Teeth Whitening Costs & Results

One benefit of in-office bleaching is most patients can have one treatment and achieve optimal results. This means that patients only have to pay for one treatment. While this is generally the most expensive option for whitening teeth, the results are immediate. The procedure fees for in-office whitening vary by dentists and can range from $299-$750 dollars. One of the reasons the price range varies so much is that some dentists include additional services with their whitening procedure, offering a more “inclusive” treatment. A consultation with your dental professional is the best way to find out how much in-office whitening will cost for your particular level of staining, and how many treatments will be necessary. They can also discuss what types of additional products you may need (such as whitening toothpastes or oral rinses) to maintain your white smile.

Professionally supervised and dispensed products such as at-home whitening trays with gel, can be less expensive but take longer to achieve peak results. With fees ranging from $199 to $399 dollars, patients can have a custom tray fitted by their dental professional, which they will wear when convenient or while sleeping for a period of one-to-two weeks. While this method can ultimately achieve the same results as light/laser enhanced in-office bleaching, the results are not immediate so patience is required.

There is a reason that many celebrities use in-office bleaching—the results can be immediate and dramatic. By working with a dental professional you will be able to gauge exactly how white you want your teeth and create an individualized treatment plan. Some clinical studies have reported that in just one office visit, the average result is up to 8 shades lighter[1]. These results can last anywhere from 6 months to as long as 1-2 years with the use of professional maintenance products such as toothpastes, rinses, and at-home/ between-visit bleaching kits. Lifestyle, diet and genetics will also affect how long whitening will last before re-treatment is recommended. Your dental professional will be able to provide you with the best recommendation.

The number of treatments or sessions needed will depend upon the individualized plan you come up with by consulting with your dental professional. Some stains are deep in the dentin, or caused by antibiotics given to patients while their teeth were still forming. These types of stains can be more difficult to get out and will need the studied eye of a dentist who is well versed in how to use professional whitening methods to achieve the most favorable results. For most patients, however, whether due to drinking staining beverages such as coffee and wine, smoking cigarettes, or just simply due to age, they will be able to achieve dramatically whiter teeth with in a single visit. [2]

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