The Complete Guide to Professional Teeth Whitening Costs
Teeth whitening can change your smile and life for the better by boosting aesthetic appeal and self-confidence! A bright smile can make a positive first impression in your professional and social life and make you feel and appear more vibrant and healthier. There are many methods for teeth whitening, including professional in-office teeth whitening, dentist prescribed at-home whitening kits, and over-the-counter products for teeth whitening.
How much does it cost to whiten teeth? Teeth whitening cost can vary depending on which method is used and other factors such as location, severity of tooth discoloration, and dentist's expertise and experience. In this article we will provide a detailed analysis of dental whitening cost and options.
Exploring the Various Teeth Whitening Options
How much does it cost to whiten teeth? Teeth whitening cost can depend on the type of teeth whitening option you choose. Take a look:
Professional In-Office Teeth Whitening
| Method | Cost | Peroxide Level | Duration | Maintenance | Sensitivity | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-Office Teeth Whitening | $300–$1,800 | 15%–43% | 1–3 years | Frequency of applications every 6 months to 1 year | +++ | Fastest and most effective |
Professional teeth whitening cost is generally the most expensive due to its quick, long-lasting, and more dramatic whitening effect than other types of whitening options. Professional teeth whitening is safe and performed under the supervision of a dentist using highly concentrated whitening agents. Common professional technologies used include Zoom and laser whitening.
First, your gums are protected from the whitening gel using a protective coating and your lips are retracted. Your teeth will be cleaned and polished to remove any bacterial dental plaque and debris, and the current shade of your teeth will be recorded. Your dentist will then apply the whitening gel to the front surfaces of your teeth. A special LED or laser light will be applied to the teeth to activate the bleaching ingredients and remove stains. Some professional whitening methods (i.e. Zoom) may require multiple sessions re-applying whitening agents to complete the procedure. Once complete, the bleaching agents are removed and rinsed. Your final tooth shade after treatment will be recorded.
Dentist-Prescribed At-Home Whitening Kits
| Method | Cost | Peroxide Level | Duration | Maintenance | Sensitivity | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At-Home Whitening Kits | $100 to $500 | 3%-20% | Up to 1 year | Frequency of applications every 6 months to 1 year | ++ | Moderately quick results and effectiveness |
Dentist-prescribed at-home whitening kits provide safe and reliable whitening results under the guidance of a dental professional. In most cases, your dentist will take molds of your teeth to create custom trays to place the whitening gel in. The kits are to be used at home following the instructions from your dental professional. These kits, however, contain lower concentrations of bleaching agents when compared to in-office teeth whitening, making the results not as fast, long-lasting, or as noticeable. As a result, teeth whitening dentist cost for prescribed whitening kits is typically less expensive than in-office teeth whitening.
Over-the-counter products for Teeth Whitening
| Method | Cost | Peroxide Level | Duration | Maintenance | Sensitivity | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Over-the-counter products | $5-$200 | 3%-10% | Few months | Requires greatest frequency of applications to maintain results | + | Slowest and least effective |
There are many over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products available from whitening mouthwashes to toothpastes, gels, strips, pens, and more! Dental whitening prices for OTC products are often the least expensive method for teeth whitening. However, OTC products commonly use lower concentrations of whitening agents than professional treatments and are not supervised by dental professionals, leading to less safety and efficacy. OTC products typically help remove some surface stains over longer periods of time, but likely won’t remove deeper intrinsic stains.
Factors That Influence Teeth Whitening Costs
How much does teeth whitening cost? The answer depends on various factors which can impact dental whitening cost, including geographic location, type of whitening procedure, dentist’s expertise and experience, and required pre-treatment procedures.
Geographic Location
| Region | Cost Range Per Session for In-Office Professional Whitening |
|---|---|
| West | $791–$982 |
| Northeast | $771–$965 |
| Midwest | $702–$811 |
| South | $718–$767 |
Teeth whitening price is influenced by the location of your dentist’s office. The cost can vary based on your region and whether you are in a major city or more rural area. Urban settings tend to have higher costs of living, which can impact dental expenses. Dental prices in rural areas tend to be less expensive.
Severity of Tooth Discoloration
Teeth whitening price can depend on the number of whitening sessions required. For teeth with severe discoloration, multiple sessions or advanced treatments may be needed which can increase whitening costs.
Type of Whitening Procedure
Professional teeth whitening cost, including laser and LED treatments, are generally the most expensive, followed by dentist-prescribed at-home whitening kits, and over-the-counter products being the least expensive.
Dentist's Expertise and Experience
Dental whitening cost may be higher with dentist’s who have advanced skills and experience. Dentists with expertise and additional training in cosmetic dentistry may charge more for dental services.
Required Pre-Treatment Procedures
Prior to teeth whitening, other dental procedures may need to be performed. For instance, a professional teeth cleaning should be done before teeth whitening, which can add to overall costs. Depending on your treatment plan given by your dental professional, recommended work such as dental fillings should also be complete prior to teeth whitening.
Insurance and Teeth Whitening Costs
How much does teeth whitening cost? Here’s what you need to know regarding teeth whitening costs with and without dental insurance:
Coverage Limitations
How much does teeth whitening cost with insurance? Most dental insurance plans do not cover teeth whitening or other cosmetic procedures. Many plans require proof of medical necessity for teeth whitening to approve coverage. However, it is important to contact your individual plan to determine your benefits as each insurance plan can differ.
Financing Options
For individuals without dental insurance, there may be payment plans and special discounts offered by dental offices. Third-party payment options, health savings account (HSA), or flexible spending account (FSA) may be other possible financing options.
Making the Right Choice for Your Smile
With many options available, you may be questioning which is the best whitening option for you. Here’s some tips:
Evaluating Cost vs. Effectiveness
Take into consideration teeth whitening dentist cost and effectiveness. If you have extensive teeth staining and are looking for a noticeable change in your smile, professional in-office teeth whitening is the most effective but will be the most expensive option. Over-the-counter products like whitening strips and toothpastes are the most convenient and cost-effective, however results will not be as drastic, fast, or safely monitored and regulated by your dental professional.
Consulting with Dental Professionals
Along with considering dental whitening cost, it is important to consider dental professional advice when choosing the right whitening treatment for you. Your dentist will assess your oral health and the cause of your staining, and recommend the best whitening treatment for your individual needs and smile goals. In some cases, individuals may not be good candidates for teeth whitening.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
In general, patients with good oral health who do not have existing pending dental treatment are good candidates for teeth whitening. No active tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health issues should be present. Teeth whitening is effective on teeth with mild yellow or brown stains. Teeth whitening may not effectively eliminate deeper intrinsic stains, such as those caused by tetracycline antibiotics. Also, teeth whitening will not change the color of existing dental restorations like fillings, crowns, or bridges.
How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last?
Sadly, teeth whitening results don’t last forever. Regardless of the type of teeth whitening method used, results are temporary and will require maintenance appointments to maintain results. Professional in-office teeth whitening results last on average between 1-3 years. Dentist-prescribed at-home whitening kits generally last up to 1 year. The results from over-the-counter products tend to last the shortest amount of time, lasting approximately up to a few months. To prolong longevity, be sure to maintain good oral hygiene, and avoid habits such as smoking and consuming foods and beverages with dyes (i.e. curry, coffee, tea, red wine).
Brighten Your Smile with Great Lakes’ Expert Care!
Concerned and questioning ‘how much does teeth whitening cost?’ Great Lakes Family Dental Group is here to answer all your questions regarding teeth whitening and any other dental needs. We offer convenient, affordable, and state-of-the-art teeth whitening options for you and your entire family. Call us today for a consultation and personalized treatment plan with our smile experts!
