If you're tired of stained or discolored teeth and dream of having a brilliant white smile, teeth whitening is one of the leading cosmetic dental procedures that can enhance your smile without breaking the bank. There are several types of teeth whitening procedures available that can fit into any budget.
Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening
The most budget-friendly of these teeth whitening techniques is over-the-counter whitening products. These products can be purchased in stores for a reasonable cost, generally from $5 to $50, and used at home by the consumer according to the package directions. Many popular over-the-counter products include whitening toothpastes and strips. Many people may prefer the over-the-counter methods due to their cost; however, the results are not as noticeable as whitening methods performed by professionals.
Professional At-Home Teeth Whitening Systems
Professional at-home whitening, performed under the supervision of a cosmetic dentist, is another option for those wanting a brighter, whiter smile. This method involves bleaching gel placed into custom-fitted mouth guards, which are worn for a prescribed time by your cosmetic dentist. Professional at-home whitening normally costs between $200 and $400.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office laser teeth whitening is the most expensive of the different whitening methods, but also yields the most dramatic results in the least amount of time. In-office whitening treatment can cost as little as $300 to upwards of $1,000, depending on the type of results you want to achieve.
Since teeth whitening is referred to as cosmetic in nature, it's highly unlikely that the procedure will be covered by your insurance. Since many people can't pay the full cost of the teeth whitening procedure at once, a variety of payment options exist, from credit card payments to in-house financing to financing through outside healthcare lenders, such as CareCredit® or Capital One® Healthcare Finance.
If you desire a whiter smile but aren't sure if you can afford it, a
skilled cosmetic dentist can help. After determining the best course of treatment for you, your dentist will thoroughly discuss all of your payment options with you to meet your financial needs, while still obtaining the quality results you deserve.