A bright, white smile can boost confidence and leave a lasting impression, but some people worry about the possibility of tooth sensitivity after whitening treatments. While at-home whitening products can sometimes cause temporary discomfort, professional whitening performed by your dentist is carefully designed to minimize sensitivity—or prevent it altogether. With the right approach, you can enjoy a brilliant smile without unnecessary discomfort.

Bargain hunting is arguably one of America’s favorite pastimes. Whether it’s hitting the pre-holiday sales, the post-season clearance rack, or heading to your favorite hidden-gem thrift store, we’ve all got our hacks for saving a little cash at checkout. But when it comes to keeping costs down, there’s one area where you truly get what you pay for. Professional whitening may be more expensive up front than DIY kits available at most discount stores, but here’s why when it comes to your smile cheaper doesn’t mean better.