Does Insurance Cover Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a popular dental procedure that can help correct discoloration and restore shine to your teeth. However, teeth whitening procedures can be expensive and are typically not covered by insurance. Read on to learn why insurance doesn’t cover teeth whitening, some lower-priced whitening alternatives, and what types of treatments dental insurance usually covers.

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Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Dental insurance typically doesn’t cover teeth whitening because it’s a cosmetic procedure and not considered medically necessary.¹
The cost of teeth whitening can range from $10 for over-the-counter methods to $1,000 for in-office treatment.²
Aflac’s primary and supplemental (coverage for expenses your primary insurance plan doesn’t cover) dental insurance for individuals and families can reduce out-of-pocket costs for various dental procedures. We also offer Dental, Vision and Hearing Insurance plans.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that uses a bleaching agent to lighten the color of your teeth, restoring their white color. The agent whitens your teeth by penetrating the enamel to break down stains and restore the tooth’s natural color. Teeth whitening only works on natural teeth, not crowns or implants. Treatments may be performed in a dental office or at home, depending on the condition of the patient’s teeth and their personal preferences.

How much does teeth whitening cost?

Teeth whitening costs can vary widely by provider, location, and method, but may range from $10 for over-the-counter whitening to $1,000 for professional in-office whitening.² Since dental insurance doesn’t cover teeth whitening in most cases, these costs can be expensive for many patients.

Here are some average cost ranges for the three major treatment types:²

Treatment Type	Average Cost
Professional whitening	$500 - $1,000
Custom whitening trays	$150 - $600
Over-the-counter whitening	$10 - $55

Costs vary depending on:

Specialization: Working with a specialist may increase costs. For example, a cosmetic dentist may charge more than a general dentist to account for their expertise.
Reputation and brand: Higher-end dental clinics may be more in demand, so they could cost more. Similarly, well-known, top-rated OTC kit brands could cost more at the store.
Location: Dentists located in areas with higher living costs will increase the price of all treatments to remain profitable. Similarly, stores in these areas may charge more for OTC kits.
Maintenance: If you need to schedule follow-up appointments or undergo teeth whitening regularly, you may pay more over time.

Is teeth whitening covered by insurance?

Teeth whitening is typically not covered by dental insurance because it's considered a cosmetic procedure.¹ That means it improves appearance instead of correcting an oral health issue. It is not generally considered a medically necessary procedure, like a root canal or filling. However, there are rare exceptions where whitening may be considered medically necessary, such as if a dental health issue has caused the discoloration.

How much does in-office teeth whitening cost?

In-office teeth whitening costs can vary widely by provider, location, and method, but may range from $99 to $1,100.² Since dental insurance doesn’t cover teeth whitening in most cases, these costs can be expensive for many patients.

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Ways to whiten your teeth without insurance

If in-office teeth whitening costs more than you’re comfortable paying, here are a few alternatives to whiten your teeth that may be more affordable:³

Custom whitening trays: Your dentist can use impressions of your teeth to create custom-fit whitening trays for home use. You generally wear the trays with the gel for several hours per day, until the discoloration is gone.
Teeth whitening strips: Whitening strips are a lower-cost DIY option that you place on your teeth. Each tooth whitening strip kit provides exact usage instructions but you generally apply the strips twice a day for a few weeks.
Teeth whitening toothpaste: The simplest and lowest-cost option for whitening your teeth, you can buy this toothpaste at grocery stores for around the same price as regular toothpaste and use it the same way.

What does dental insurance cover?

Dental insurance doesn’t generally cover cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening, but it may help cover many routine and medically necessary procedures. Here are the dental insurance plans Aflac offers and what they cover:

Primary dental insurance: Aflac’s primary dental insurance plans for individuals and families offer coverage for preventative care, such as routine cleanings, basic services like fillings and root canals, and more major dental procedures.

Supplemental dental insurance: We offer supplemental dental insurance for individuals and families that pays you cash benefits to cover additional dental care expenses.

Dental, Vision and Hearing (DVH) Insurance: Our DVH Insurance combines three types of coverage into one comprehensive plan. Choose between our DVH Core and DVH Elite plans, which offer different levels of coverage to help you cover various treatment costs with a single monthly premium.

Get a quote for dental insurance

Dental insurance generally doesn’t cover cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening, but this type of policy can help you save money on routine dental care and necessary procedures. Aflac offers primary dental insurance, supplemental dental insurance and Dental, Vision and Hearing Insurance policies for individuals and families that you can purchase directly. Speak with an agent to explore your options and get a quote today.
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