How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?

TL;DR

• Teeth whitening removes stains and brightens discolored teeth.
• Discolouration can result from pigmented foods, genetics, aging, medications, tobacco, or excess fluoride.
• Average cost varies by treatment type, from inexpensive store-bought options to high-end professional whitening:
  • Over-the-counter options:
    • Whitening strips: $10-$50, effective but may cause sensitivity.
    • Toothpaste: $3-$15, removes surface stains only.
    • Trays: $100-$600 for custom, $10-$30 for non-custom.
    • LED kits: $50-$300, quick and non-invasive.
  • Professional whitening: $650-$1,000 per session, delivers faster and longer-lasting results using stronger bleaching agents.
• Results last 6 months to 2 years. Touch-ups cost $100-$300. Avoid stain-causing goods, practise good hygiene, quit tobacco, and visit your dentist regularly to keep your smile bright.

What is Teeth Whitening?

One of the most common concerns people have about their smile is the color of their teeth. Over time, teeth can become discolored due to habits such as drinking coffee, tea, or red wine, smoking, taking certain medications, or simply from natural enamel wear. To address this, many people turn to teeth whitening, a cosmetic dental treatment that removes stains and restores a brighter appearance.

In fact, in the United States, the procedure is extremely popular, with nearly 90% of patients requesting tooth whitening, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. Teeth whitening is available through a range of options, and the teeth whitening cost varies accordingly. Understanding these options can help you select a treatment that is both effective and safe while fitting your budget.

Why Would I Require Teeth Whitening?

There are plenty of reasons why your teeth appear discolored. The most common reason is the consuming pigmented drinks and foods. The bumps, grooves, and holes in your teeth soak up the color, making your teeth appear yellower, darker, or spotted over time.

Numerous other factors are also responsible for discolored teeth, such as: 

• Genetics: Some people naturally have darker or thinner enamel, which makes teeth more prone to discoloration.
• Medical treatments: Certain treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, can affect tooth colour over time.
• Diseases: Some illnesses can impact enamel development or cause changes in tooth color.
• Amalgam restorations: Silver fillings can sometimes leave a greyish tint on surrounding teeth.
• Aging: As we age, the outer enamel layer wears away, revealing the naturally yellow dentin beneath.
• Medications like tetracycline: Antibiotics taken during childhood can cause permanent discoloration of developing teeth.
• Tobacco use: Smoking or chewing tobacco can lead to deep stains that are difficult to remove.
• Excess fluoride: Overexposure to fluoride during childhood can result in a condition called fluorosis, which causes white or brown spots on teeth.

These stains are usually deeper than the surface stains caused by colored consumables.

What is the Average Cost of Teeth Whitening?

The average teeth whitening cost depends on the mode of whitening you opt for. You have over-the-counter whitening options as well as your professional whitening options.

Cost Of Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products

The biggest pro of OTC whitening products is that they are affordable and easy to use. However, it takes a lot of effort on your behalf, and the results aren’t instant. Additionally, it requires more upkeep than getting your teeth professionally whitened.

Some of the most common over-the-counter teeth whitening options are:

• Whitening Strips

You can purchase whitening strips either at a store or online. They usually cost between $10 to $50 per package. Each package contains several strips. 

All you have to do is place the strips on your teeth and leave them on for about half an hour.

Whitening strips usually work well. However, some people tend to struggle to keep them in place on their teeth. A lot of people also experience sensitivity after using them.

• Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste is the simplest option of all the methods. It is typically used once or twice a day and contains low levels of peroxide.

Depending on your choice of brand and whitening intensity, these cost as little as $3 and up to $15.

Whitening toothpaste neither changes the natural color of teeth nor does it lighten deeper stains. Instead, abrasives in the toothpaste polish teeth, and peroxide dissolves stains.

• Whitening Trays

Whitening trays are a good option that has the convenience of using them at home along with professional-level results. However, they take longer to achieve desired results than professional treatments.

Custom trays range from $100 to $600. To get your hands on them, you will have to take a trip to the dental office. Impressions of your mouth will be taken and then sent to a dental lab. The lab creates custom trays and sends them back to the dentist.

You will use the trays along with the bleaching agent as instructed to gradually whiten your teeth.

Non-custom whitening trays are also available. And while these cost $10 to $30, they don’t fit properly and cause messy application, along with uneven whitening.

• LED Whitening Products

LED whitening kits have increased in popularity over the last couple of years. They are a new method of at-home whitening and cost between $50 and $300.

The method uses an LED light to hasten the whitening process and is non-invasive. This popular option removes stubborn stains and also strengthens your teeth. The results offered are quick and effective.

Cost Of Whitening at the Dentist’s Office

Depending on the type of whitening product used and the dentist’s charge, the average teeth whitening cost professionally is between $650 and $1000. While an expensive option, the treatment always pays off. Patients notice an immediate change in the appearance of their teeth after one sitting than they do with drugstore options.

The bleaching agents used by professionals are much stronger than those found in over-the-counter options. OTC options contain less than 10% hydrogen peroxide (the bleaching agent), and in-office treatments contain 25%-40% hydrogen peroxide.

Do Teeth Whitening Treatments Require Regular Maintenance?

No teeth-whitening option offers permanent results. In-office whitening procedures take about 60-90 minutes, and a single sitting is enough to get the desired results. On the other hand, OTC options have to be used over a considerable period to notice a change. 

How long the results last largely depends on your daily habits and oral care routine. Typically, professional whitening results can last six months to two years, depending on how well you maintain your teeth. Some people may need touch-up treatments once or twice a year. The additional teeth whitening charges can be anywhere between $100 and $300 per session, depending on the clinic and type of whitening used.

Here are some tips from our experts at Dental on First to maintain your results after teeth whitening treatments:

• Limit stain-causing foods and drinks: Reduce intake of coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored sauces that can stain enamel.
• Quit smoking or tobacco use: Nicotine is one of the fastest ways to discolor freshly whitened teeth.
• Practise good oral hygiene: Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and rinse with a fluoride mouthwash to prevent surface stains from forming.
• Schedule dental cleanings: Professional cleanings every six months help preserve the brightness of your teeth.
• Use whitening toothpaste occasionally: It can help maintain brightness between touch-ups, though overuse may cause sensitivity.
• Avoid excessive fluoride products: Too much fluoride can lead to mild discolouration over time.

Final Thoughts

When considering how much teeth whitening costs, it’s important to remember that the results and overall experience depend on the method you choose. While over-the-counter products are the most affordable, professional treatments offer faster, safer, and more noticeable outcomes. The teeth whitening cost can range from a few dollars for at-home options to several hundred for dentist-supervised procedures, but the investment often pays off in long-lasting confidence and a brighter smile.

If you’re thinking about professional teeth whitening, consulting an experienced dentist can help you determine the most effective treatment for your needs and budget. At Dental on First, our team provides safe and customized whitening solutions meant to deliver lasting, natural-looking results. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step towards a healthier, more radiant smile.

To book a consultation with our dentist in New Prague, contact us at 952-758-3003 or email office@dentalonfirst.com. You can also visit us at 136 Main St. West, New Prague, MN, 56071.

FAQs

Is it worth paying for teeth whitening?
Yes. Professional teeth whitening delivers faster, safer, and longer-lasting results compared to over-the-counter products. A dentist uses clinically tested solutions that minimize sensitivity and ensure even whitening, making it a worthwhile investment for most people.

How long will teeth whitening last?
The results can last anywhere between six months and two years, depending on your diet, oral hygiene, and lifestyle habits. Avoiding tobacco, coffee, and other staining substances can help maintain your results for longer.

What is the difference between whitening and bleaching?
Whitening restores a tooth’s natural shade by removing surface stains, while bleaching lightens teeth beyond their natural color using stronger peroxide-based agents. In short, all bleaching is whitening, but not all whitening is bleaching.

What is the least damaging way to whiten your teeth?
The safest and least damaging method is professional whitening under a dentist’s supervision. Dentists use controlled concentrations of whitening agents and provide protective measures to prevent enamel damage and gum irritation.

How many sessions does it take to whiten teeth?
Most professional in-office treatments achieve noticeable results in just one session, lasting 60-90 minutes. However, some people may need one or two follow-up sessions for optimal brightness, depending on the level of staining.