A bright, white smile is key to confidence and high self-esteem. Whether it’s to cover up years of discoloration or just to make your smile a bit whiter, teeth whitening can be a great option if you’re unhappy with your smile. Teeth bleaching treatments can dramatically affect a person’s appearance, giving you back your confidence in the process.
If you’re considering teeth whitening, you may wonder, “how much is tooth whitening?” as this can be a bit of a mystery. Many factors contribute to teeth whitening cost, including the type of whitening treatment, your location, and any additional services you may need.
Read on to learn more about different types of teeth whitening procedures and what kind of price tag comes along with them so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not teeth whitening is right for you.
The Cost of Teeth Whitening Varies Based on Your Procedure
There are two primary treatments to whiten teeth: a professional teeth whitening treatment and an over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening treatment.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Treatment Options
One popular option for people looking to brighten their smile without the professional teeth whitening cost is over-the-counter (OTC) treatments. These products are available at most drug stores and are typically much less expensive than the average professional teeth whitening cost. So how much does teeth whitening cost with OTC options? They can range from $15-$50 for a single-use kit.
OTC options include whitening toothpastes, whitening strips, whitening gel or bleaching gel, and whitening gel (or another bleaching agent) with trays, which use a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide as an active ingredient. At-home teeth whitening OTC kits often contain preloaded trays that fit over your teeth and bleaching gels that help remove surface stains over time. Results from at-home teeth whitening kits typically last around four months before needing another treatment. However, they may not be as effective as a professional in-office treatment because they rely on lower concentrations of bleaching agents and no light sources like laser or LED lights used by dentists during these procedures.
These whitening treatment products generally take several weeks to get noticeable results but can be done at home without visiting a dentist for in-office teeth whitening and are relatively simple to apply yourself. However, there is no guarantee that these products will work. In addition, they can often impact sensitive teeth if not used correctly. Therefore, they may not be a recommended option to remove tooth discoloration if you are prone to tooth sensitivity.
Professional Teeth Whitening Take-Home Kits
Take-home Whitening kits are another popular option for people looking for effective teeth whitening options at home without spending too much money. Professional teeth whitening costs for at-home treatments are generally much less expensive than professional in-office treatments using laser whitening on discolored teeth because they don’t require special equipment or extensive time with a dental professional.
These kits come with custom whitening trays made by a dentist. Your custom trays will fit snugly around each tooth so that the solution stays where it belongs—on your teeth during the entire process! Take-home kits are often combined with an in-office treatment but can also work well as standalone procedures for white teeth when used correctly and consistently over time to battle teeth staining. The average cost for professional whitening treatment take-home kits ranges from $100 to $500 depending on what product is used and how many sessions it requires for ideal results.
In-Office Bleaching Treatments
If you want a brighter smile in a short time, in-office professional whitening treatments on discolored teeth may be right for you. An in-office whitening treatment uses higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide to remove stains from your teeth quickly. Your dentist may even use a laser teeth whitening procedure for in-office visits. Professional teeth whitening treatments typically provide more dramatic results on stained teeth than OTC products; however, they can also be significantly more expensive.
During an in-office bleaching procedure, the professional teeth whitening process usually involves deep cleaning of the teeth and removal of surface stains, followed by a dental professional applying the whitening solution directly to your teeth from the gums where your teeth naturally start and to the top and then activating it with a special light or laser that helps speed up the teeth whitening process, giving you a lighter tooth color than home teeth whitening. In-office treatments provide more dramatic results on tooth discoloration with professional oversight but come at a higher cost than over-the-counter products like toothpastes, bleaching gel, and whitening trays. In-office teeth whitening typically involves up to three visits to your dentist. Removing tooth staining during an in-office whitening can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 or more depending on the treatment plan, the patient’s tooth stains and desired results, and the dentist’s location, experience, and other factors. Depending on the severity of discoloration and staining, you may also need additional treatments. You should expect your in-office whitening procedure results to last anywhere from one year to three years before needing another treatment.
The exact teeth whitening cost will depend on the type of procedure you choose, the amount of staining on your tooth surfaces, and the dentist you go to have your professional teeth whitening procedure taken care of. Professional in-office treatments are generally more expensive than at-home treatments, though professional treatments offer faster results and are typically more reliable.
Alternative Options for a Perfect Smile
If your smile needs a more drastic makeover than simply having your teeth whitened, there are a few alternative options to consider. For example, porcelain veneers and crowns can cover or replace stained, chipped, crooked, or cracked teeth if tooth color isn’t your only complaint and you are interested in a complete cosmetic treatment. These treatments to give you a whiter smile are more expensive than professional teeth whitening at your dentist’s office but offer a longer-lasting solution and can get more dramatic results than any professional teeth whitening procedure.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are one in-office option that can cover up or replace stained, chipped, crooked, or cracked teeth better than whitening products. These treatments are more expensive than teeth whitening but offer a longer-lasting solution and much more dramatic results than a bleaching agent. Dental veneers are porcelain shells that bond to the front of your teeth. This cosmetic dentistry procedure can last upwards of 10 years. However, treatments involve more complicated procedures with higher costs that may not be able to be handled in your local dentist’s office.
If you’re asking yourself how much teeth whitening with veneers costs, the answer is: they can cost upwards of $1000 per tooth due to the labor-intensive process required to make them look natural. However, once they’re finished, forget about needing to whiten your teeth every year with whitening agents to remove intrinsic stains; you’ll have white teeth for years to come!
Crowns
Crowns are another popular option for those seeking a permanent solution to their dental problems. Crowns encapsulate the entire visible part of your tooth and are often matched in color to surrounding teeth giving them a more natural appearance. However, long-lasting crowns can cost up to $2,000 per tooth, depending on the material and labor required.
Ultimately, the choice will come down to your budget and desired results. Teeth whitening products offer an accessible option requiring minimal time and effort, but the results are mild compared to veneers.
Factors That Affect Price
Teeth whitening cost also varies based on other factors such as location and time needed for the procedure. However, this differs significantly from dentist to dentist, so be sure to shop around for the best price available in your area!
Location Matters
Your geographic location will also have an impact on your teeth whitening cost. This is because prices vary significantly from state to state, region to region, and even city to city. For example, professional tooth whitening procedures may run upwards of $1,000 in some parts of the country and only $500 in others. At the same time, over-the-counter products remain relatively inexpensive regardless of where you live.
Typically, more prominent cities will have higher costs for dental services than small towns, so if your budget is tight, consider a trip to a more affordable area when whitening your teeth.
Additionally, you can always compare prices from different dentists in the same area to ensure you get the best deal possible. It’s best to shop around for pricing before making commitments to get the best value for your money.
Your Dental Insurance Plan
The cost of teeth whitening treatments can vary depending on not only the product and procedure chosen but also the type of insurance coverage available. Many insurance plans offer some coverage for teeth whitening services, typically ranging from 10-50% off the regular cost, depending on the plan. This discount can make a big difference in the overall cost of the treatment.
It’s also important to note that some plans may offer discounts on over-the-counter products or reimbursements for professional in-office treatments. Before deciding on a teeth whitening treatment, check with your insurance provider, as some plans may cover all or part of the cost depending on your policy details.
Payment Plans
Additionally, most dentists offer financing options so you can pay off the cost of your procedure in increments if necessary. This can make the cost of teeth whitening more manageable and ensure that you get the treatment you need without breaking the bank.
It’s important to note, however, that financing plans may incur additional fees or interest over time. Hence, it’s best to read through any agreement carefully before signing the dotted line. It’s also a good idea to confirm that your plan will cover the exact services you need and make sure you can easily afford the payments before committing.
Additional Services
It’s important to note that while teeth whitening services typically include basic hygiene treatments like cleaning and polishing, they may not cover additional services like gum disease treatment or dental implants if those are needed before beginning your teeth whitening procedure. If these extra services are required, they will likely add the fee to your final bill, so discussing all possible costs with your dentist before committing to any treatments is essential.
It is important to consider all these factors when deciding what treatment best suits your financial needs and desired results. No matter where you live or what options you choose, understanding the varying costs of teeth whitening is a great way to ensure you get the best service for your budget. By getting informed about pricing in advance, you can make an informed decision that will leave you with a brighter and healthier smile. And no matter what procedure or product you choose, your newly whitened teeth will be worth every penny!
Is Teeth Whitening Cost Worthwhile
Teeth whitening is a great way to improve self-confidence and boost your overall appearance. Still, knowing all associated costs is vital before committing to any treatments. Unfortunately, when considering teeth whitening treatments, there is no one size fits all answer regarding price tags. However, no matter what budget you’re working with or what kind of results you’re hoping to achieve, there is likely an option out there that will work well for you regarding teeth whitening procedures!
The type of treatment you decide to go through, where you live, and any additional services required can influence how much money you will ultimately spend on this cosmetic procedure. Take some time researching different options available in your area so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not teeth whitening is right for you financially and aesthetically.
With careful budgeting and planning, you can achieve brighter smiles without breaking the bank! Good luck!
If you’re ready to schedule a teeth whitening procedure, contact us today! At Patient Empowered Dentistry, we’re here to help you find the best whitening options for your needs and budget. We look forward to helping you achieve a brighter, healthier smile!
