How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?

Teeth whitening is a common cosmetic treatment that improves the appearance of teeth that have become dark, yellowed, or stained. Teeth whitening can be performed either in the dentist office or at home. The cost of whitening your teeth can vary, but in general, at-home teeth whitening treatments are significantly more affordable then having a professional cleaning performed; however, when considering the cost involved, it is important to be aware of the risks involved in having your teeth whitened, as well as the difference in effectiveness and longevity between the types of treatment options.

At Home Treatment Vs. Professional Whitening

For people for whom affordability is the most important consideration, at home treatments, such as over-the-counter specialty whitening toothpastes, mouthwashes, or strips, are an option. Although this treatment option is more affordable, we recommend having your teeth professionally whitened for the following reasons.

  • Safer: While over the counter products are convenient and generally not dangerous, there is an added benefit to having a professionally trained, dentist dental team member administer your professional whitening trays, especially for patients with sensitive teeth or periodontal disease.
  • Faster: Over the counter items will gradually improve the whiteness of your teeth, but the process will take considerably longer than having the whitening performed in the office. In general, over the counter products can take up to four weeks for noticeable improvements to be made, as opposed to in-office
    whitening, which can generally be performed in one to two hours.
  • Stronger: In-office bleaching agents are significantly more concentrated, which results in faster and longer lasting results when compared to over the counter items.

An additional option for patients with sensitive teeth is to have a custom tray designed, which can be taken home to apply. This approach takes a little longer, but it is also more affordable and more effective than over-the-counter trays that are made to fit a range of mouth types.

Certain dental clinics also offer laser whitening treatment, which is a specialized procedure that is performed in the dental office and involves placing a bleaching gel on your teeth and then using a laser to heat it up to whiten your teeth. This approach is less commonly used because it has increased risks from conventional methods. It is also significantly more expensive.

Although there are several compelling reasons why we encourage patients to have their teeth whitened professionally, we understand that financial considerations are important. Whatever approach you decide to take, be sure to talk with your dentist about how to find a treatment that is best suited for your unique needs and that aligns with your personal budget.

Cost Associated

The final cost of your teeth whitening procedure will be determined by a range of factors, such as where you are located geographically and the professional reputation of your dentist.

For in-office teeth whitening, the national average is approximately $600. The cost of customized kits that you take home typically range from $250-$500. The benefit of having these trays made is that they will not need to be replaced for some time, and the annual maintenance involved is generally around $30 - $50.

More About Teeth Whitening : What are the different teeth whitening methods?