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Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures, offering a fast and effective way to brighten your smile. But it can be costly, and dental insurance typically does not include any cosmetic dental procedures – the treatments that are not medically necessary and are only meant to improve the appearance of your teeth. So, everyone, insured or not, will likely need to pay the full cost of teeth whitening treatments out of pocket (unless you have a dental savings plan, which often do offer discounts on cosmetic procedures).
In this guide, we’ll cover the average costs, factors that influence pricing, and tips to make professional teeth whitening more affordable.
What Is the Average Cost of Professional Teeth Whitening Without Insurance?
Many people are curious about the price of professional teeth whitening treatments, especially since insurance doesn’t typically cover cosmetic procedures. Here’s a breakdown of average costs.
National Average Cost for In-Office Teeth Whitening
For in-office professional teeth whitening without insurance, the cost generally ranges from $300 to $1,000 per treatment. This price can vary depending on factors like the type of whitening procedure, the expertise of the cosmetic dentist, and the geographical location of the dental office. Advanced treatments like laser teeth whitening tend to be on the higher end of the spectrum, while standard in-office treatments may fall closer to the lower end.
What Contributes to Professional Teeth Whitening Costs?
The professional teeth whitening cost includes more than just the price of the appointment; it reflects the advanced whitening procedure, high-quality teeth whitening concentrate, and expert care that come with cosmetic dental services. During the whitening process, a dentist customizes the teeth whitening method to ensure safe, even results. This comprehensive approach maximizes whitening effectiveness and minimizes sensitivity, setting professional treatments apart from over-the-counter options.
Comparison Between Professional and At-Home Whitening Kits
For those looking for a more affordable option, at-home teeth whitening kits can cost anywhere from $20 to $400. While these kits are more budget-friendly, they tend to produce less dramatic results compared to professional teeth whitening. At-home kits, such as whitening strips, gels, and trays, provide convenience and affordability, but they might not be effective for deeper teeth stains that require stronger whitening agents.
Talk to your dentist before using OTC whitening kits if you’ve had restorative dental treatments such as bonding, veneers, crowns, fillings in the front of your teeth, or if your teeth are badly stained. Do-it-yourself whitening treatments can damage previous dental work or create unevenly colored teeth. Your dentist may also advise you not to whiten your teeth if you have gum disease, fragile dental enamel, especially sensitive teeth, or specific medical conditions. Additionally, some types of staining occurs within the teeth and cannot be removed by external bleaching.
No matter what kind of treatment you choose, the key to a good result is cleaning off the stain and biofilm layer before beginning the bleaching treatment. You should begin bleaching treatments only after being seen by a dentist or hygienist for a routine cleaning.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Teeth Whitening Without Insurance
Teeth whitening costs can vary widely, with several factors affecting the final price.
Type of Treatment (In-Office vs. DIY Kits)
In-office whitening treatments usually cost more than DIY kits (at home whitening kits) because they use higher concentrations of bleaching agents, which yield faster and longer-lasting results.
Additionally, in-office treatments are administered by professionals, ensuring a controlled application and reduced risk of sensitivity or damage to tooth enamel. DIY kits, while cheaper, may take multiple sessions to show results and often don’t address more stubborn stains as effectively. And please, don’t consider using substances such as lemon juice or charcoal on your teeth – they are far more likely to damage your enamel and result in staining and other dental issues than they are to enhance your smile.
Dentist Expertise and Geographic Location
The experience of the cosmetic dentist performing the teeth whitening procedure can also impact costs. Dentists with extensive expertise in cosmetic dentistry might charge more for their services. Geographic location also plays a role; metropolitan areas with higher costs of living may charge more for whitening treatments than smaller towns or rural areas.
Frequency and Follow-Up Treatments
Some people may need multiple sessions or follow-up treatments to achieve their desired level of whitening, especially if they have tooth discoloration from deeper stains. The need for additional treatments can significantly increase the overall teeth whitening cost, as each session can range from a few hundred dollars to nearly a thousand.
Dentist tip: There is a maximum level of whitening that bleaching treatments can accomplish, and everyone is unique. Speak to your dentist about what to expect.
How to Manage Teeth Whitening Costs Without Insurance
If you’re looking for ways to make professional teeth whitening more affordable, there are several strategies you can consider. As noted above, cosmetic dental procedures are typically discounted with dental savings plans, but not included in dental insurance.
Dental Savings Plans
Dental savings plans (also known as discount dental plans) are an affordable alternative to insurance. Plan members save 10%-60% on dental treatment at a nationwide network of dentists and specialists. Most dental savings plans do include discounts on cosmetic care such as veneers. And, unlike dental insurance, dental savings plans have no annual limits, deductibles or waiting periods.
Payment Plans and Financing Options
Many dental offices offer financing plans or monthly payment options to help uninsured patients spread out the cost of teeth whitening treatments. Some practices collaborate with third-party financing companies that offer low- or zero-interest plans, making it easier for patients to manage the expenses associated with cosmetic dentistry.
Affordable Alternatives to In-Office Whitening for Uninsured Patients
If professional teeth whitening is outside your budget, you might consider other options to achieve a whiter smile.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Kits and Strips
Over-the-counter whitening kits and strips are readily available and provide a more affordable alternative to professional teeth whitening. These products contain lower concentrations of whitening agents, so they may require consistent use over several weeks to see noticeable results. However, they may be a good option for maintaining whitening results between professional treatments or for those with only surface teeth stains. As noted above, be wary of using them if you have dental work such as bonding, veneers, implants or other dental restorative work.
Dental Schools and Community Clinics
Dental schools and community clinics may offer teeth whitening treatments at a reduced rate. Dental students perform these procedures under the supervision of experienced instructors, providing an affordable yet professional option for those without insurance. Community clinics also often provide discounted services, making them a valuable resource for uninsured patients, but tend to focus on medically necessary dental treatment as opposed to cosmetic procedures.
Risks of DIY Teeth Whitening Without Professional Guidance
While DIY whitening products are cost-effective, they come with potential risks, especially when not used correctly.
Potential Complications from Low-Cost, Unregulated Products
Some low-cost, unregulated whitening products can cause enamel erosion or increase tooth sensitivity. These products may lack American Dental Association (ADA) approval, meaning they haven’t been tested for safety and effectiveness. Choosing reputable whitening products is essential to avoid long-term damage to your teeth and gums.
Always read the directions of OTC whitening treatments and only use the product for the recommended amount of time. Over-use of even lower concentration whitening treatments can lead to very sensitive teeth.
Long-Term Consequences of Improper Treatments
Improper whitening methods can lead to more severe and expensive dental issues, such as enamel thinning, tooth sensitivity, or gum irritation. For example, excessive use of whitening toothpaste or DIY kits without professional guidance may cause irreversible damage to tooth enamel, leading to an increased need for more extensive dental work in the future.
Tips to Save on Professional Teeth Whitening Without Insurance
If you’re set on professional whitening but concerned about the cost, consider these strategies to make it more affordable.
Comparing Prices Between Providers
If you don’t have a dentist that you regularly see, it can be a good idea to compare quotes from different dental offices, as prices for professional whitening services can vary. By researching prices from multiple providers, you may find a practice that offers the same high-quality whitening treatment at a more competitive rate.
Special Deals
Some dental offices occasionally offer promotions on treatments such as checkups, cleanings and tooth whitening. Looking for these special offers can be an effective way to lower the cost of whitening treatments, while still getting professional care.
Final Thoughts on Managing Teeth Whitening Costs Without Insurance
From dental savings plans to OTC whitening kits, comparing options and choosing the right one for your dental needs will allow you to enjoy a whiter smile without breaking the bank.
