How much does it cost to have a dentist whiten your teeth?

How much does teeth-whitening cost through a dentist? Will any insurance cover the procedure? Is it safe? What are some easy (fool-proof) alternatives and how much do they cost?
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I got quoted around 200 dollars but there are different procedures depending on the type of staining, the type of treatment they use, where you live, etc. Insurance will NOT cover it because it is a cosmetic procedure. Safe... ehhh some say it is, some say it isn't, generally yes if you get it done at the dentist, but it can weaken your enamel. Mix baking soda with peroxide.. You can get a small box of baking soda for under a dollar and a small bottle of hydrogen peroxide for the same. Mix it into a paste (or just dip your brush in the peroxide and then in the baking soda ) and brush with it. DONT swallow it, then brush your teeth normally. It won't make your teeth sensitive like some other whiteners, and it's cheap, but don't do it more than once or twice a week (don't do it every day) as it really just removes stains and once they're gone, they're gone, you can't really get much whiter. Remember teeth aren't naturally white, they're off white, so you can't really get them WHITE without damaging them. People you see with super white teeth... They're teeth are actually very unhealthy. Good luck!
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