Teeth whitening cost

Usually not. Delta Dental's member material says cosmetic treatment such as whitening is rarely covered by any dental insurance, and most plans exclude it. Anthem says some plans may offer it. Your plan document is the only reliable answer, so ask for the plan's position on the procedure code the office would use.

The IRS says you cannot include amounts paid to whiten teeth in medical expenses, and it treats whitening as a cosmetic procedure. That points against using pre-tax health account funds for it. Confirm with your account administrator or a tax professional before you pay, since rules can differ between account types.

That depends on what you want. A dentist can check your teeth first, choose a strength, make trays that fit and manage sensitivity, while a store product has no exam. Results depend on the kind of staining and the product. Check with a dentist what is realistic for your teeth before you choose.

No. Whitening changes natural tooth color and does not lighten crowns, veneers or bonded areas. If you have front-tooth restorations, the natural teeth may end up lighter than the restorations. Ask the dentist about matching before you start, and whether any replacement would be part of the cost.

It varies with the cause of staining and your habits, and results fade over time. Some people repeat treatment or use touch-up trays. Check what the plan would be for keeping the shade and what each touch-up costs, so you know the recurring cost and not just the first session.

Whitening can cause temporary tooth or gum sensitivity, and using a product incorrectly can irritate the gums. A dentist can check that your teeth and gums are healthy first, choose a suitable strength and advise on sensitivity. If you have decay, gum disease or worn enamel, treat those first.

Not necessarily. In-office treatment is faster, and trays give you control over pace and can be reused with refills. The right choice depends on your teeth, your sensitivity and your budget. Request the cost of each option, what is included and what a realistic result looks like.

They work differently and usually produce smaller changes, since their strength and contact time are lower. Some are safe for many people, and some are not right for everyone. Ask a dentist whether a product suits your mouth, especially if you have sensitivity, gum disease or restorations.

It varies by method. In-office treatment is done at a visit, and custom trays are worn over days or weeks. Ask the office how long each option takes, how many sessions are included and what a touch-up involves, so you can compare the real time and cost.

Treat cavities and gum problems first. Whitening on teeth with untreated decay or inflamed gums can cause discomfort, and the dentist may recommend waiting. Ask for an exam before you buy any product, and ask what treatment would come first and what it would cost.

Some people should wait or avoid it, including anyone with untreated decay, gum disease or significant sensitivity, and your dentist can tell you whether it suits you. Ask about pregnancy and other health questions as well, and follow the product's instructions.

Ask what is included, how many sessions or refills, what strength is used, what the follow-up is and what happens if you have sensitivity. Compare the total with a custom-tray option and a store product, and check the refund policy before you pay.