There are moments in life when you know all eyes (and cameras) will be on you. A wedding, milestone birthday, new job, or long-awaited reunion can suddenly make those coffee, tea, or wine stains you’d barely noticed before feel impossible to ignore.
If you’ve started thinking about professional teeth whitening, chances are you’ve also started thinking about the cost. Which brings us to a very common question: does dental insurance cover teeth whitening?
In most cases, no. Teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic dental procedure, so most dental insurance plans do not cover it. Some plans may offer discounts through participating providers, but patients are typically responsible for most or all of the treatment cost.
But before you give up on your dream of a whiter smile, let’s explore a few options to help you brighten your teeth without breaking the bank.
Why Isn’t Teeth Whitening Covered by Dental Insurance Plans?
Dental insurance is designed to help cover treatments that protect or restore your oral health. That includes things like cleanings, fillings, crowns, and other procedures that keep your mouth healthy and your teeth strong.
Teeth whitening, on the other hand, is considered a cosmetic treatment. Since the main goal of whitening is usually to improve the appearance of your smile, rather than treat a dental condition, most insurance providers classify it as an elective procedure.
Does Teeth Whitening Insurance Exist?
Not in the way most people think.
While some dental plans do advertise cosmetic dental insurance benefits, it’s very important to read the fine print. Most cosmetic dentistry insurance plans provide limited coverage for procedures intended solely to improve appearance, including teeth whitening or other cosmetic procedures, like:
- Veneers
- Cosmetic bonding
- Smile makeover treatments
Some premium dental plans offer discounts on cosmetic dentistry through participating providers, but discounts are not the same as insurance coverage. In most cases, you’ll still be responsible for paying the majority, if not all, of the tooth whitening treatment cost.
Are There Exceptions?
There are a few situations where coverage may be possible, but they are pretty uncommon.
For example, if tooth discoloration is related to an injury, disease, or another medical condition, some insurance plans may provide coverage for restorative treatment. However, insurance coverage for teeth whitening itself is unlikely.
Every insurance plan is different. If you want to find out what benefits you may have related to teeth whitening, review your benefits or speak directly with your dental insurance provider.
Ways to Make Teeth Whitening Services More Affordable
Just because dental insurance plans don’t generally cover teeth whitening doesn’t mean you have to put your smile goals on hold. 19% of the population has already found a way to fit teeth whitening into their budget, and you can too!
To help our patients with the treatment cost, we offer:
- Flexible payment options
- Financing plans through CareCredit
- Take-home teeth whitening strips
- Effective in-office treatments
If you’ve been putting off getting professional teeth whitening because you’re worried about the cost, ask us for a teeth whitening estimate at your next visit.
We will talk through the best whitening treatments for you along with the payment options so you can make an informed decision.
Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Home Whitening Products
Since teeth whitening insurance coverage is limited, many patients think about going the DIY route. They head to the drugstore for whitening strips or toothpaste, crossing their fingers and hoping for at least some kind of results.
While drugstore whitening gel, strips, and toothpastes can help remove some surface stains, professional whitening treatments come with notable advantages:
Faster Results
Professional treatments can noticeably brighten your smile in a single visit, while over-the-counter products often require weeks of consistent use.
More Effective Whitening
Professional-grade whitening solutions are stronger and can address deeper stains.
Safer Treatment
When whitening is done under the care of a dental professional, there is less risk of irritating your gums or harming your enamel along the way.
Customized Care
Dr. Liz will tailor your teeth whitening treatment to your goals and budget so you can find the best whitening option for your smile.
So, although the DIY route may be tempting, you will get more noticeable, longer-lasting results with professional teeth whitening.
Is Teeth Whitening Worth It?
For many patients, the answer is yes.
Professional whitening is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to dramatically improve your smile. Whether you’re preparing for a major event or simply want to feel more confident when you look in the mirror, professional whitening can help you get noticeable results quickly.
Brighten Your Smile at Polished Dental
Investing in your smile is an investment in yourself. Although dental insurance usually doesn’t cover teeth whitening, professional teeth whitening may be more accessible than you think.
Contact Polished Dental to schedule a consultation and explore the best option for your smile and your budget. Safe, noticeable results and a more confident smile could be just an appointment or two away.
