How Much Does Professional Teeth Whitening Cost?

Introduction

Professional teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures today, with millions of Americans opting for the procedure each year. Whether you’re prepping for wedding photos, a job interview, or just want those pearly whites to shine a little brighter every time you flash a smile, teeth whitening offers immediate aesthetic benefits.

Before committing to a whitening treatment and deciding between at-home options or a professional procedure, it is important to understand the associated costs. Several key factors affect what you can expect to pay, and whether it will be covered by insurance.

The Procedure for Professional Teeth Whitening

A teeth whitening procedure typically begins with a consultation. A dentist will evaluate your oral health, discuss your whitening goals, and devise a recommended treatment plan to discuss with you. Your plan needs to be safe, suited to your smile and current oral health, and customized for your goals.

The actual whitening procedure may occur in the same appointment as your consultation, or may be scheduled as a follow-up visit. During the actual procedure, the dentist:

• Applies a protective gel to your gums, so the whitening agent acts only on your teeth and doesn’t irritate the rest of your mouth
• Coats your teeth with a professional-grade whitening agent, usually hydrogen or carbamide peroxide
• Uses a specialized light or heat source to activate the whitening gel, which accelerates the whitening process

You can expect the session to last 1-2 hours and provide visibly whiter teeth in a single visit.

Custom take-home kits may be the best option for some patients. These usually include fitted trays with a lower concentration gel that whitens teeth over a period of days or weeks. Take-home kits are not as fast-acting as in-office whitening procedures, but they can be more convenient and budget-friendly for many patients.

Average Cost of Professional Teeth Whitening

What does professional teeth whitening cost in 2025?

• In-office whitening treatments typically range from $400 to $800 per session
• At-home dentist-prescribed kits usually cost between $150 to $400
• Consultation fees or touch-up sessions may be additional expenses, depending on the provider. Sometimes this consultation can be included free of charge with your regular dental checkups.

In-Office Whitening vs. At-Home Whitening: Which Is More Cost-Effective?

Does Insurance Cover Professional Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is usually categorized as a cosmetic procedure, which means common dental insurance doesn’t cover it. However, it’s worth checking your specific plan to understand whether you receive any benefits related to cosmetic dentistry or whether you may qualify for specific exemptions.

Exemptions that may allow for more plans to cover teeth whitening include:

• If teeth whitening is required as a result of specific conditions or medications causing tooth discoloration
• Injuries causing tooth discoloration

It’s important to check your insurance carefully rather than rely on general guidelines, as plans differ and may change from year to year. In addition, while teeth whitening usually isn’t eligible for reimbursement through your HSA or FSA, you may be able to use the above exemptions to pay for teeth whitening using those funds even if coverage isn’t directly available.

Hidden Costs and Considerations

The color of your teeth, like your dental health as a whole, changes over time and needs maintenance, which may mean follow up visits or special care after a teeth whitening procedure.

When comparing prices, be sure to account for:

• Maintenance costs: follow-up treatments or touch-up trays may be required every 6-12 months to maintain your results, particularly if you continue with habits that stain your teeth (coffee and red wine are popular culprits!)
• Aftercare products: desensitizing gels or whitening toothpaste can add to the cost of treatment. 
• Tooth Sensitivity: whitening can cause temporary tooth sensitivity, which may require special products or additional dental care, sometimes at an extra cost.

Tips for Saving on Professional Teeth Whitening From Our Dentists

At Riccobene Family Dentistry, we believe professional teeth whitening can be accessible and affordable. Some tips to help you save:

• Keep an eye out for whitening promotions: seasonal deals are often available
• Use FSAs or HSAs: some flexible spending accounts may cover whitening if prescribed by a dentist

Explore current teeth whitening offers or contact your local Riccobene office to find the best deal for brightening your smile.

What are the Ways To Pay for Teeth Whitening?

Need a brighter smile, but still worried about how you’ll go about paying for teeth whitening? There are multiple avenues to explore: 

Dental Insurance: As noted, most plans don’t cover whitening but some offer discounts if the treatment is part of a broader care package. Ask your dentist for help understanding your coverage. 

Promotions and Seasonal Offers: We frequently run teeth whitening deals for new and existing patients, especially around holidays and back-to-school seasons.

Conclusion

Professional teeth whitening remains one of the most popular, effective ways to enhance your smile. While professional teeth whitening cost can vary based on personalized treatment plans, provider and location, there are plenty of affordable whitening options available. 

Whether you opt for in-office whitening for fast results, or prefer the convenience of a take-home kit for gradual improvement, the benefits will be clear every time you flash a smile - which we hope is all day, every day! 

Schedule a consultation today to determine the best teeth whitening choice for your goals and budget.

FAQs About Teeth Whitening Cost

What's the average cost of professional teeth whitening?

In-office teeth whitening can range from $400-$800 per treatment, and at-home teeth whitening may cost between $150-$400 per course of treatment. The cost may vary based on your specific needs and where you choose to receive teeth whitening.

Are there any hidden fees for teeth whitening treatments?

At Riccobene, we’ll talk you through everything you can expect to pay to brighten your smile before you make any decisions. The only unknown variables are whether or not you experience tooth sensitivity after whitening, which may require the use of specialized gels or toothpastes.

Can I use insurance to cover the cost of teeth whitening?

Usually, teeth whitening is not covered by insurance. Exceptions may be available when teeth whitening is prescribed by a dentist or a doctor especially when a medical condition causes tooth discoloration.

Is professional whitening more expensive than at-home options?

Yes, professional whitening is more expensive than at-home options. However, it usually works faster and has a more dramatic impact.