Teeth whitening is one of the quickest and most popular ways to enhance a smile. It’s an easy, non-invasive procedure that works for almost everyone. But how much does teeth whitening cost, and is it really worth the price?
Many of our patients are curious about the cost of teeth whitening in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including the cost without insurance. While professional treatment is more expensive, it has several key advantages over at-home whitening methods.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a simple cosmetic dentistry procedure that removes yellow staining and restores teeth to their original white color.
Teeth naturally darken as you age, but they can stain for many other reasons, too, including:
- Dietary habits, such as frequent consumption of coffee and soda
- Smoking
- Certain medications
- Teeth grinding that leads to small cracks in the teeth
Because some teeth darkening is natural, yellow-tinted teeth are not necessarily indicative of any serious oral health issue. Many of our patients in Dallas-Fort Worth opt for teeth whitening simply as a cost-effective way to boost their self-confidence and have a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
Teeth whitening can cost anywhere from $5 to several hundred dollars depending on the type of procedure and how extensively you wish to treat the tooth staining.
How Much Do Different Teeth Whitening Procedures Cost?
There are multiple teeth whitening options available. The cost of each teeth whitening procedure varies with and without insurance. In general, you’ll pay less for at-home treatments, but in-office teeth whitening is much more effective even though it has a higher cost.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
The biggest advantage to an at-home treatment is that you can do it yourself. These teeth whitening options are affordable even without insurance, but they do come with some drawbacks and even risks to your oral health.
Whitening Strips and Toothpaste
Whitening strips and toothpaste are available at any pharmacy. A whitening toothpaste uses a peroxide agent to bleach your teeth, and this teeth whitening method only costs $5-$15, depending on the brand. Teeth whitening strips work similarly and cost around $35 for a package.
While these methods are safe in moderation, they only address minor, extrinsic stains. You won’t be able to remove deep, internal stains just with toothpaste.
At-Home Whitening Kits
A more advanced at-home treatment is a peroxide-based whitening gel and mouthguard. Ask your dentist for a safe at-home teeth whitening kit. You need a professional-strength product to see noticeable results, but improper use or over-application can damage your tooth enamel.
A dentist-prescribed at-home teeth whitening kit typically costs $200-$300. We advise our patients in Dallas-Fort Worth that it can take several weeks to see results from an at-home kit.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is performed in an office by an experienced dentist. While these treatments do cost more than at-home alternatives, they are more effective.
Deep Bleaching
As the name suggests, this teeth whitening method is more intensive than an over-the-counter whitening strip, and the chemicals and techniques involved require professional application. In this process, the dentist will apply a hydrogen peroxide whitening agent for about 30 minutes. You may feel some sensitivity on your teeth in the few days following this procedure.
Depending on how many applications you need, teeth whitening with deep bleaching costs upwards of $300.
Laser Teeth Whitening
The quickest, most effective technique is laser teeth whitening. Our in-office Zoom! whitening uses a peroxide-based gel and a bright light to expedite the bleaching process. Hydrogen peroxide is highly reactive to light—that’s why over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide comes in a dark bottle. By using a light, we can accelerate the peroxide’s reaction and speed up the whitening process to give you noticeable results in less than an hour.
Zoom! teeth whitening costs about $500 and includes a take-home whitening kit to help you keep your teeth shining. Insurance usually does not cover this procedure.
Are Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments Worth the Extra Cost?
As with many things in life, you do get what you pay for when it comes to teeth whitening. With at-home solutions, results are often short-term, and you are more likely to make teeth-whitening mistakes and even harm your enamel. Professional teeth whitening might cost more upfront, but the results last longer and require less upkeep. Plus, your treatment will be under a dentist’s supervision to make sure you are not inadvertently causing more harm than good.
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost With Insurance?
Unfortunately, most insurance plans do not cover teeth whitening since it is considered an elective cosmetic procedure. Call our office to receive an estimate of the cost of teeth whitening without insurance and ask about our payment plans and financing options.
Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Procedure Today
Now that you know about your options and teeth whitening’s cost in Dallas-Fort Worth, it’s time to make an appointment and brighten your smile! Dr. Peter Guirguis and his caring team at Definitive Dental will take your smile to new heights. Contact us online or call (972) 646-0660 to see how much teeth whitening costs and schedule your consultation.
