Teeth Whitening Cost: In-Office vs At-Home Options (2026 Guide)

A bright white smile is one of the easiest confidence boosters available—if you can figure out what it actually costs.

How much does teeth whitening cost? seems like a straightforward question, but the answer depends entirely on which method you choose. Professional in-office whitening costs completely differently from at-home strips or trays. And results vary dramatically based on what you’re willing to spend.

This guide breaks down every teeth whitening option, real costs, what insurance covers (spoiler: almost nothing), and how to choose the right option for your budget and goals.

Teeth Whitening Cost Overview: The Full Range

Teeth whitening costs range from $50 to $1,500+, depending on the method. Here’s the full spectrum:

At-home options:

• Over-the-counter strips: $20-$100
• Whitening toothpaste: $5-$15
• DIY trays with whitening gel: $30-$150
• Whitening pens: $15-$50

Professional at-home options:

• Custom trays from dentist (DIY at home): $300-$600
• Take-home professional gel: $150-$400
• Whitening kits from Smile Direct Club, Byte, etc.: $100-$400

In-office professional whitening:

• Professional in-office whitening: $400-$1,200
• Premium brands (Zoom, Philips Brite Smile): $500-$1,500
• Multiple sessions: $400-$1,200 per session

The cost depends on effectiveness, longevity, and professionalism. The cheapest options are temporary and limited-effectiveness. The most expensive options produce dramatic results that last longer.

In-Office Professional Whitening Cost

This is what most people mean when they ask “how much does teeth whitening cost?”—they’re thinking of professional whitening at a dentist’s office.

In-Office Whitening: Standard Pricing

Average in-office whitening: $500-$900

This includes:

• Consultation
• Teeth assessment (determining baseline shade and realistic expectations)
• Protective barriers (for gums and lips)
• Professional-grade whitening gel application (usually 15-20% hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide)
• Multiple applications (usually 3-4 rounds, 15 minutes each)
• Sometimes a take-home maintenance kit
• Results typically last 6-12 months

Premium brands cost more:

• Zoom Whitening: $500-$1,200
• Philips Brite Smile: $400-$1,000
• Other professional systems: $400-$900

Why the variation? Some systems claim faster results, superior shade control, or longer-lasting effects. In reality, most professional in-office systems produce similar results. The brand premium is partly marketing.

In-Office Whitening: What’s Included?

Legitimate in-office whitening should include:

✓ Professional assessment of your baseline shade ✓ Determination of realistic whitening goals ✓ Protective barriers to keep gel off your gums ✓ Professional-grade whitening gel (much stronger than over-the-counter) ✓ Multiple application cycles ✓ Custom shade guide to show results

What’s often NOT included:

• Follow-up touch-up sessions
• Take-home maintenance trays (some offices include, others charge $100-$200)
• Sensitivity treatment (though some offices offer this)
• Subsequent touch-ups (though some offices offer discounts)

In-Office Whitening: How Long Does It Last?

Results typically last 6-12 months, sometimes up to 18 months depending on:

• Your lifestyle (coffee, red wine, smoking stain teeth faster)
• Your brushing habits
• Whether you do maintenance at home
• Your natural tooth color (darker-toned teeth may show staining sooner)

After 6-12 months, you’ll likely want a touch-up to maintain brightness. Touch-ups usually cost $200-$400 and take 30-60 minutes.

Professional At-Home Whitening Cost

Some dentists sell custom-made whitening kits for at-home use. These are much stronger than over-the-counter but cheaper than in-office.

Custom Professional At-Home Kits

Cost: $300-$600

Includes:

• Custom-fitted whitening trays (made from impressions of your teeth)
• Professional-grade whitening gel (usually 10% peroxide, stronger than OTC but weaker than in-office)
• Instructions for at-home use (typically wear trays 30 minutes to several hours daily for 7-14 days)

Results:

• Takes longer to see results (usually 7-14 days vs. one office visit)
• Results similar to or nearly as good as professional in-office
• Lasts 6-12 months typically
• Can do touch-ups at home with leftover gel or new gel purchased separately

Why it costs more than OTC:

• Custom fit to your teeth (requires office visit and lab work)
• Professional-grade gel (stronger and more effective)
• Dentist supervision and guidance
• Often more predictable results than OTC

At-Home Whitening Options: OTC Costs

Over-the-Counter Whitening Strips

Cost: $20-$100 for a pack

What you get:

• Pre-made plastic strips coated with whitening gel (usually 6-10% hydrogen peroxide)
• Multiple applications (usually enough for 7-14 treatments)
• Results visible after 3-7 days typically

Results:

• Noticeable but modest whitening for most people
• Lasts 3-6 months typically
• Less consistent than professional because strips don’t fit perfectly to every tooth
• Can cause sensitivity in some people

Cost per use: $2-$10 per treatment

Popular brands: Crest Whitestrips ($30-$60 for a pack), generic versions ($20-$40)

Whitening Toothpaste

Cost: $5-$15 per tube

What you get:

• Toothpaste with mild abrasives and/or peroxide (usually less than 5% peroxide)
• Use daily instead of regular toothpaste

Results:

• Very subtle whitening
• Best for maintenance rather than significant brightening
• Lasts indefinitely if used daily
• Minimal risk of sensitivity

Cost per use: Pennies per brush (same as regular toothpaste)

Popular brands: Crest 3D White ($7-$12), Sensodyne Whitening ($6-$10)

Reality check: Whitening toothpaste alone rarely produces dramatic results. It’s best used for maintenance after professional whitening.

Whitening Pens

Cost: $15-$50 each

What you get:

• Brush-applicator pen with mild whitening gel
• Apply directly to teeth surfaces
• Use daily or as needed

Results:

• Very subtle and inconsistent
• Takes weeks to see noticeable results
• Works best between professional treatments
• Least reliable of all options

Cost per use: Variable, depends on how often you use it

DIY At-Home Trays (Non-Custom)

Cost: $30-$150

What you get:

• Boil-and-bite trays (generic fit)
• Or pre-made trays
• Plus whitening gel cartridges

Results:

• Variable because trays don’t fit as well as custom ones
• Some people see good results, others disappointed
• Takes 7-14 days typically
• Lasts 3-6 months
• Higher sensitivity risk than professional options

Teeth Whitening Cost: Comparing All Options

Here’s a cost-per-result breakdown:

Most cost-effective long-term: Professional whitening once, then maintain with at-home toothpaste or strips = $500-$1,200 upfront + $10-$50/month maintenance.

Best bang for buck: Professional at-home kit ($300-$600) = good results, cheaper than in-office, faster than OTC.

Budget option: OTC strips ($50/box every 3-6 months) = modest results, low commitment.

Professional In-Office vs At-Home: Which Is Better?

This is the real decision most people face.

In-Office Whitening Advantages

✓ Fastest results – See dramatic whitening in one 60-90 minute appointment ✓ Strongest results – Professional-grade gel is much more concentrated than OTC ✓ Professional control – Dentist can protect gums and control intensity ✓ Predictable – You know exactly what to expect ✓ Best for yellowing – More effective for yellow discoloration (as opposed to gray) ✓ Immediate event preparation – Have a wedding, date, or important event? In-office is your option

In-Office Whitening Disadvantages

✗ Cost – $500-$1,200 is significant for one appointment ✗ Less convenient – Requires office visit and appointment scheduling ✗ Can cause sensitivity – Some people experience tooth sensitivity for days after ✗ Requires maintenance – Touch-ups every 6-12 months to maintain ✗ May overshoot expectations – Sometimes results are less dramatic than hoped

Professional At-Home Whitening Advantages

✓ Good results – Almost as effective as in-office, just slower ✓ Lower cost – $300-$600 is cheaper than in-office ✓ Flexible timing – Do it on your schedule at home ✓ Can do touch-ups – Keep gel on hand for maintenance ✓ Lower sensitivity – Weaker gel means less sensitivity risk typically ✓ Good for maintenance – Can use the same trays for years with new gel

Professional At-Home Whitening Disadvantages

✗ Slower results – Takes 7-14 days vs. one appointment ✗ Less dramatic – Results typically less bright than in-office ✗ Still costs money – Not cheap, just cheaper than in-office ✗ Compliance required – Have to wear trays consistently for 7-14 days ✗ Potential for inconsistency – DIY application can be imperfect ✗ Custom trays expensive – If you lose trays, repurchasing is costly

Insurance Coverage for Teeth Whitening

Dental insurance does not cover teeth whitening. Period.

Whitening is considered cosmetic, not medically necessary. Insurance covers:

• Preventive care (cleanings, exams)
• Restorative care (fillings, crowns, root canals)
• Sometimes orthodontia (braces, Invisalign)

Teeth whitening is not on the list. If it appears on a quote, something is miscategorized.

Exception: If you have discoloration from a root canal or medication side effect, some dentists might classify it as restorative rather than cosmetic. Even then, most insurance won’t cover it. Worth asking, but don’t expect coverage.

How to Choose: In-Office vs At-Home

Choose In-Office Whitening If:

✓ You want the whitest possible results ✓ You need results fast (one appointment) ✓ You have money in your budget and time is valuable ✓ You have an important event coming up ✓ You want professional control and safety ✓ You have naturally yellow teeth (vs. gray)

Choose Professional At-Home If:

✓ You want good results at lower cost ✓ You’re willing to wait 1-2 weeks for results ✓ You want flexibility in timing ✓ You plan to do maintenance touch-ups periodically ✓ You have sensitive teeth (weaker gel is gentler)

Choose OTC Strips If:

✓ You want minimal cost ($20-$100) ✓ You have modest expectations ✓ You want to try whitening before committing to professional ✓ You’re mainly doing maintenance between professional treatments

Skip DIY Solutions If:

✗ You want dramatic results quickly ✗ You have sensitive teeth already ✗ You want long-lasting results ✗ You have existing dental work (veneers, crowns don’t whiten—can look worse if surrounding teeth whiten)

Dental Work & Whitening: Important Considerations

Critical: Teeth whitening only works on natural tooth structure. It does NOT whiten:

• Crowns
• Veneers
• Bonding
• Bridges
• Implants

If you have dental work on your front teeth, whitening the surrounding natural teeth can actually make the dental work look worse (they’ll look yellow/dull in comparison).

If you have dental work and want a brighter smile:

Option 1: Whiten natural teeth first, then have dentist match new crowns/veneers to the whitened shade Option 2: Get new dental work that matches your desired shade (most expensive) Option 3: Whiten only the natural teeth you want to highlight (professional can work around dental work)

Discuss this with your dentist before whitening if you have crowns or veneers on visible teeth.

Sensitivity After Whitening: Is It Normal?

Yes, temporary sensitivity is common after professional whitening, especially in-office.

Symptoms:

• Tooth sensitivity to cold for 24-72 hours after
• Gum sensitivity if gel contacted gums
• Sharp pain when eating cold foods

Why it happens: Whitening gel temporarily opens pores in your teeth. Sensitivity usually subsides within 3 days.

How to manage:

• Use sensitivity toothpaste for 1-2 weeks before and after
• Avoid very hot or very cold foods/drinks for 48 hours
• Use a soft toothbrush
• Avoid acidic foods (citrus, soda) for 24-48 hours
• Ask dentist about sensitivity gel or fluoride treatments

If sensitivity lasts more than a few days or is severe, contact your dentist.

Teeth Whitening Results: Realistic Expectations

How much can your teeth whiten?

Most people can whiten 2-8 shades on the professional shade guide. This is visible but not dramatic for most people.

Realistic expectations:

• If you have naturally yellow teeth, you’ll see significant brightening
• If you have naturally grayish teeth, results are less dramatic
• If you smoke or drink lots of coffee, whitening helps but doesn’t create perfect white (returning to staining habits reverses results quickly)
• Professional results are much more dramatic than OTC
• Results are less dramatic on older people (teeth get naturally darker with age)

Before & after: Ask your dentist to show before/after photos from actual patients. This gives realistic expectations for your tooth color specifically.

Maintaining Your Results After Whitening

Professional whitening results last 6-12 months. To extend longevity:

Immediately after (first 48 hours):

• Avoid dark foods & drinks (coffee, red wine, soy sauce, berries)
• Avoid hot/cold extremes
• Use sensitivity toothpaste
• Don’t smoke

Long-term maintenance:

• Use whitening toothpaste (maintains brightness)
• Use OTC strips every 3-6 months for touch-ups ($20-$100/year)
• Get professional touch-ups every 6-12 months ($200-$400/session)
• Brush twice daily with regular toothpaste
• Floss daily to prevent staining at gum line
• Limit coffee, tea, red wine, dark sodas (or drink through a straw)
• Don’t smoke

Cost of maintenance: $10-$50/month depending on method chosen.

Finding Dentists With Transparent Whitening Pricing

Not all cosmetic dentists price whitening the same way. Here’s what to look for:

Red flags:

• Won’t quote a price without consultation
• No written estimate provided
• Quote varies significantly from competitors
• Unclear about what’s included (one session vs. multiple?)
• Pressure to buy expensive packages upfront
• No mention of results timeline or maintenance

Green flags:

• Clear written quote before appointment
• Explains what’s included (consultation, protective barriers, multiple applications, touch-up kit?)
• Discusses realistic expectations and your specific tooth type
• Shows before/after photos from actual patients
• Offers multiple whitening options (in-office vs. take-home)
• Transparent about maintenance and cost of touch-ups
• Willing to discuss sensitivity concerns and solutions

Questions to ask:

1. “What’s your all-in cost for professional whitening?” (Make sure it’s one clear number)
2. “How many applications/sessions is that?” (One hour? Multiple sessions?)
3. “What shade results should I realistically expect?” (Ask for before/after on someone with your tooth type)
4. “What’s included?” (Touch-up kit? Sensitivity treatment? Follow-up appointments?)
5. “If I need a touch-up in 6 months, what’s the cost?” (Should be less than original)
6. “Do you offer professional at-home kits as well?” (Good practices offer both options)
7. “What’s your policy on sensitivity?” (Can they help if you experience it?)

Using Vosita to Find Dentists for Teeth Whitening

Finding a cosmetic dentist with transparent whitening pricing, clear expectations, and real availability shouldn’t require hours of research—but it often does.

Vosita makes it easier by:

• Filtering cosmetic dentists – See dentists who offer whitening specifically
• Transparent pricing practices – Dentists on the platform commit to clear, upfront cost communication
• Real appointment availability – Book whitening appointments directly instead of waiting days for callbacks
• Verified patient reviews – Read real reviews from people who actually got whitening done, including whether results matched expectations and if they experienced sensitivity
• Before/after galleries – See actual results from the dentist’s patients with teeth similar to yours
• Insurance clarity – Dentists note that whitening is cosmetic and not covered, avoiding confusion
• Direct booking – Schedule your consultation and whitening appointment immediately

Instead of calling multiple cosmetic dental offices, comparing vague quotes over the phone, and guessing about results, you can browse dentists with verified patient reviews, real before/after photos, and transparent pricing—then book your appointment directly.

For cosmetic procedures like whitening where expectations matter, seeing real patient results is invaluable.

Teeth Whitening Cost: Key Takeaways

1. In-office professional whitening costs $500-$1,200 for dramatic results lasting 6-12 months
2. Professional at-home kits cost $300-$600 for good results over 1-2 weeks, lasting 6-12 months
3. OTC strips cost $20-$100 for modest results over 3-7 days, lasting 3-6 months
4. Insurance doesn’t cover whitening – it’s classified as cosmetic, not medical
5. Most cost-effective approach: Professional whitening once, then maintain with OTC strips or toothpaste = $500-$1,200 upfront + $10-$50/month
6. Results last 6-12 months depending on lifestyle and maintenance habits
7. Sensitivity is normal but temporary – use sensitivity toothpaste before and after
8. Dental work doesn’t whiten – if you have crowns/veneers, plan accordingly
9. Realistic expectations matter – you’ll see 2-8 shades whiter typically, not Hollywood white
10. Find a transparent dentist – one who shows before/afters and discusses realistic outcomes for your specific teeth

The bottom line: professional whitening is worth it if you have the budget. Results are dramatic, fast, and last long enough to justify the cost. If budget is tight, professional at-home kits offer excellent value. OTC strips are a reasonable budget option but produce less impressive results.

FAQ: Teeth Whitening Cost

How much does teeth whitening cost at a dentist? Professional in-office whitening costs $500-$1,200 typically. Premium brands like Zoom cost $500-$1,500. Cost varies by dentist, location, and whether add-on services (sensitivity treatment, take-home kit) are included. Many offices offer payment plans if needed.

What’s the average teeth whitening cost? In-office professional whitening averages $600-$900. Professional at-home kits average $300-$600. OTC strips average $20-$100 per box. Total cost depends on method chosen and frequency of touch-ups needed.

How much does teeth whitening cost without going to the dentist? OTC whitening strips cost $20-$100 per box. Whitening toothpaste costs $5-$15 per tube. Whitening pens cost $15-$50. DIY at-home trays cost $30-$150. Results are modest compared to professional, but upfront cost is significantly lower.

Why is professional whitening so expensive? Professional whitening is expensive because it uses professional-grade gel (much stronger than OTC), requires custom application by trained professionals, includes protective measures for gums, produces dramatic results, and lasts 6-12 months. You’re paying for expertise, results, and convenience.

Does dental insurance cover teeth whitening? No. Dental insurance does not cover teeth whitening because it’s classified as cosmetic, not medically necessary. Insurance covers preventive and restorative care (cleanings, fillings, crowns), not cosmetic procedures.

Is professional teeth whitening worth the cost? Yes, for most people. Professional whitening produces dramatically more visible results than OTC options, works faster (one appointment vs. 1-2 weeks), and lasts 6-12 months. At $600-$900, cost per month is $50-$150, which is reasonable for results that last half a year. OTC options are cheaper but produce less impressive results.

How long does professional teeth whitening last? Results last 6-12 months on average. Longevity depends on lifestyle (smokers and coffee/wine drinkers see staining faster), maintenance habits, and initial tooth color. Touch-ups every 6-12 months at $200-$400 per session maintain brightness.

Can you get professional teeth whitening on a budget? Yes. Professional at-home kits cost $300-$600 (cheaper than in-office) and produce nearly as good results over 1-2 weeks. OTC strips cost $20-$100 and work for modest brightening. Combining professional whitening once per year with OTC maintenance between treatments is a good budget approach.

What’s the difference between in-office and at-home professional whitening? In-office whitening uses stronger gel applied by professionals, produces results in one 60-90 minute appointment, costs $500-$1,200. Professional at-home uses weaker gel in custom trays, takes 7-14 days, costs $300-$600. Results are similar eventually, but in-office is faster and more dramatic.

How much does professional whitening cost for touch-ups? Professional touch-ups typically cost $200-$400 per session and are usually much cheaper than the initial whitening. Some dentists offer discounted rates for repeat customers or loyalty programs.

Can you whiten your teeth cheaply? Yes, with OTC strips ($20-$100 per box every 3-6 months) or whitening toothpaste ($5-$15 per tube). Results are modest but noticeable over time. Cost is minimal ($10-$30 per year for maintenance). Professional whitening has higher upfront cost but better results and longevity.

Do at-home whitening kits really work? OTC strips work but produce modest results (typically 1-3 shades whiter). Professional at-home kits work much better (typically 4-7 shades whiter) because gel is stronger and trays are custom-fitted. DIY at-home trays produce variable results depending on tray fit quality.

Is teeth whitening permanent? No, results are temporary. Professional whitening lasts 6-12 months. Staining habits (smoking, coffee, wine) accelerate return to baseline color. Maintenance with touch-ups or OTC products extends results. You’ll need periodic touch-ups to maintain brightness.

Can you whiten teeth if you have sensitive teeth? Yes, but with caution. Professional at-home kits with weaker gel are better than in-office for sensitive teeth. Use sensitivity toothpaste for 1-2 weeks before and after. Avoid very hot/cold foods for 48 hours after. If sensitivity is severe, discuss with dentist about pre-treatment with fluoride gel.