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Have you noticed your teeth yellowing? Then you must be wondering how much is teeth whitening and does insurance cover it.
The teeth whitening cost varies greatly depending on the method used, and the severity of the discoloration. But it also depends on if you're going to the professional or if you're doing it at home.
What can Influence the Teeth Whitening Cost?
Here are the main factors that can affect how much you’ll pay:
Location: The cost of living in your area can impact dental procedure prices. Urban areas or regions with higher living expenses generally charge more for dental services than rural areas.
Type of Whitening Procedure: In-office treatments like Zoom or Boost whitening, laser whitening, and deep bleaching tend to be more expensive due to specialized equipment and stronger whitening agents. Home whitening kits prescribed by a dentist may be less expensive, while OTC products are usually the cheapest.
Provider Experience and Skills: The dentist’s expertise and specialization in cosmetic dentistry can influence the price. Dentists with advanced training or certifications in cosmetic treatments may charge a premium.
Initial Condition of Teeth: The severity of tooth discoloration, especially if intrinsic stains are involved, may require multiple whitening sessions or stronger agents, increasing the cost.
Pre-Whitening Procedures: Some individuals need additional dental work before whitening, such as cleanings or cavity fillings, which adds to the overall expense.
Professional Teeth Whitening Options
Professional teeth whitening produces faster and more noticeable results than over-the-counter alternatives, and it can be done in-office or at home using a kit provided by the dentist.
The most popular professional teeth whitening options include:
In-Office Whitening
This method uses high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide for quick, dramatic results, often completed in about an hour. Options include laser whitening, power bleaching, and Zoom whitening. Costs can range from $500 to $1,500 per session depending on the provider and specific method used.
Take-Home Prescription Whitening Kits
These kits include custom-fitted trays and dentist-prescribed whitening gels, allowing you to whiten your teeth at home under dental supervision. While effective, these kits usually take longer to achieve results than in-office treatments. Costs range from $300 to $500.
Dental Veneers
For cases where discoloration cannot be treated with whitening agents, veneers can cover intrinsic stains. Veneers are a more permanent solution, but they are costly, often ranging from $1,200 to $2,500 per tooth.
Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products
OTC products are popular for their convenience and affordability, though they are generally less effective than professional options.
Some of the popular OTC teeth whitening products are:
Whitening Strips: These strips, coated with hydrogen peroxide gel, are among the most popular OTC products. They can lighten teeth by a few shades with consistent use over two weeks and typically cost between $20 and $50.
Whitening Toothpaste and Rinses: Whitening toothpastes use mild abrasives and low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, making them affordable but less effective for deep stains. Whitening rinses freshen breath while also offering slight whitening effects over time. These products usually cost around $5 to $15.
Whitening Pens: These pens are small, portable, and easy to use. They contain a whitening gel with low concentrations of carbamide peroxide and can be applied directly to teeth. While convenient, whitening pens typically provide subtle results. They cost between $10 and $25.
LED Whitening Kits: Home whitening kits with LED lights are newer to the OTC market. These kits use LED light to enhance the effects of the whitening gel, though results can vary. They typically cost between $40 and $200.
Alternative Teeth Whitening Methods
Natural or alternative methods for teeth whitening are gaining popularity among those seeking gentle and affordable solutions. While these methods might provide subtle results over time, their effectiveness varies.
The alternative whitening methods include:
Baking Soda: Known for its mild abrasiveness, baking soda can remove surface stains and help polish teeth. However, it should be used sparingly as overuse may erode enamel.
Oil Pulling: This traditional practice involves swishing coconut oil in the mouth for around 15–20 minutes daily. While it’s believed to improve oral health, scientific evidence on its whitening effects is limited.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinses: A diluted hydrogen peroxide rinse can act as a mild bleaching agent, though it should be used cautiously to avoid irritation. Some commercial whitening products incorporate hydrogen peroxide as an active ingredient.
Activated Charcoal: Charcoal toothpaste has become popular for its potential whitening effects, as activated charcoal binds to surface stains. However, excessive use may wear down the enamel, so it’s recommended to use this method sparingly.
Side Effects of Teeth Whitening
While teeth whitening is generally safe, some treatments may cause side effects, especially when using high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide.
The side effects of teeth whitening are:
Tooth Sensitivity: Sensitivity is a common side effect of teeth whitening, especially with in-office treatments. Using desensitizing toothpaste or gels can help alleviate this.
Gum Irritation: Whitening agents can irritate the gums, particularly if they come into contact with soft tissues. Dentists usually protect the gums with a gel or barrier during professional whitening sessions.
Enamel Erosion: Frequent or aggressive whitening can wear down enamel over time, so it’s essential to follow recommended guidelines for both professional and OTC products.
Maintenance of Whitening Results
The longevity of whitening results varies, depending on your lifestyle and the whitening method used. Here are tips for maintaining a bright smile after treatment:
Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing twice daily and flossing can prevent stain buildup and maintain overall oral health.
Limit Stain-Causing Foods and Drinks: Coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco are notorious for causing stains. Check our guide on what food you can eat after the teeth whitening here.
Regular Dental Cleanings: Regular cleanings help remove surface stains and maintain oral health, helping your whitening results last longer.
Use Whitening Toothpaste for Maintenance: Whitening toothpaste can help maintain results, but it’s recommended to avoid excessive use due to the abrasive ingredients.
How Much Is Teeth Whitening, and Does Insurance Cover It?
Professional in-office treatments usually cost between $500 and $1,500 per session, while dentist-prescribed at-home kits range from $300 to $500.
Over-the-counter products are the most affordable, typically costing between $20 and $100, depending on the type and brand. While these costs might feel like an investment, they can yield noticeable and lasting results.
Because teeth whitening procedure is considered a cosmetic procedure, it’s typically not covered by dental insurance plans. Most insurers focus on procedures related to health and wellness rather than aesthetics, and whitening falls into the cosmetic category.
However, some dental offices offer payment plans or financing options, such as CareCredit, to make the cost of whitening more manageable. These financing solutions allow you to spread out payments over time, making professional whitening treatments more accessible.
At Enamel Dentistry, you’ll be able to find Dental Payment Plans that include teeth whitening sessions, regular exams, and more!
