Is dazzling white teeth on your wish list? According to the American Dental Association, teeth whitening is one of the most sought-after cosmetic dental procedures. This blog will cover all you need to know about the various teeth whitening options and their costs, from DIY home kits to professional in-office treatments.
Ready for a hello-worthy smile? Read on!
Teeth Whitening Options and Their Costs
Teeth whitening options include at-home treatments such as whitening strips and toothpaste, as well as professional treatments like deep bleaching and laser teeth whitening.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
At-home teeth whitening is a good choice for some people. These kits are usually not as pricey, costing between $200 and $300 each. You can use them to help with small stains on your teeth.
But remember, it may take a few weeks to see changes in your smile. Make sure you follow the guide that comes with the kit for the best results. Keep in mind, they don't help with deep stains or darkened teeth from age or food habits like smoking, coffee and tea drinking.
Whitening Strips and Toothpaste
Whitening strips and toothpaste are helpful for light teeth stains. You can buy them at many stores. The strips stick to your teeth. They have a bleaching agent that makes the teeth whiter.
Whitening toothpaste is different from normal toothpaste. It has more stuff to fight stains on your teeth. These items cost anywhere from $4 to $100.
At-Home Whitening Kits
At-home whitening kits are a popular choice for teeth whitening. These kits use a light or laser with a special gel to make your teeth look white and bright. You buy the kit from a dentist for about $200-$300, but they can also cost up to $500.
If you get a prescription kit that uses custom trays, it might cost around $400. Using these kits at home takes weeks before you see changes in your teeth's color.
Professional Teeth Whitening
You go to the dentist's office for professional teeth whitening. The most common type is in-office treatment. It gives bright and lasting results. The dentist uses light or laser tools.
This helps a special gel work better to whiten your teeth. You will see more change than with home kits or strips. Usually, this costs around $500 per visit.
Deep Bleaching
Deep bleaching is an advanced teeth whitening technique that involves applying a hydrogen peroxide whitening agent for about 30 minutes. This process can cost upwards of $300 and requires multiple applications using custom-fitted trays.
If you're looking for quick and effective results, laser teeth whitening may be a better option, although it does come at a higher cost of around $500. Insurance plans usually do not cover deep bleaching or any other teeth whitening procedures because they are considered elective cosmetic treatments.
Laser Teeth Whitening
Laser teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure that can help brighten your smile. It is quick and effective, making it a preferred choice for many people. During the laser teeth whitening process, a peroxide-based gel is applied to your teeth, and then a bright light or laser is used to activate the gel and enhance its effects.
This treatment typically costs around $500 and should be done by a dental professional.
Are Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments Worth the Extra Cost?
Professional teeth whitening treatments are worth the extra cost because they are more effective than at-home options. While at-home teeth whitening kits prescribed by a dentist typically cost $200-$300, they may take several weeks to show results.
On the other hand, in-office teeth whitening treatments are more intensive and require professional application. These treatments last longer and require less maintenance compared to at-home solutions.
Although insurance plans usually do not cover teeth whitening as it is considered an elective cosmetic procedure, the long-lasting and significant results of professional treatments make them worth the extra investment for a brighter and more confident smile.
The Impact of Insurance on Teeth Whitening Cost
Insurance plans typically do not cover teeth whitening because it is considered an elective cosmetic procedure. This means that most of the time, patients will need to pay for teeth whitening out of their own pocket.
However, some dental practices may offer financing options or payment plans to help make teeth whitening more affordable for patients who do not have insurance coverage. It's important for individuals to consider their budget and insurance coverage when deciding on a teeth whitening option.
In some cases, insurance coverage may be available if the teeth staining is caused by certain medications or other medically necessary reasons.
Best alternative to professional teeth whitening
One of the best alternatives to professional teeth whitening is Ollie teeth whitening strips, which are a convenient and affordable option for achieving a brighter smile at home.
Ollie teeth whitening strips
Ollie teeth whitening strips are an affordable option for people who want to whiten their teeth but don't want to spend a lot of money on professional treatments. These strips are considered a viable alternative because they contain a peroxide-based whitening gel that helps remove stains and discoloration from the teeth.
Ollie teeth whitening strips are easy to use at home and can provide noticeable results in just a few weeks of regular use. They are also less likely to cause tooth sensitivity compared to other professional whitening options, making them a popular choice among those with sensitive teeth.
Overall, Ollie teeth whitening strips offer an effective and budget-friendly way to achieve a brighter smile.
Conclusion
Teeth whitening costs can vary depending on the method chosen. Over-the-counter options are the cheapest, while professional in-office treatments tend to be more expensive but provide the best results.
Insurance typically doesn't cover teeth whitening, but there are financing options available. It's important to consult with a dentist to determine the cost and find the right option for you.