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Dental insurance helps you pay for dental procedures needed to maintain good dental health and treat any problems you may have. Teeth whitening is a popular treatment, leading many to wonder how much it costs and whether their insurance plan can help cover it. Let’s dive deeper into the types of teeth whitening, how long they last, and how much each costs to help you pick the best approach for your needs.
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that uses a bleaching agent to lighten the color of your teeth, restoring their white color. Common bleaching agents include hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide.1 The agent whitens your teeth by penetrating the enamel to break down the stains and restore the tooth’s natural color.
Teeth whitening only works on natural teeth, not crowns or implants. Treatments can be performed in a dental office or at home, depending on the condition of the patient’s teeth and their personal preferences.
There are three main kinds of teeth whitening treatments, each varying in their level of professional supervision:
Professional whitening is performed by a dental professional in their office. The dentist starts by examining your tooth against a tooth shading chart to determine how much whitening they may need. Then, they use a high concentration bleaching agent under controlled conditions to complete whitening faster since they can isolate each tooth. They may also employ lasers or other technologies to maximize the whitening.2
Professional whitening tends to offer the best and quickest results since the professional works directly on your teeth. However, it’ll cost more due to the time and resources involved. This teeth whitening method may be a good option if you have a larger budget and want the most effective whitening.
Some teeth whitening patients may opt for custom whitening trays instead of professional whitening. For this treatment, the dentist takes impressions of your teeth to create trays that fit your teeth perfectly. You can place whitening gel within these trays, then wear them for a specified amount of time each day.2
Custom whitening trays balance professional assistance with cost considerations. The bleaching agent is weaker than professional treatment but stronger than over-the-counter products. They can work well for those who want to reduce dental costs while receiving professional guidance.
Over-the-counter whitening treatment involves purchasing a whitening treatment kit from the oral care section of a store. OTC whitening kits may include whitening strips, gel, and toothpaste.
This option requires more work and takes longer to see results, as the bleaching agent is lower in concentration than that used in professional and custom tray treatments. However, OTC whitening is the most affordable option. Therefore, it can work well if you want to save money or don’t have major discoloration.
Each treatment type varies in the length of results due to differences in professional involvement, bleaching agent concentration, and other factors:3
| Treatment Type | Average Duration of Results |
|---|---|
| Professional whitening | One year |
| Custom whitening trays | Six months to one year |
| Whitening toothpaste | Three to four months with consistent use |
| Whitening strips | Six months |
| Whitening pens | One week |
Keep in mind that the duration of your results can vary with your oral health habits, too. Good oral hygiene, avoiding smoking, and minimizing the consumption of substances that can stain your teeth can prolong results by reducing new discoloration.
Here are some average cost ranges for the three major treatment types:
| Treatment Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Professional whitening | $800 to $1,0002 |
| Custom whitening trays | $300 to $6002 |
| Over-the-counter whitening | $5 to $404 |
However, various factors can impact the cost of each treatment type:
Dental insurance doesn’t cover teeth whitening because it’s a cosmetic procedure. This type of policy exists to help policyholders cover the costs necessary to maintain good health and fix problems. That includes preventative care, such as routine cleanings, along with fillings, root canals, and other essential treatments.
Teeth whitening varies widely in cost based on the type of treatment, the dentist’s specialization, and more. Although it’s not covered by insurance, comparing methods can help you find a teeth whitening treatment that fits your budget.
Dental insurance from Aflac can help you cover a wide variety of medically necessary procedures, from routine care to major dental work. Speak with an agent to explore your options and get a quote today.
1American Dental Association - Whitening. Updated August 16, 2022. https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/whitening. Accessed May 13, 2024.
2Forbes - Professional Teeth Whitening: Everything You Need To Know. Updated August 17, 2023. https://www.forbes.com/health/dental/professional-teeth-whitening/. Accessed May 13, 2024.
3Forbes - Does Insurance Cover Teeth Whitening? Updated February 15, 2024. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/health-insurance/dental-insurance/does-insurance-cover-teeth-whitening/. Accessed May 13, 2024.
4Blyss Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry - Teeth Whitening Cost: Professional vs. Over-the-Counter Methods. Updated January 14, 2023. https://blyssdental.com/teeth-whitening-cost/. Accessed May 13, 2024.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac plans, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
In Delaware, Policies A81100–A81400. Policies A82100R–A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A81100ID–A81400ID. Policies A82100RID–A82400RID. In Oklahoma, Policies A81100OK–A81400OK. Policies A82100ROK–A82400ROK. In Virginia, Policies A81100VA–A81200VA. Policies A82100RVA–A82400RVA.
Coverage underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company:
Dental, Vision and Hearing: In Arkansas, Policy T80000AR. In Delaware, Policy T80000. In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. Not available NY or VA. Dental claims are administered by Aflac Benefits Solutions, Inc. Vision claims are administered by EyeMed Vision Care, LLC. Hearing claims are administered by Nations Hearing. NOTICE: The coverage offered is not a qualified health plan (QHP) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is not required to satisfy essential health benefits mandates of the ACA. The coverage provides limited benefits. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers.
Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to DE, ID, NJ, NM, NY or VA. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions.
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
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