For some people, simply brushing and flossing isn’t quite enough to keep their smile sparkling white. If this is the case for you, you might be considering having a whitening procedure done. But just how much does teeth whitening cost?
Well, that depends.
There is no definitive answer to this question because it is dependent partially on what area of the country you live in. The price for a professional procedure can differ greatly from one dentist to another to begin with, and it can be further effected by varying costs of living across the United States. A person living in the rural Midwest won’t pay as much as someone who visits a dentist in downtown Los Angeles. Costs are also determined on what type of treatment you plan to undergo. A simple cleaning of a single tooth might only cost you about eighty dollars; conversely, a laser procedure for your entire smile can fetch a price anywhere from five hundred to a couple thousand.
There is one major drawback with having whitening done professionally. Most forms of dental insurance will not cover the cost because it is considered a cosmetic procedure as opposed to a necessary one. This leaves the patient to pay the entire expense out of their own pockets. In today’s economy, it can prove difficult for folks to cover the bill without the help of this insurance. Fortunately, there are other options out there for people living on virtually any budget.
The cheapest option by far is to buy an electric toothbrush with vibrating bristles and some whitening toothpaste. The brushes tend to cost around six dollars and the toothpaste around four dollars for a 7.6 ounce tube. The problem here is that this option takes longer, and it may not give you the whitening results you are looking for. So how much does teeth whitening cost if you want a quicker, more noticeable change? There are other alternatives out there, though they will cost a little bit more.
Tray bleaching kits can cost anywhere between fifty and a hundred dollars. The whitening effects of these systems tend to last a bit longer with somewhat better results and don’t take up quite as much of your time. For those on a tighter budget, whitening strips can be purchased for as little as twenty-five dollars. Many of these kits are used over a two-week period. In some cities you might be able to find teeth whitening stores, kiosks, and stands. These typically cost between fifty and a couple hundred dollars for each individual treatment.
If you decide to try an at-home treatment, keep in mind that it’s always a good idea to do a little research before you select a particular method or brand to make sure you will be getting the results you want. Store-bought teeth whitening systems cost much less than a dentist-administered procedure, but they also don’t often provide the same level of whitening, either. And for some, they might leave teeth and gums feeling a bit sensitive afterward or leave behind an unpleasant aftertaste.