According to the American Association of Cosmetic Dentists (AACD), whopping 45 million Americans have had their teeth whitened by professionals, or nearly 15% of the U.S. population. And that number is likely to keep growing due to the emphasis our culture puts on a bright smile.
Have you thought about whitening your teeth as well? If that’s the case, you may have explored the various options available. You might have also noticed that while most dentists provide professional teeth-whitening services, these are deemed purely cosmetic and typically aren’t covered by standard dental insurance. In simpler terms, the expense will be yours to cover.
What’s more, professional teeth-whitening services can be expensive, with the average retail cost of teeth whitening ranging from $300 to $1,000 (depending on where it’s performed and how extensive the treatments need to be).
To be clear, it is perfectly normal and healthy for teeth not to be perfectly white. Not only is the color of your teeth genetic, but yellowing is also a normal part of the aging process. And unless there are outside factors driving the hue (such smoking or acidic drinks), most teeth will naturally change with time.
But for those who want to brighten their smile, there are several options you can consider.
DIY whitening options
The most convenient and budget-friendly choice for teeth whitening is to explore various do-it-yourself methods, which include a broad range of over-the-counter products. You’re likely to discover at least six different options from multiple brands right in your local supermarket or drugstore.
Some of these techniques, such as whitening toothpastes, are not only safe but also effective and easy to use. However, others may involve more complexity. The common drawback among them is that they require a prolonged period of consistent use to yield visible results. In most instances, the outcomes are relatively modest—often just a shade or two lighter at best.
For some individuals, this is completely acceptable, and if you fall into that category, you may discover that DIY teeth whitening is not only the most convenient choice but also the most budget-friendly option available.
Special note: There are a number of ineffective, and even dangerous, methods and products advertised as DIY teeth whitening solutions floating around in stores and on social media. We wrote an entire guide to help you navigate those waters.
Dental discount plans
Similar to insurance, dental discount plans will have a panel of participating dentists who have agreed to offer their services at discounted rates to plan members. Assuming the plan you join includes discounts toward cosmetic dental procedures, this can be an excellent way to save money.
If you can accomplish your goals using DIY products or methods, you’ll want to carefully compare the cost and convenience of those options to discounted professional services. In some cases, your dentist may evaluate the situation and prescribe or recommend an over-the-counter whitening product to use, so it doesn’t hurt to ask if that’s an option.
One possible benefit of the discount plan over time is that there are no restrictions on the frequency of discounts or the total amount you can save. While achieving teeth whitening may require multiple visits, the results are likely to be more noticeable and occur much more quickly than any at-home method could provide.
Private financing through the office
These days, many dentists have set up programs to offer financing for expensive procedures, either privately or through a third-party lender. They know most patients can’t afford to pay for these services all at once, and the option to finance teeth whitening can sway a patient who is on the fence. You should discuss this with each office to learn about plan rules, interest rates, payment terms and other details unique to that location.
While these kinds of private financing options usually end up more expensive than paying cash up front for the services, the interest rates and terms tend to be better than the average American’s available credit card or personal loan options. Low credit scores tend to be less of a deterrent than in other financing situations, too. Especially if used in combination with a discount plan, financing the remaining balance of your whitening services through the office can be both convenient and cost-effective.
Personal credit or savings
A final option to consider is paying for your professional teeth whitening using a credit card, personal loan, line of credit or funds from a savings account or retirement fund. This method is the riskiest because of the many considerations that need to be made first.
If you’re going to take a large amount of cash out of a savings account or retirement fund, the wise move is to discuss it with a financial professional first and compare all the details with the other options listed above. And be sure to carefully consider any loan option to factor a monthly payment into your budget and learn about the effect it can have on your credit score.
Since teeth whitening can be a significant purchase, each person needs to make their own decision on how highly they value the benefits of brightening their smile compared to the cost of credit or the limitations it may place on future spending.
The bottom line: For those who want to brighten their smile, there are several ways to make it affordable. A simple at-home solution is plenty for some, while others may want to enlist the help of a professional. Weigh your priorities and financial situation before moving forward.
Want more tips on how improve your oral health and save on dental care? Contact us today to learn how our dental savings card can help you save 20% to 50% off at your next dental visit.