How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?

Are your teeth looking a little yellow? Is this making you more than a little self-conscious?

If so, you’re not alone. Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dentistry trend these days. A big part of the reason why is it’s effective and is also one of the most affordable ways to improve the looks of your teeth.

If you’re considering teeth whitening, there are a few different options to consider. Part of the decision making process comes down to costs. And that is what this article is about. We answer the most common question people have about teeth whitening… what does it cost?

Below we’re going to look at the average costs of some of the most popular teeth whitening options. Just keep in mind that these are AVERAGE costs and what you end up paying may vary. With that said, let’s look at the average costs for the various options and see what factors may affect those costs.

The Biggest Factor Affecting the Cost of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening treatments can be broken down into two main categories. Those you can do at home and those that are done at the dentist’s office. Which one you choose will have the biggest affect on what you end up paying for teeth whitening. Professional teeth whitening at the dentist generally costs much more than at home treatments. Let’s look at the specifics…

The Most Common At-Home Teeth Whitening Options And What They Cost

If you’re looking to save money (or trying to avoid the dentist’s office), at-home teeth whitening can be a great option. And there are no shortage of products you can use to do it. There are whitening toothpastes, whitening trays, whitening powders, LED light kits and whitening strips available.

The costs for these products vary depending on which one you choose. But they start at under $10 on the low end and can go up to $200 or so on the high end. Most fall within the $20 – $50 range. So, at the end of the day, at home teeth whitening should cost well under $100 for a course of treatment.

Professional Teeth Whitening Costs

If you want to use the best whitening technology available and/or use a treatment that will last a long time, then going to the dentist is your best bet. Professional teeth whitening works a lot better than at-home options but that comes at a price.

The average cost of professional teeth whitening is around $650. 

Is it worth it? Well, some of it depends on your situation but, for the most part, yes, it is worth it.

Dentists can use use stronger bleaching agents and/or even lasers for teeth whitening. The technology that they have access to results in whiter teeth and teeth that will stay whiter for a longer period of time (compared to at-home options).

Factors Affecting the Cost of Professional Teeth Whitening

While $650 is a good average for professional teeth whitening in the US, how much you end up paying will depend on a few factors. The specific type of treatment your dentists uses is one of the main factors. What part of the country you live in is another. Also the experience level of your dentist will have an impact on the cost.

It may even be possible to get free professional teeth whitening. There are dentists who will offer free teeth whitening as a way to get new patients to come to their practice. So, if you’re in need of a dentist, that’s just something to keep in mind.

When looking for professional teeth whitening, it pays to shop around. Reach out to some dentists in your area to find out what options they offer and what each one costs.