Dental whitening costs vary depending on the teeth whitening option.
It can be as low as $5 for OTC products to as much as $1000 for professional teeth whitening, which is performed under the supervision of a dental professional.
Dental whitening cost is affected by some factors. They include the type of dental treatment (professional or DIY treatment), the type of whitening product used, the severity of the discoloration, and the location and reputation of the dental clinic.
If you can’t afford the cost of your dental whitening procedure, you can explore different financing options. We discuss them below. However, before we touch on that, let’s consider the factors affecting dental whitening cost.
Factors Affecting Dental Whitening Cost
Common factors affecting teeth whitening cost are:
Professional Vs. DIY treatments
Professional treatment include in-office teeth whitening and at-home teeth whitening kits. In-office teeth whitening is often performed by an experienced dental professional and can cost between $500-$1,000 ( average cost).
At-home teeth whitening kits, which come with whitening products like gels and trays, can cost between $200 to $400.
DIY treatments, on the other hand, are more affordable.
OTC whitening products, including whitening gel, strips, and trays, cost around $20-$200. Additionally, leveraging natural remedies like hydrogen peroxide or activated charcoal powder can reduce your teeth whitening cost.
Type of whitening procedure
The type of whitening treatment can affect your dental whitening costs. Laser teeth whitening, for instance, can cost between $400 and $1,500, making it the most expensive whitening procedure. Using it would increase the cost of teeth whitening.
Zoom teeth whitening and tray-based whitening are also expensive while whitening toothpaste and mouthwash are the least expensive.
Severity of discoloration
The extent of your tooth discoloration can also affect dental whitening costs. Teeth with serious stains will require more whitening processes, products, and sessions than those with minor discoloration. This can result in an increased overall dental whitening cost.
Location and reputation of the dental clinic
While some locations offer teeth whitening services at a reduced cost, others charge a premium for the dental procedure.
For instance, dental practices in urban areas are likely to charge more for teeth whitening, similar to those in areas with high cost of living.
The reputation of the dental office is another factor that can affect dental whitening costs. If the office has a high reputation, it’ll likely charge a premium for its services.
Make sure you have an idea of how much it’ll cost to whiten your teeth before scheduling a meeting with your dentist.
Professional Dental Whitening Options
In-office whitening procedures
In-office whitening procedures are usually carried out by a dentist. The dentist may recommend having your teeth cleaned after carrying out a dental exam to determine the cause of your tooth discoloration.
Next, they’ll inquire about any history of tooth sensitivity. If none, they’ll start the procedure.
The in-office teeth whitening procedure involves applying strong bleaching gel to the teeth, which can either be painted onto your teeth or placed on trays and applied on your teeth.
Your dental provider may use a curing light or laser to accelerate the teeth whitening or bleaching process. The whole process takes around 60 to 90 minutes to achieve whiter and brighter teeth.
Cost ranges between $500 to $1,000 per whitening session, depending on the type of teeth whitening treatment done.
Though expensive, professional teeth whitening results last the longest (6 months to 3 years), unlike over-the-counter teeth whitening methods, which may last up to several weeks.
Take-home whitening kits provided by dentists
Take-home whitening kits are customized to create a personalized experience for users. They consist of whitening gels, custom-fitted trays, and instructions on how to use the kit.
Users are expected to use the kits every day for 4-14 days, depending on the kit. The bleaching gel is to be applied directly to the teeth for an hour (minimum) to achieve optimal results.
Take-home teeth whitening kits provided by your dentist are more effective than over-the-counter whitening products. However, the concentration of the whitening agent isn’t as strong as the one used for professional whitening procedures.
When shopping for take-home whitening kits, make sure you go for one approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). The cost of take-home teeth bleaching kits ranges from $100-$400.
At-Home Dental Whitening Options
Over-the-counter whitening strips
Whitening strips use a peroxide-based gel to whiten your teeth.
The gel side of the strip is placed on the teeth and left for some time before it is removed. It works by penetrating your tooth enamel and dissolving colored pigments, causing tooth discoloration.
OTC whitening strips are effective in removing stains caused by colored foods such as berries, coffee, etc. Their price ranges from $20-$40.
Smilie and Hismile are popular brands for whitening strips. While Smilie strips are sold for $20, Hismile strips can cost around $35.
Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash
In addition to over-the-counter whitening strips, you can also get your teeth whitened with whitening toothpaste and mouthwash.
Whitening toothpaste consists of chemicals that break down stains. They are also made up of abrasive agents that help bring out the teeth’s natural sparkle.
Whitening mouthwash is another at-home teeth-whitening product. Made from hydrogen peroxide, it is paired with whitening toothpaste to remove stains and whiten the teeth.
DIY natural remedies
Many DIY natural remedies can help in whitening the teeth. Baking soda is an example.
Gently brushing your teeth with baking soda can remove surface stains, whitening your smile.
Hydrogen peroxide is another option. Brushing with a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for 2 minutes twice daily for a week can help whiten your teeth.
Additionally, swishing your mouth with coconut oil (oil pulling) for 10 to 20 minutes is another remedy to consider. Consuming teeth-whitening fruits like papayas and pineapples may also help whiten your teeth.
Financial Considerations for Dental Whitening
Want whiter teeth but lack the finances to undergo a teeth whitening procedure? Here are some options to explore:
Insurance coverage for dental whitening
Teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure; hence, it’s not covered by most dental insurance plans. However, some insurance plans may offer coverage for teeth whitening, especially if it’s considered a medical necessity.
Get in touch with your insurance provider for more information. If you are lucky, your insurance may cover some or all of the expenses associated with teeth whitening. However, if you aren’t, there are other ways to get the best teeth whitening deal.
Flexible payment options and financing plans
Some dental clinics offer flexible payment options and financing plans to help patients afford teeth whitening costs.
Flexible payment options like payment plans allow patients to spread the cost of teeth whitening over several months, making the procedure affordable.
A dental loan is a common financing plan. It is a type of unsecured personal loan designed to cover teeth whitening and other dental work.
Can’t secure a dental loan? Try dental credit cards.
Though they have higher interest rates than dental loans, dental credit cards can make dental work more affordable. Plus, they are a perfect alternative to insurance.
Cost-benefit analysis of different whitening methods
Another way to manage the costs of your teeth whitening procedure is by analyzing different whitening methods about their benefits.
Professional teeth whitening is the most expensive option, with costs ranging between $500 to $1,000 per session. However, it’s fast and has dramatic teeth-whitening results.
On the other hand, teeth-whitening natural remedies and OTC products, such as whitening toothpaste, whitening gels, pens, etc., are the least expensive.
The cost of these treatment options can range from as little as $1 to as much as $50. Nevertheless, they are less potent than professional teeth whitening.
An at-home whitening kit is another whitening method. Though more affordable than professional teeth whitening and offers noticeable results, it requires regular use over many weeks.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Understanding the factors that contribute to dental whitening costs can help you make informed decisions. Make sure you leverage financing options like dental loans, payment plans, and dental credit cards to make teeth whitening more affordable.
You can also conduct cost-benefit analyses to see the method that offers you the best value for your money. Don’t forget to prioritize your dental care after the teeth whitening procedure to prolong the results.
FAQs
How much does teeth whitening cost in 2024?
The cost of teeth whitening can vary depending on the method of whitening you choose. Teeth whitening at the dentist costs more than OTC products, with costs ranging from $500 to $1,000. OTC treatment kits, on the other hand, range from $20 to $40, depending on the brand.
Why Is Peroxide Good for Your Teeth and Gums?
Peroxide is good for your teeth because it helps whiten your natural teeth and fight against inflammation. It can also help treat stained teeth by oxidizing the stain and removing it from your enamel.
How soon will you see results for teeth whitening
Teeth whitening results can vary depending on factors like age, heredity, and the type of stain that is present. However, the result may be visible within a week or two.
