Like any other dental procedure - whether cosmetic or other - teeth whitening needs consideration before making a decision. The vast number of over-the-counter whitening products on the market makes the demand for a whiter smile bigger. Many methods now exist to whiten your teeth. But what about the teeth whitening cost? What are the different ways to get teeth whitened and what is the cost for each?
Cost of teeth whitening: what composes the teeth whitening price?
Teeth whitening cost all depends on the method chosen to whiten your teeth. Putting the over-the-counter methods aside, in-clinic dental whitening can offer many options as well. It is important to note that, since teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure, it is rarely covered by dental insurance. How much it will cost to whiten your teeth will vary depending on many factors:
1) The level of staining on your teeth. Severe staining will require multiple treatments to achieve the shade desired. You can check examples on this link (teeth whitening before and after).
2) The location of the dental practice you have chosen. Some cities have more expensive prices than others.
3) Your dentist’s level of expertise. The more experience your dentist has, the more they will be charging for their services.
4) The type of treatment the patient chooses. Treatments can vary among the ones listed below:
A) Polishing
Which is a teeth cleaning that will remove stains- priced on top of teeth cleaning.
B) Opalescence boost
A whitening gel containing hydrogen peroxide and potassium nitrate that whitens and brightens teeth and strengthens the tooth enamel while reducing sensitivity and preventing cavities. It takes up to 2 hours and costs 500 USD.
C) Zoom
A whitening treatment that uses a strong hydrogen peroxide solution to make the teeth a lighter shade using an instrument that emits ultraviolet light to activate it. It requires 1-3 visits each 15 minutes and costs 300-600 USD.
D) Laser teeth whitening
Which is the same as zoom but the dentist will use a special laser instrument instead of the ultraviolet light. It takes 1 hour and costs 500-1000 USD.
Average Cost Of Teeth Whitening
Over-the-counter teeth whitening methods can cost up to 150 USD. However, the most effective but also most costly method used for teeth whitening is the laser whitening treatment. This method costs 1000 USD on average. After that, comes the in-office teeth whitening, which usually costs 600 USD. These methods will guarantee a brighter smile that lasts longer. Check this link for before and after pictures (teeth whitening before and after).
How much is teeth whitening? Average cost to whiten teeth in the USA
So how much does it cost to get teeth whitened in the US? Check the chart below to compare the costs!
Are there any hidden values in the price for teeth whitening at the dentist?
A dentist’s teeth whitening price includes more than the whitening treatment itself. Before proceeding with the treatment, the dentist will need to take x-rays to check whether you have cavities and whether your teeth are healthy enough to be whitened. Another additional cost might be the depth of whitening you require. This depends on your initial teeth shade and how stained your teeth are. Last but not least, do not forget to factor in the cost of your dentist’s time.
Can you somehow reduce the price for teeth whitening?
Because teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by most dental insurance plans. You can check with your dentist or clinic if they offer payment plans, have special offers, or discounts to lower the overall teeth whitening price.
Final Points about teeth whitening cost
While teeth whitening is a popular treatment for a shiny and bright smile, it comes with a cost. Depending on your oral health and the type of treatment you choose, the cost may vary. Always make sure you prioritize your oral hygiene as much as the rest of your body as it could certainly make dental issues easier in the long run. You can click on this link to check before and after pictures of teeth whitening (teeth whitening before and after).
