Teeth whitening is typically not covered by dental insurance because it's considered a cosmetic procedure. That means it improves appearance instead of correcting an oral health issue. It is not generally considered a medically necessary procedure, like a root canal or filling.
Cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening, however, are typically not covered by dental insurance. Some plans may offer an allowance for cosmetic procedures, which also include things like Invisalign and veneers. In most cases, however, patients will need to pay for teeth whitening out of pocket.
Professional teeth whitening is worth the investment if you are looking for better results. This is because professional teeth whitening treatments use more bleaching agents than over-the-counter products. This means that the results will be much more noticeable and long-lasting.
Professional teeth whitening cost ranges on average between $300 and $1,000. The average cost of teeth whitening is influenced by factors such as the type of whitening procedure and technology used, the dentist's experience, and the geographical location of the dental practice.
Non-Covered Services
Many services that are considered elective, cosmetic, or not medically necessary would fall under this category. This means, you pay 100% of the service out of pocket. An example is teeth whitening because it is considered cosmetic and not medically necessary.
Key Takeaways
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) specifically excludes various medical expenses spent on unnecessary cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, in IRS Publication 502. In most cases, you will need to pay for teeth whitening services out of pocket.
Teeth whitening products can be effective and safe if used correctly. But don't underestimate what regular dental cleanings can do for your smile. Seeing your dentist once or twice a year can help manage plaque and surface stains. “If you want a brighter smile, teeth whitening products can be good tools,” says Dr.
Is teeth whitening permanent? Teeth whitening isn't permanent. It can last from a few months to up to 3 years – it varies from person to person. The whitening effect won't last as long if you smoke or drink red wine, tea or coffee, which can all stain your teeth.
Professional in-office whitening treatments use much stronger levels of bleaching agents than at-home or over-the-counter whitening products. That does make it more expensive, but it means that you can achieve much more dramatic results from your whitening. Faster results.
Wear. Teeth ultimately turn yellow as you get older, when enamel wears away from chewing and exposure to acids from food and drink. Most teeth turn yellow as this enamel thins with age, but some take on a grayish shade when mixed with a lasting food stain.
This is a common concern, but we can assure you that professional teeth whitening treatment won't make your teeth look unnaturally white. If you've seen people whose teeth look too white to be natural, you're probably seeing their veneers, not their real teeth.
One of the most common side effects is tooth sensitivity, which can occur during or after treatment. Overuse or misuse of teeth whitening products can also lead to enamel damage, gum irritation, and discoloration. Additionally, some types of tooth discoloration may not respond well to teeth whitening treatments.
While they are extremely popular, many people still question whether or not they actually are effective at whitening teeth. The short answer is yes, they do in fact whiten your teeth over time, but whitening strips are not the best way to whiten your teeth!
Lots of people can have teeth whitening treatment, but some people may not be suitable if they have gum disease or other dental health problems such as tooth decay. You'll need to have consultation with your dentist before having treatment, to assess the suitability of your teeth.
Typically dental insurance won't cover veneers as they are considered cosmetic — just like regular health insurance won't cover elective cosmetic procedures. However, some insurance providers offer what is known as a rider plan (or, add-on) that extends to cosmetic dentistry.
With proper care and precaution, patients should not feel pain during teeth whitening procedures. In some cases, tooth sensitivity or gum irritation can occur when the bleaching solution is applied for too long.
In-office teeth whitening costs can vary widely by provider, location, and method, but may range from $300 to $1800. Since dental insurance doesn't cover teeth whitening in most cases, these costs can be expensive for many patients.
For long-lasting results, experts recommend a whitening treatment in your dentist's office, followed by monthly over-the-counter treatments for maintenance. But this may not be right for everyone. SOURCES: American Dental Association: "Tooth Whitening,"“ "Natural Teeth Whitening,” "Oil pulling."
Baking soda is a natural bleaching agent used to remove stains from teeth. But, how long the baking soda takes to work depends on the severity of the stains. Generally, it takes about two weeks of daily use before you start seeing results.
Yellow teeth can regain whiteness through various methods, including good oral hygiene, professional dental cleanings, and teeth-whitening treatments. Stains from coffee, tea, or tobacco can be removed with adequate oral care, while professional procedures like bleaching or laser treatments offer quicker results.
The bleaching effect with over-the-counter kits is so minor that it would take an extremely long time to achieve that kind of results that can be achieved in a few hours or days professional teeth whitening carried out or prescribed by a dentist.
Unfortunately, teeth whitening is not permanent.
The potential side effects of teeth whitening include teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and ineffective results. However, most patients do not experience any notable side effects from professional teeth whitening, as the dentist can monitor the process and perform treatment in a way that minimizes risk.
Most patients can achieve their ideal whitening results in one to two sessions. If patients properly care for their teeth after the sessions, they can enjoy the whitening results for up to a year.