Professional Teeth Whitening: The Cost of a Brighter Smile

Cosmetic dentistry services are often deemed “elective” or not medically necessary by dental insurance companies. This is why most will not offer coverage for veneers, dental bonding, or professional teeth whitening. Without this type of cost-savings, it can be difficult for many patients to justify seeking treatment. Fortunately, there are other ways to pay without dismantling your budget. Keep reading to discover the different options available and why it may not be as expensive as you think.

What Kinds of Professional Teeth Whitening Are There?

Most dental offices provide two types of professional teeth whitening: in-office and custom take-home kits.

When you choose to proceed with in-office treatment, your cosmetic dentist can administer care during a scheduled appointment. This often produces results in a single hour. The other option is to receive a custom take-home kit from your dental team.

This includes custom-made trays that are made from impressions of your smile and a high-grade bleaching solution that, when used in combination with the trays, will lift even the most stubborn stains. As a more flexible and do-it-yourself solution, you can expect to see results in as little as two weeks. However, unlike store-bought solutions that can damage your teeth and come with minimal instructions, your cosmetic dentist will ensure your smile remains safe throughout the treatment process.

How Much Does Professional Teeth Whitening Cost?

You cannot determine how much you will spend on professional teeth whitening until you schedule a consultation with your cosmetic dentist. Your smile is different than someone else’s, so how much you will be required to pay will be determined after undergoing a thorough examination.

Your dentist will decide the severity of your stains and whether they are intrinsic, age-related, or extrinsic. They will also factor in the cost of the custom trays and bleaching gel that you receive. Of course, if you need additional dental care beforehand to address cavities or gum disease, this will be included in the overall cost.

Since dental insurance is unlikely to cover any expenses, you can ask about financing options to help with upfront out-of-pocket costs. This can have you making manageable monthly payments over time – a solution that can be easier on your budget.

Paying for professional teeth whitening may be more expensive than over-the-counter solutions initially. Still, it proves more cost-effective when you see the dramatic, longer-lasting results you achieve.

About the Author
Dr. Bob Heil is a talented dentist with more than 20 years of experience. Offering professional teeth whitening to patients who need help removing stains and discoloration, he and our team use only the best products to achieve beautiful, lasting results. When it comes to cost, we understand that dental insurance is unlikely to cover this type of treatment, which is why we partner with CareCredit Financing to lower out-of-pocket expenses and make them more within a person’s financial reach. If you need help determining how you can pay for professional teeth whitening, contact us at (920) 235-0320.