Will Dental Insurance Cover Teeth Bleaching?

NEW YORK, September 21, 2021 (Newswire.com) - iQuanti: According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, nearly 50% of adults believe that a smile is the most memorable feature after first meeting someone. However, more than one-third of people are concerned by the look of their teeth. An attractive smile is important for a number of reasons, which is why many people strive to ensure their teeth look as good as possible.

Teeth bleaching refers to whitening teeth beyond their natural color to ensure a bright, white smile. It improves the color of your teeth while also brightening them, and you can achieve these results with an at-home kit or with professional bleaching done at a dentist's office.

While professional bleaching typically leads to long-lasting, even results, it's important to consider the cost, pros and cons, and the impact that bleaching can have on your overall dental health.

Is teeth bleaching covered by dental insurance?

Most dental insurance doesn't cover any cosmetic treatments, including teeth bleaching. This is because these procedures are intended to improve the look of your teeth and are not considered medically necessary. That means you'd likely pay the full cost for bleaching out-of-pocket.

In-office teeth bleaching costs can vary, though they are typically the most expensive method. The national average is $650 per visit, but pricing could range between $500-$1,000 or more. The number of visits you'd need depends on how stained or discolored your teeth are.

Pros and cons of teeth bleaching

While teeth bleaching seems relatively self-explanatory, there are pros and cons to having this procedure done.

The primary pro comes down to cosmetics - whiter, brighter teeth typically leads to feeling more confident, attractive and better about yourself.

However, bleaching your teeth can lead to negative side effects, including tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and damage to your tooth enamel. 

Teeth bleaching also doesn't always work for everyone and isn't effective on veneers, fillings, crowns and caps. It also likely won't work on colors that are brown, gray or caused by injury or medication.

Additionally, teeth bleaching can be expensive since it's not covered by most dental insurances.

The impact of teeth bleaching on dental health

Bleaching your teeth too much or too often can increase the risk of side effects like tooth sensitivity or enamel damage.

The American Dental Association encourages people to consult with their dentist before whitening or bleaching their teeth, and to learn which potions are best for their own situation. Doing so can potentially help reduce negative side effects and ensure the bleaching lasts for longer than just a few weeks or months, which is common when it's not applied appropriately.

Source: iQuanti, Inc.