How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?

A bright, white smile is often associated with confidence and good oral hygiene. But achieving that flawless set of pearly whites usually requires some form of teeth whitening treatment. If you're considering whitening your teeth, you may wonder: How much does teeth whitening cost? The answer varies depending on your chosen method, from over-the-counter solutions to professional dental treatments. 

This guide explains the costs of different teeth whitening options and helps you decide which suits your budget and needs best.

Teeth Whitening Cost: Professional vs. Over-the-Counter 

Professional Teeth Whitening:

Whenever the comparison of Professional vs. Over-the-Counter teeth whitening arrives, the difference between the two becomes more evident. A dental professional performs professional teeth whitening, which is generally more effective and safer than OTC methods. It involves the application of a potent bleaching agent that penetrates deep into the tooth enamel to remove stains. 

The Professional Teeth Whitening Costs can range from $300 to $1,000 per session, depending on factors such as the location of the dental practice, the type of treatment, and the dentist's expertise.

Some standard professional teeth whitening methods include:

• In-Office Bleaching: This is the most common type of professional teeth whitening, and it also gives you the answer to “How much does teeth whitening cost at the dentist?”.  It typically costs between $500 and $1,000 per session and can whiten teeth by several shades in just one hour.
  

• Laser Whitening: Similar to in-office bleaching, laser whitening uses a laser to activate the bleaching agent. The cost ranges from $500 to $1,000, with an average price of around $750.
  

• KöR Whitening: This method is known for its deep whitening capabilities and costs between $500 and $1,200.
  

• Custom Dental Whitening Trays: Dentists provide these for at-home use and charge between $150 and $600.
  

Over-the-counter (OTC) Teeth Whitening:

OTC teeth whitening products are less expensive and can be purchased without a dentist's supervision, which can sometimes raise the question of is teeth whitening is safe. Well, yes, if they include:

• Whitening Toothpaste: This mildly abrasive product contains chemicals that help remove surface stains. It costs between $3 and $15.
  

• Whitening strips:  contain peroxide-based bleaching agents applied directly to the teeth. They cost between $8 and $60.
  

• Whitening Mouthwash: This product contains hydrogen peroxide, which makes teeth appear whiter. It costs between $5 and $30.
  

• Whitening Pens: Portable and easy to use, these pens cost between $4 and $50.

If you feel pain after having treatment or using products, go through the what to do for pain after teeth whitening. Read this guide on how to deal with it.

10 Teeth Whitening Methods

Here's a detailed look at 10 Teeth Whitening Methods: 

1. In-Office Bleaching: Fast and practical, this method uses potent bleaching agents activated by LED or laser light.
   

2. Laser Whitening: Similar to in-office bleaching, it uses a laser for activation.
   

3. KöR Whitening: Known for deep whitening, it involves both in-office and at-home treatments.
   

4. Custom Dental Whitening Trays: Dentists provide these trays, which are filled with bleaching gel, for at-home use.
   

5. Whitening Toothpaste: What is the best toothpaste for whitening teeth? That’s the first question that comes to mind when choosing toothpaste. The signs of that one are mildly abrasive; these toothpastes help remove surface stains.
   

6. Whitening Strips: Applied directly to the teeth, these strips contain peroxide-based bleaching agents.
   

7. Whitening Mouthwash: Contains hydrogen peroxide to make teeth appear whiter.
   

8. Whitening Pens: Portable and easy to apply directly to the teeth.
   

9. Ready-made Whitening Dental Kits: Available over-the-counter, these kits include pre-filled trays or strips.
   

10. Zoom! Whitening: A popular in-office treatment with a potent bleaching agent activated by a special light.

You can also study how long sensitivity lasts after teeth whitening to get a more apparent choice.

Professional Teeth Whitening Costs

Professional teeth whitening costs vary based on several factors:

• Location: Dental practices in urban areas tend to charge more than those in rural areas.
  

• Type of Treatment: In-office treatments are generally more expensive than at-home kits.
  

• Dentist's Experience: More experienced dentists may charge higher fees.
  

• Technology Used: Advanced technologies like lasers can increase the cost.
  

On average, professional in-office treatments cost between $300 and $1,000, while dentists' custom at-home kits range from $100 to $600. 

Cost Comparison Table

How expensive is teeth whitening? Here is a summary of the costs associated with different teeth whitening methods:

Is It Worth Paying for Teeth Whitening?

Whether professional teeth whitening is worth the cost depends on your goals and budget. Here are some points to consider:

• Effectiveness: Professional treatments are more effective and can whiten teeth by several shades in a single session.
  

• Safety: Performed by a dental professional, these treatments are safer and minimize risks like tooth sensitivity.
  

• Longevity: Results from professional treatments can last longer, typically between six months to three years.
  

• Confidence Boost: A whiter smile can significantly enhance self-confidence.
  

However, professional treatments are more expensive and may require maintenance touch-ups to sustain results. If you know what works best for you, ask yourself: Is it worth paying for teeth whitening? 

Conclusion

Teeth whitening costs vary widely depending on whether you choose professional or OTC methods. While professional treatments are more effective and safer, they have a higher price tag. OTC products are more affordable but may not yield the same results. Whether professional teeth whitening is worth the investment depends on your priorities and budget.

Additionally, understanding how much teeth whitening costs at the dentist and what to do for pain after teeth whitening can help you make informed decisions about your dental care.

For top-rated whitening solutions, check out MySmile Teeth Whitening Products today!