Is teeth whitening expensive? Many people without insurance avoid it because they assume they can’t afford it. What do different types of treatment cost, and do the cheaper ones have drawbacks?
Whitening treatments are not as expensive as you might assume. Even relatively expensive treatments at the dentist are reasonably affordable. Some at-home whitening treatments are very cheap if you don’t have insurance and can’t afford an in-office treatment. Cheaper treatments can be effective.
The cost of teeth whitening without insurance can vary widely depending on the specific treatment method you choose and where you go to have it done. At-home teeth whitening kits can cost anywhere from $20 to $100 or more, while in-office teeth whitening treatments performed by a dental professional can range from $500 to $1,000 or more. Shopping around and comparing prices at different dental offices or shops is best to find the best deal.
Whitening treatments are not as expensive as you might assume. Even relatively expensive treatments at the dentist are reasonably affordable. Some at-home whitening treatments are very cheap if you don’t have insurance and can’t afford an in-office treatment. Cheaper treatments can be effective.
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost Without Insurance?
Even if you don’t have insurance and are paying for relatively expensive treatments, it can still be affordable. People who cannot afford expensive cosmetic treatments can still afford to whiten their teeth.
If you can afford professional treatment, you should go with it rather than cheaper, at-home treatments. The strength of over-the-counter whitening solutions is relatively weak. If you go to the dentist, you can get your teeth treated with powerful solutions by a professional who can do it safely.
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Getting Your Teeth Whitened at the Dentist Can Save Time
If you use whitening strips at home, you will need to use them repeatedly because they only contain about 10% hydrogen peroxide. The dentist will use a 25% or 40% hydrogen peroxide solution that can make your teeth noticeably whiter after a single treatment.
You must leave whitening strips on for thirty minutes and apply them to your teeth carefully. The strips should cover your teeth completely but not touch your gums. This has to be done repeatedly. It is easier to go to the dentist for a single, more powerful treatment.
Custom Whitening Trays For Home Use are Another Choice
If you don’t want to get your teeth treated in-office but want a powerful treatment, you can get a custom whitening tray from your dentist.
These trays are more expensive than in-office treatments, usually around $250 or $500. There may also be some small maintenance costs, but you can use one of these custom trays for years. Don’t leave these trays in your mouth for longer than directed, as you can hurt your teeth and gums.
What Do Cheaper Treatments Cost?
You can get whitening strips for as little as $10 per package. Whitening strips may cost as much as $70, but even the more expensive ones are relatively cheap.
Not everyone needs in-office treatment. Sometimes, whitening strips are enough to get your teeth whiter than they have been in a decade or longer. One box of whitening strips includes ten or twenty strips, and your teeth might look a lot whiter by the time you finish using them.
Results vary for whitening strips. Often, they get your teeth white – you have to use many strips, but they still work very well. In other cases, you might need to spend more on a more powerful treatment.
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What About Laser Treatments?
Laser treatments are the most expensive, usually about $1000. It may cost only $500, but the average is higher. Sometimes, it costs up to $2500 and might take multiple appointments.
However, laser teeth whitening is safe and effective. The dentist will use a protective solution to keep the whitening solution away from your gums. A whitening solution and a laser are used during treatment, with the laser activating the whitening solution.
Good Dental Hygiene Can Save You Money
Remember to clean your teeth seriously, as this will prevent you from needing whitening treatments, fillings, and other expensive procedures. If you brush, floss, and avoid excessive sugar, you won’t need to get your teeth whitened often.
