The cost of teeth whitening depends on several factors.
These include your location, the type of teeth whitening treatment, the extent of discoloration, and the dentist’s experience.
Typically, OTC whitening products and at-home teeth whitening kits cost less, with prices ranging from $5 to $600 on average. Professional teeth whitening, performed under a dental professional’s supervision, costs between $300 and $1,000, depending on the type of treatment.
If you can’t afford to pay for your teeth whitening treatment outright, some payment options could help. We discuss them below. We also examine, in detail, the factors affecting dental whitening costs.
Factors Affecting Dental Whitening Cost
Professional vs. DIY treatments
Teeth whitening cost depends on the type of treatment you choose. If you choose professional whitening, you have two options: in-office or at-home whitening.
In-office teeth whitening is more expensive. It is performed by a dentist at the clinic and typically costs between $500 and $1,000. At-home teeth whitening, on the other hand, costs between $200 and $400.
It comes with teeth whitening products such as whitening gels or strips, LED lights (optional), and trays—all provided by a dentist. DIY treatments are another option. They include whitening pens and gels, bleaching trays, and whitening toothpaste.
Unlike professional and at-home teeth whitening, DIY treatments are quite affordable. They can cost as low as $20 to as high as $200. Natural remedies like baking soda and activated charcoal is another teeth whitening option to consider.
Type of whitening procedure
The type of whitening procedure you choose can also affect the cost of teeth whitening. For example, an advanced procedure like laser whitening ($400 to $1,500) costs more than whitening strips ( $20 to $50).
Zoom whitening is another expensive option with an average cost of $500 per session. However, custom at-home bleaching kits remain the most affordable treatment option. They are available from some dentists and cost between $200 and $400.
Severity of discoloration
Individuals with severely stained or yellowed teeth require multiple whitening sessions to achieve the desired result.
This can result in more visits to the dental office, increasing the overall cost of teeth whitening. Conversely, mildly yellowed teeth require one or two sessions, resulting in lower treatment cost.
Location and reputation of the dental clinic
Dental clinics in urban areas like New York City and California are likely to charge high for teeth whitening. The same goes for areas with high cost of living.
On the other hand, dentists in rural areas and areas with low cost of living are likely to charge less for teeth whitening.
Similarly, dental clinics with an impressive reputation tend to charge more for teeth whitening services due to higher demand and brand value.
Regional Cost Variations of Teeth Whitening
| Region ( State/ City) | In-office whitening | At-home teeth whitening | Over-the-counter |
| New York City | $200–$1,000 | $100–$600 | $5–$100 |
| San Diego | $300–$1,000 | $7–$600 | $20–$100 |
| California | $500–$1,000 | $100 –$400 | $20–$100 |
| Houston | $500–$1,000 | $300–$500 | $5–$100 |
| Miami | $300–$800 | $100–$300 | $20–$100 |
| New Jersey | $300–$1,000 | $250 –$500 | $5–$50 |
| Massachusetts | $500–$1,000 | $250–$600 | $20–$100 |
Professional Dental Whitening Options
In-office whitening procedures
In-office whitening is done under the supervision of a dental professional. The dentist applies a high-concentration bleaching gel (25% to 40%) to the teeth, activated or accelerated by an LED light or laser.
Alternatively, the gel can be put in trays that are worn over your teeth. After the treatment, the gel is washed off, and your new tooth shade is compared with the former. In-office whitening is safe, and effective, and promises faster whitening results.
However, some patients may experience tooth sensitivity and gum inflammation after the whitening process. Cost ranges between $500-$1000 depending on the method of whitening you choose. Consult with your dentist so they can examine your teeth and gums to ensure that you are a good candidate.
Take-home whitening kits provided by dentists
If you want to whiten your teeth at home, ask your dentist for a take-home whitening kit. The kit contains a high-concentration bleaching gel—more powerful than those purchased O-T-C—and a customized mouth tray.
The gel is applied to the tray and fitted around your teeth to achieve the desired shade of white. Take-home whitening kits offer convenience and flexibility. However, they don’t promise faster results like dentist-supervised teeth whitening.
The cost of take-home whitening kits ranges from $5 to $600. When shopping for OTC whitening products, ensure you go for those with American Dental Association (ADA) approval.
At-Home Dental Whitening Options
Common at-home dental whitening options that can help improve the appearance of your teeth are:
Over-the-counter whitening strips
Whitening strips are thin, flexible plastic strips coated with peroxide gel. They are applied directly to the teeth for a given period, often 30 minutes daily for a week or two.
When applying the strips, make sure a large portion stays on the teeth away from your delicate gum area.
Whitening strips cost $20 to $50 per box and are available online or in brick-and-mortar stores. They are an affordable option for individuals looking to remove mild to moderate surface stains.
Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash
Whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives that help remove surface stains and prevent tooth decay. Some whitening toothpastes may contain a small amount of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to enhance or improve whitening results.
Whitening mouthwash is another at-home dental whitening product. It contains hydrogen peroxide (a bleaching agent) and can be used to remove stubborn stains, promote fresh breath, and improve oral health. Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash are safe to use, and regular use can help whiten teeth.
DIY natural remedies
DIY natural remedies is another at-home dental whitening option to consider. Common examples include baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and oil pulling.
To whiten your teeth using baking soda, mix a teaspoon (6 grams) of baking soda with two teaspoons of water (5 ml) and brush your teeth with the mixture. Do this a few times each week.
You can whiten your teeth with hydrogen peroxide by using it as a mouthwash before brushing. Ensure you use a 1.5% or 3% solution, as a higher concentration can damage tissue.
Lastly, oil pulling involves swishing a tablespoon (15 ml) of coconut oil in your mouth. This helps remove surface stains, eliminate bacteria, and promote oral health.
Financial Considerations for Dental Whitening
Insurance coverage for dental whitening
Generally, teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure and isn’t covered by most dental insurance. Some insurance plans may cover a portion (20-50%) of your cost, especially if the treatment is considered a medical necessity. However, others may not cover any expenses associated with teeth whitening treatment.
Review your dental insurance policy to understand your coverage. Alternatively, you can check with your insurance company to determine if your dental insurance plan covers dental whitening.
Flexible payment options and financing plans
Many dental facilities offer flexible payment options to help ease the financial burden of dental whitening procedures. These options include payment plans or third-party payment plans.
With payment plans, patients can spread the cost of payment across a certain period of time. This allows them to start treatment immediately without waiting till when they can afford the full payment. When choosing payment plans, select one with a low or zero interest rate to avoid paying more over time.
Third-party payment plans like CareCredit, LendingClub, and GreenSky cover the entire cost of the whitening procedure. Subsequently, patients are expected to repay the third party in monthly installments. This could be with or without interest.
Cost-benefit analysis of different whitening methods
Before selecting any teeth whitening method, weigh the cost of your choice against the potential benefits. For instance, over-the-counter whitening strips and gels are affordable but less powerful than professional treatments. Plus, results take longer (1- 2+ weeks) to materialize.
Professional In-office treatment, on the other hand, is more expensive. However, it provides fast results and is done under a dentist’s supervision.
At-home whitening sets from dentists are affordable just like OTC whitening products. But, they are slower than professional teeth whitening and require daily commitment for optimal results.
When carrying out a cost-benefit analysis, consider factors like your budget, how fast you want the result, and the level of effectiveness you want.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Teeth whitening is a valuable investment in your self-confidence and smile. While the cost may vary, take the time to evaluate the factors and explore your options.
Additionally, choose a method that aligns with your treatment goals and budget. If you need help paying for teeth whitening, you can explore insurance, third-party financing, or in-house payment plans offered by dentists.
FAQs
How much does teeth whitening cost?
The cost for teeth whitening is largely determined by the procedure you use, among other factors. Professional teeth whitening costs between $300 and $1,000. Over-the-counter teeth whitening and take-home teeth whitening set costs between $5 and $600 on average. Some dentists may offer a payment plan to help you manage the cost.
Who is a good candidate for teeth whitening?
A good candidate for dental whitening is someone with stained or discolored teeth. Aside from lightening your teeth, the procedure also helps protect your teeth by removing surface stains. Plus, it’s a way to make your teeth more youthful. If you have sensitive teeth, it may be best to avoid the procedure.
How much does teeth whitening cost without insurance?
Teeth whitening costs without insurance can range from $5 for OTC products to $1,000 for professional services. Most insurance plans do not cover teeth whitening, but those that do may cover a certain percentage.
What are the best teeth whitening methods?
Some of the best whitening methods are professional teeth whitening, zoom teeth whitening, LED teeth whitening, and at-home laser teeth whitening. Overall, teeth whitening done by your dentist is far more effective. Remember to maintain regular dental cleaning to preserve your smile for longer.
Does insurance cover teeth whitening?
Most insurance does not offer coverage for teeth whitening, as it is considered a cosmetic treatment. However, if your case is a medical necessity, your insurance will cover a certain percentage. If your insurance doesn’t cover your treatment, you can explore third-party financing or in-house payment plans. They help make teeth whitening more affordable.
