Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure to lighten the natural color of teeth, without removing any of the tooth surfaces. It is one of the more popular dental treatments available today.
In Ontario, individuals interested in teeth whitening have various options, ranging from professional treatments administered in dental offices to at-home kits and over-the-counter products.
Understanding the different methods and associated costs is important. In this article, Good Caring Canada explains the different whitening methods, cost determinants, additional expenses, and the array of funding and support options available to ensure that essential dental care remains accessible to Ontarians.
Table of Contents:
- Types of Whitening
- Teeth Whitening Cost in Ontario
- Cost Variables for Teeth Whitening
- Additional Costs and Procedures
- Funding & Financing Options
- Insurance Coverage for Teeth Whitening
👨🏻⚕️ Methods of Whitening
Ontarians seeking to brighten their smiles have access to a variety of teeth whitening methods, each offering distinct benefits and considerations. The most common approaches include take-home trays, enamel microabrasion, laser whitening, and over-the-counter solutions.
- Take-home trays are a popular method provided by dental professionals. These trays are custom-fitted to the individual’s teeth and come with a whitening gel that the patient applies and wears for specified periods, often during sleep. This method allows for gradual whitening over several weeks and provides significant control over the whitening process, enabling users to achieve desired results at their convenience.
- Enamel microabrasion is a technique used to remove surface stains and minor discoloration from teeth. This method involves the mechanical removal of a thin layer of enamel using a specialized abrasive compound. Enamel microabrasion is often followed by a fluoride treatment to enhance the smoothness and sheen of the teeth. This technique is particularly effective for specific types of staining, such as those caused by fluorosis or other superficial blemishes.
- Laser whitening, performed by dental professionals, involves the application of a bleaching agent to the teeth followed by the use of a laser to enhance the agent’s whitening effects. This method is highly effective and produces immediate results, often in just one session. The laser activates the bleaching compound, speeding up the whitening process and achieving significant colour change in a short period.
- Over-the-counter solutions include a wide range of products such as whitening strips, toothpastes, and gels. These products contain milder bleaching agents than those used in professional treatments and are designed for gradual at-home use. While they are the most accessible and cost-effective option, they typically offer more modest results compared to professional treatments.
🧾 Teeth Whitening Cost in Ontario
In Ontario, the cost of teeth whitening may range between $10 to $690 — depending on the selection of method.
- Take-home whitening trays cost between $310 to $690
- Enamel microabrasion costs between $100 to $400
- Laser whitening costs between $70 to $620
- Over-the-counter solutions cost between $10 to $220
It is important to consider ancillary costs that are typically required in addition to the underlying procedure for teeth whitening.
Our Good Caring Canada research team estimated the cost ranges based on market insights, patient reports, publicly available data sources, and annual fee guides from the Ontario Dental Association.
🔎 Cost Variables for Teeth Whitening
The cost of teeth whitening in Canada is influenced by several factors that determine the overall expense associated with achieving a brighter smile. These factors include the whitening method chosen, the level of tooth discoloration, and the geographic location of the dental service.
- Method plays a significant role in the cost. Professional treatments such as laser whitening or custom take-home trays provided by a dentist typically incur a higher cost due to the use of advanced technology and the expertise of dental professionals. Laser whitening, in particular, is one of the most expensive options available but offers immediate and noticeable results. In contrast, over-the-counter solutions like whitening strips or toothpastes are more budget-friendly, though they generally provide less dramatic results and take longer to achieve the desired whiteness.
- Level of Discoloration affects the cost. Individuals with severe staining or intrinsic discoloration, which occurs from within the tooth, may require more intensive and prolonged treatment to achieve optimal results. Such cases may need multiple sessions of professional whitening or stronger whitening agents, which can increase the overall cost. Conversely, those with mild to moderate surface stains may find that less intensive treatments are both effective and more economical.
- Geography impacts the cost of teeth whitening services. Typically, dental services in urban centres such as Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal tend to be more expensive than those in smaller towns or rural areas. This variation is often due to higher operational costs in cities, including office rentals, staff salaries, and the general cost of living. As a result, dental practices in metropolitan areas may charge more for the same services compared to their counterparts in less populated regions.
📈 Additional Costs and Procedures
When considering teeth whitening treatments, patients should be aware of not only the initial costs but also ancillary and long-term expenses associated with maintaining a brighter smile. These additional costs can significantly influence the overall investment in cosmetic dental procedures.
- Consultation Fees: Before undergoing any teeth whitening treatment, a consultation with a dental professional is necessary. This initial assessment helps to determine the suitability of teeth whitening based on oral health and the type of discoloration. Consultation fees can vary widely depending on the dentist’s expertise and the practice location.
- Maintenance Products: After a professional whitening treatment, many dentists recommend specific toothpastes, rinses, or other products designed to extend the results of the whitening. These products often contain mild bleaching agents or compounds that help prevent new stains from forming.
- Follow-up Treatments: To maintain the desired level of whiteness, periodic follow-up treatments may be necessary, especially for individuals who consume stain-causing beverages like coffee, tea, or red wine. These treatments can be less intensive than the initial whitening but still represent a recurring cost.
- Tooth Sensitivity Treatments: Some patients experience increased tooth sensitivity after whitening treatments. This can require special desensitizing products or in-office treatments to manage discomfort, adding to the overall cost of maintaining whitened teeth.
- Restoration Treatments: Over time, repeated whitening procedures can wear down tooth enamel, potentially leading to the need for restorative treatments such as veneers or crowns, especially if the whitening is done excessively. These treatments are significantly more expensive than standard whitening and are necessary to protect the integrity of the tooth.
- Gum Treatments: Some whitening methods, particularly those that use strong bleaching agents, can irritate or damage gum tissue. If not properly managed, this can lead to gum treatments or interventions to address any resultant issues.
💳 Payment & Funding Options
Teeth whitening can represent a significant financial burden. However, multiple funding options can be available for pay for the costs:
- Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) allow individuals to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified medical expenses, including dental procedures, with the added benefit of investing and growing these funds.
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), typically part of an employer’s benefits plan, also allow for pre-tax contributions but usually require that the funds be used within the plan year or a specified grace period.
- Payment plans may be offered by dentists and oral surgeons, allowing patients to spread the cost of treatment over several months or even longer, making the expense more manageable.
- Financing options by way of loans or credit lines can be considered for medical expenses. These financial products often come with special terms, such as deferred interest periods or lower interest rates, tailored to make healthcare more accessible.
🛡️ Insurance Coverage for Dental Veneers
In Canada, dental insurance typically does not cover teeth whitening because it is generally classified as a cosmetic procedure. Most dental insurance policies are designed to provide financial support for treatments that are considered medically necessary, such as preventive care, diagnostics, and treatments for dental health issues like cavities, gum disease, and tooth restoration.
Teeth whitening procedures are aimed primarily at improving the appearance of the teeth rather than their health. Because these treatments are elective and pursued for aesthetic reasons, insurance providers usually exclude them from coverage. This exclusion helps keep insurance premiums more affordable for essential dental care by not subsidizing cosmetic enhancements.
However, it is important for patients to review their specific dental insurance policies or speak directly with their insurance providers to understand exactly what is and is not covered. Some insurance plans may offer a cosmetic dental benefit that could be applied towards whitening, but such additions are typically available at an additional cost.