How Much Is Teeth Whitening at the Dentist?
For many, the quest for a whiter, brighter smile is a long one. Many at-home solutions promise to whiten your teeth, only to strip your enamel and increase sensitivity. If you’re tired of disappointing results, it’s time for a visit to your dental office. But how much is teeth whitening at the dentist? Find out in this guide covering the best professional teeth whitening treatments and how much they cost at the dentist’s office.
What is a teeth whitening service?
Professional teeth whitening services include in-office and dentist-supervised treatment plans designed to lighten your natural tooth color or remove stains and discoloration. Here’s a closer look:
How does teeth whitening work?
Teeth whitening is a chemical process in which a product like carbamide peroxide is applied to the tooth and breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and urea. Through the power of oxidation, these substances penetrate your enamel to lift deep discoloration caused by coffee, tea, wine, and the natural aging process.
Are there different types of teeth whitening?
Absolutely! In-office teeth whitening delivers results within one to two hours and uses higher concentrations of active ingredients, sometimes activated by LED light or laser exposure. Many dentists also offer custom bleaching trays that you wear daily for a couple of weeks. Both options are safer and more effective than over-the-counter strips and kits.
When shouldn’t you whiten your teeth?
Professional teeth whitening isn’t for everyone. People with untreated dental issues like gum disease and cavities may experience adverse effects. If you have sensitive teeth and gums, it’s important to have your dentist examine your teeth before moving forward.
Tooth whitening doesn’t change the color of crowns and veneers, so those with dental restorations may not achieve their desired results. Additionally, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should wait until weaning to whiten their teeth.
Read more: Are Whitening Strips Bad for Your Teeth?
How much is it to get your teeth whitened at the dentist?
Before undergoing teeth whitening at the dentist, it’s important to understand the associated costs of the dental service. Let’s take a closer look at the factors affecting your overall price:
What is the average cost of professional teeth whitening?
Throughout the US, in-office teeth whitening typically costs between $600 and $1,000, with take-home trays running around $300 to $400. Of course, every dentist's office is different, so check in with your provider for specific pricing information.
Does insurance cover teeth whitening?
Since most insurance companies consider teeth whitening to be cosmetic dentistry, they do not cover the costs. However, your dentist may offer payment plans, financing options, or discounts for multiple sessions, so be sure to ask about your options.
What factors influence how much professional teeth whitening costs?
How much you pay for teeth whitening at the dentist depends on several factors, including:
The type of treatment and technology used
Your dentist’s experience level
Your starting tooth shade
The number of sessions required
Your location
Additional care, like pre-whitening cleanings
Related reading: How Much Does a Dental Cleaning Cost?
What should you expect from teeth whitening at the dentist?
Now that you know how much teeth whitening at the dentist may cost, let’s talk about what you can expect during the process.
How long does it take?
In-office whitening usually takes 60 to 90 minutes to complete in a single session. If you opt for at-home trays, you can expect to wear them for 30 minutes to several hours each day for one to two weeks.
How long does it last?
Your dietary habits, enamel porosity, and oral hygiene practices will all impact the longevity of your results. With proper care, such as watching what you eat and using a whitening toothpaste, your sparkly white teeth may retain their new shade for up to two years. If you smoke or drink lots of coffee, tea, and red wine, you may only enjoy the results for six months.
Do you need multiple sessions?
People with mild to moderate staining typically achieve transformative results in a single session. However, severe discoloration may require multiple visits or a combination of in-office and take-home treatments to reverse the damage. An annual touch-up can help you counteract new stains and maintain your results indefinitely.
Related: How Long Does a Teeth Cleaning Take?
Keep your smile healthy at Coral Reef Dental!
A radiant, white smile doesn’t have to require questionable over-the-counter products and substantial discomfort. If you’re ready to whiten your teeth and restore your confidence, your dentist will be happy to help.
At Coral Reef Dental, we’re here to help with all your oral health needs. From cosmetic improvements to structural revisions, we do it all with kindness and compassion. We even offer sedation dentistry to ensure your comfort. Ready to get started? Reach out today to book a consultation.