teeth Whitening Worth It?
Filed in archive Buying Stuff on December 14, 2006
I just got back from the dentist and while there picked up some replacement gel for my teeth whitening trays that I had made a few years ago. I think the trays had set me back about $300 and the replacement gel was $60 today. I can't decide if this is really a wise use of my money.
Right off the bat I know this is an extravagance. Tooth whitening does not qualify as food, clothing or shelter, so it's definitely not a basic need. In fact it's probably pretty high up Maslow's hierarchy of needs pyramid.
Nevertheless, I'm a vain person, and I don't like looking at my yellow teeth in the mirror. I'm not obsessive, but when I think I'm starting to look bad, I'm willing to do what it takes to improve the situation (which is why I've been chubby a few times but have never given in to downright fat).
And yet I feel a little guilty. It's the holiday season and all, I should be buying coats for kids or something, not spending $60 on my freaking teeth.
What's worse is that I'm a wine drinker and it won't be too long before the teeth start shading up again---and once you start whitening them, it becomes more and more painful to stop. It's like that old episode of Just Shoot Me where the guy says he can't go back to rice after having had couscous. Maybe it's not like that, but I miss that show.
I digress.
Have you spent the cash on your teeth? Do you regret it or no? I read recently that white teeth is a prerequisite on the dating scene these days. Is this true? Do you have to be sparkling white at all times, or do you just need to not be disgusting?
Talk to me before I ramble further.
Permalink: Is Teeth Whitening Worth It?
Tags: teeth finance think whitening money teeth+whitening whitening+worth personal+finance
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Response from:
M@
(12/15/06 2:07am)
Response from:
mapgirl
(12/21/06 6:26pm)
Well, since I just sank thousands into dental work this year and will do so again next year, yes, it's worth it to spend money on your dental health. Whitening? Well, that's another story. I know that I smile more when my teeth are at their cleanest. Will that leverage you into more networking opportunities? Friendliness at work that is rewarded with a raise? Who knows? That proclivity to 'attractiveness' is out there. No lie. I flash the pearly whites more often when I'm out and get a lot of responses, even when it's unintentional.
Response from:
FreshNClean
(01/15/07 3:42pm)
I work with people who work at Aquafresh and they have a new product hitting stores in February. It's a teeth whitening tray that will show results in as little as three days! So cool! You can look up more information on Aquafresh.com, Amazon.com or Drugstore.com. Just look up "aquafresh white trays" ... Just FYI for all those interested.
Response from:
Peggy Grater
(02/10/07 9:26am)
Yes teeth whitening is worth it! Worked in the dental field for 33 years. 3 out of 4 people want white teeth, but are unable to afford the service.(That's why I opened my business 4 years ago.) It's all about the custom fit tray (That is constructed from an impression of your teeth) and the professional gel used!! Love Opalescence gel!! Very simple! This si the service 90% of dentists are using. Stay away from gimmicks(Lights,boil and bite trays etc)
Your smile is your gift to everyone!! Why not have that clean and healthy look for your first job interview, your wedding, or just because your worth it!www.graterwhitersmiles.com I can help you!
Your smile is your gift to everyone!! Why not have that clean and healthy look for your first job interview, your wedding, or just because your worth it!www.graterwhitersmiles.com I can help you!
Response from:
andrew
(03/01/07 12:55am)
I definitaly think white teeth are worth it, i tried one of those use at home kits because they were a lot cheaper and apart from the mild pain it worked great. I also agree it helps with dating
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Where I work I get to meet new people frequently (a hundred or so each day, many are repeats—but I rarely remember them) and though it makes me sound shallow I find that I am more likely to offer extra assistance to people who are more physically attractive, even other men. No, I'm not gay. White teeth are a part of being physically attractive.
I'm sure that whatever causes this proclivity to help attractive people goes deeper than just cashier-customer interaction.