How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost? (2025 Price Guide + Savings Tips)
Are you looking for a brighter smile? Many people want white teeth. But how much will it cost? This guide will help you know all about teeth whitening costs.
The average American spends more than $650 on teeth whitening. But prices can be very different. Let's look at what you might pay and how to get the best deal.
Teeth Whitening Cost Breakdown by Method
There are many ways to make your teeth whiter. Each way costs a different amount.
In-Office Professional Whitening
This is when you go to a dentist to get your teeth whitened.
- Cost: $500-$1,500 for one visit
- What happens: The dentist puts strong whitening gel on your teeth and may use a special light
- How long: About 1 hour
- Results last: 1-3 years
- Good things: Works fast, teeth get very white
- Bad things: Costs the most money
Going to a dentist office means they will use special dental equipment to make your smile bright.
Take-Home Kits from the Dentist
Your dentist can make special trays that fit your teeth.
- Cost: $300-$600
- What happens: You put gel in the trays and wear them at home
- How long: You use them for 2 weeks
- Results last: 6-12 months
- Good things: Works well, costs less than going to the office
- Bad things: Takes longer to see results
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Products
These are things you can buy at the store without seeing a dentist.
- Cost: $10-$150
- What happens: You use strips, pens, or special toothpaste
- How long: 3-14 days of use
- Results last: 2-6 months
- Good things: Cheap, easy to find
- Bad things: Doesn't work as well as dentist options, can make teeth hurt
Natural/DIY Methods
Some people try to whiten teeth with things from home.
- Cost: $5-$20
- What happens: Using baking soda, charcoal, or oil
- How long: Results vary
- Results last: Not very long
- Good things: Very cheap
- Bad things: Can hurt your teeth, doesn't work very well
Teeth Whitening Cost Table
Here is a big table that shows all the costs and facts:
| Method | What It Uses | Average Cost | How Long Results Last | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-Office | Strong peroxide (15-43%) with light | $500-$1,500 | 1-3 years | People who want fast, big change |
| Dentist Take-Home | Custom trays with 10-20% gel | $300-$600 | 6-12 months | People who want good results for less money |
| OTC Strips | Weaker peroxide strips | $20-$50 | 2-6 months | Small stains, saving money |
| OTC Toothpaste | Mild whitening paste | $5-$15 | Very short | Keeping teeth white after other treatments |
| DIY Methods | Baking soda, charcoal | $5-$20 | Minimal | People who can't spend much money |
5 Things That Change Teeth Whitening Costs
The price you pay can change based on:
-
Type of Stains
- Surface stains (from coffee, tea): easier and cheaper to remove
- Deep stains (from medicine, age): harder and more expensive to fix
-
Where You Live
- Big cities: 15-30% more expensive
- Small towns: usually cheaper
- Some people go to Mexico to save money ($200-$400)
-
How Long It Lasts
- One visit: pay once
- Many visits: pay more but results last longer
-
What Kind of Tools They Use
- Basic light: less expensive
- Laser or ZOOM!®: more expensive
-
What Your Teeth Need First
- You might need a cleaning first: adds $75-$200
- If you have cavities, they must be fixed first: adds more cost
Does Insurance Pay for Teeth Whitening?
The short answer is: usually not.
Most dental plans (92%) do not pay for teeth whitening because they think it is for looks only, not health.
Some ways to save money:
- Use HSA or FSA money if you have it
- Join dental discount plans that can save 10-40%
- Check if your dentist has payment plans
- Look for sales or new patient specials
The dental curing light used in whitening treatments is an important tool that helps make the gel work better.
Cost vs. Results: Which Way Is Best?
| Method | Average Cost | How Long It Lasts | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Office | $650+ | 1-3 years | Fast, big change |
| Take-Home from Dentist | $200-$400 | 6-12 months | Good balance of cost and results |
| OTC Strips | $40 | 2-6 months | Small stains, low cost |
| Whitening Toothpaste | $10 | Weeks | Keeping teeth white |
Questions People Ask About Teeth Whitening Costs
Is professional whitening safer than DIY?
Yes. Dentists know how to:
- Keep your teeth safe
- Stop pain
- Check if whitening is right for you
How long do whitening results last?
It depends:
- In-office: 1-3 years
- Take-home kits: 6-12 months
- OTC products: 2-6 months
What you eat and drink matters! Coffee, red wine, and smoking make teeth get yellow again faster.
What is the cheapest way to whiten teeth?
The cheapest ways are:
- Whitening toothpaste ($5-$10)
- OTC strips ($20-$40)
- Baking soda ($2)
But remember: cheaper is not always better for your teeth!
Can I use my HSA or FSA for teeth whitening?
Maybe. Some plans let you use these funds if a dentist says you need whitening. Ask your plan to be sure.
Do dentists offer payment plans for teeth whitening?
Yes, many do! You can:
- Pay a little each month
- Use CareCredit (a special credit card for health costs)
- Join a dental savings plan
How to Save Money on Teeth Whitening
Want to save money? Try these tips:
- Ask about packages: Some dentists give discounts if you buy multiple sessions
- Look during certain times: Many offices have sales in January or before wedding season
- Check Groupon: You might find deals for 50% off (but check the dentist's reviews first!)
- Buy OTC products when on sale: Stock up during store sales
- Maintain your results: Brush twice daily and avoid staining foods to make whitening last longer
Using a good ultrasonic scaler for regular cleanings can help keep your teeth looking whiter between treatments.
In-Office vs. At-Home Whitening: What's Better?
Let's compare the main choices:
In-Office Professional Whitening
Pros:
- Works very fast (1 hour)
- Makes big changes
- Dentist makes sure it's safe
- Results last a long time
Cons:
- Costs the most ($500-$1,500)
- Might make teeth hurt
- Need to go to the dentist
At-Home Professional Kits
Pros:
- Costs less than office visits ($300-$600)
- Still works well
- Trays fit your teeth perfectly
- Dentist still helps you
Cons:
- Takes longer to see results (2 weeks)
- Results don't last as long
- Still costs more than store products
Over-the-Counter Products
Pros:
- Cheap ($10-$100)
- Easy to buy
- Can use at home
- No appointments needed
Cons:
- Works much less well
- Can hurt gums if used wrong
- Results don't last long
- One-size-fits-all may not work for your teeth
Survey Data: What Most People Choose
A big ADA survey found:
- 62% of people spend more than $500 on whitening
- 78% try store products first because they cost less
- 45% eventually go to a dentist for better results
- 25% report teeth pain with store products
- 92% say a white smile is "important" or "very important"
Professional Teeth Whitening Price by Region
Where you live changes what you pay:
- New York City/LA: $800-$1,500 per session
- Suburban areas: $500-$800 per session
- Rural areas: $350-$600 per session
- Mexico dental tourism: $200-$400 per session
Teeth Whitening Insurance Facts
Here are the facts about insurance:
- Only 8% of dental plans pay for whitening
- Most plans call whitening "cosmetic"
- Some plans may pay if stains are from medicine
- Discount plans can save you 10-40% even if insurance won't pay
For people with special dental needs, using the right dental handpiece can make a big difference in their overall care.
How to Whiten Teeth Cheap (But Safe)
If you want to save money but keep your teeth safe:
- Start with good cleaning: Brush, floss, and see your dentist for cleanings
- Try whitening toothpaste: It costs only $5-$10
- Use OTC strips correctly: Follow all the rules on the box
- Ask about last year's kit: Dentists sometimes sell last year's models for less
- See if dental schools can help: Student dentists charge less
What You Should Know Before Spending Money
Before you buy whitening:
- Get a dental check-up first: Fix problems before whitening
- Know it might not work for you: Gray teeth or caps won't whiten well
- Ask about sensitivity: If your teeth already hurt, tell your dentist
- Learn about touch-ups: You'll need them every few months
- Compare all costs: The cheapest option might cost more over time
When Is Professional Whitening Worth It?
Paying more at the dentist makes sense if:
- You have very yellow teeth
- You need results fast (for a wedding, job interview)
- You have sensitive teeth
- You tried store products and they didn't work
- You want results that last longer
Conclusion
The cost for teeth whitening is very different based on what type you choose:
- In-office: $500-$1,500 for fast, strong results
- Take-home dentist kits: $300-$600 for good results at home
- Store products: $10-$150 for mild whitening
Most people find that dentist options work better but cost more. Store products cost less but don't work as well or last as long.
The best choice depends on:
- How much money you can spend
- How white you want your teeth
- How fast you need results
- If your teeth hurt easily
Talk to your dentist to find out what's best for your teeth and your money!
Want to learn more? Ask your dentist for a check-up and personal cost plan for your teeth.
