Why is dentist whitening so expensive?

Author: Miss Genoveva Bayer  |  Last update: Saturday, November 15, 2025

Professional in-office whitening treatments use much stronger levels of bleaching agents than at-home or over-the-counter whitening products. That does make it more expensive, but it means that you can achieve much more dramatic results from your whitening. Faster results.

Is it worth paying for teeth whitening?

If you have a need to quickly whiten, then it could be worth the price tag to do a professional whitening treatment. At-home teeth whitening options (like whitening strips, toothpaste, and LED kits) take longer to whiten your teeth. You'll need to use the products numerous times to see noticeable results (on average).

How much does it cost to whiten your teeth at the dentist?

In-office or chairside bleaching from a dental professional costs between $800 and $1300. Teeth will be up to ten shades lighter after one hour of treatment.

Is it worth going to the dentist for teeth whitening?

Effective vs Over-The-Counter Options

Dentist-approved teeth whitening treatments contain higher concentrations of active bleaching agents than over-the-counter teeth whitening toothpaste, strips and kits. So they go much deeper than just removing surface stains.

What is the disadvantage of teeth whitening?

What are the risks of teeth whitening? No matter what treatment you use, there's a chance your gums will be sensitive to the chemicals used in teeth whitening, particularly if you already have sensitive teeth. There's also a chance of burns to gums and some of the whitening kits used at home can harm tooth enamel.

Why is Dentistry Expensive? | Dentist Explains

Can yellow teeth become white again?

Yellow teeth can regain whiteness through various methods, including good oral hygiene, professional dental cleanings, and teeth-whitening treatments. Stains from coffee, tea, or tobacco can be removed with adequate oral care, while professional procedures like bleaching or laser treatments offer quicker results.

Why is teeth whitening at dentist so expensive?

Professional in-office whitening treatments use much stronger levels of bleaching agents than at-home or over-the-counter whitening products. That does make it more expensive, but it means that you can achieve much more dramatic results from your whitening. Faster results.

How long does teeth whitening last?

Although teeth whitening is not permanent, it can last for many years. In-office whitening treatments typically last up to 3 years; professional at-home whitening treatment is less long lasting, but it results in much longer-term results than over-the-counter whitening treatments, toothpastes, and whitening strips.

How much is permanent whitening?

Professional treatments range on average between $300 and $1,000. This method of whitening can produce results that last approximately 6 months to 3 years. In contrast, at-home whitening kits provided by a dental professional cost on average between $100 to $600.

What's the cheapest way to whiten teeth?

Over-the-Counter Whitening. These take-home teeth whitening kits and products are the most inexpensive, convenient ways to restore the luster of your pearly whites. You can purchase these cost-effective bleaching and cleaning products at your local supermarket, drug store, or online.

Will insurance cover teeth whitening?

Out-of-Pocket Payment: In most cases, teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by dental insurance, whether in-network or out-of-network. As a result, you should anticipate paying for the procedure out of pocket.

Is it better to get your teeth professionally whitened?

The answer is a resounding yes. The most effective way to whiten teeth is with a professional in-office treatment.

Do dentists recommend teeth whitening?

For long-lasting results, experts recommend a whitening treatment in your dentist's office, followed by monthly over-the-counter treatments for maintenance. But this may not be right for everyone. SOURCES: American Dental Association: "Tooth Whitening,"“ "Natural Teeth Whitening,” "Oil pulling."

How much is teeth whitening without insurance?

What Is The Average Cost Of Professional Teeth Whitening In Camarillo, CA? The average cost ranges from $300 to $1,000.

Do crest white strips work?

While they are extremely popular, many people still question whether or not they actually are effective at whitening teeth. The short answer is yes, they do in fact whiten your teeth over time, but whitening strips are not the best way to whiten your teeth!

Can your teeth go yellow after whitening?

Enhancing your smile and building confidence can be achieved through teeth whitening. Despite the potential for teeth to yellow over time, even post-whitening, various factors like diet, lifestyle choices, age, and genetics may contribute to this discoloration.

Is teeth whitening painful?

With proper care and precaution, patients should not feel pain during teeth whitening procedures. In some cases, tooth sensitivity or gum irritation can occur when the bleaching solution is applied for too long.

How often is it OK to whiten teeth?

Whether you're using commercial whitening strips or an at-home kit from your dentist, most dental professionals recommend touching up every 3-4 months or after every time you have your teeth cleaned. Typically, you only have to wear the kit 3-4 times to “boost” your smile back to its whiter color.

Are there cons to teeth whitening?

One of the most common side effects is tooth sensitivity, which can occur during or after treatment. Overuse or misuse of teeth whitening products can also lead to enamel damage, gum irritation, and discoloration. Additionally, some types of tooth discoloration may not respond well to teeth whitening treatments.

How much should I spend on teeth whitening?

The most common type of professional teeth whitening is in-office bleaching, which usually costs between $500 and $1,000 per session with a national average of $650 per visit. Laser tooth whitening is another popular option that typically costs an average of $750 per session, varying between $500 and $1,000.

Does baking soda whiten teeth?

Baking soda is a natural bleaching agent used to remove stains from teeth. But, how long the baking soda takes to work depends on the severity of the stains. Generally, it takes about two weeks of daily use before you start seeing results.

What vitamin deficiency causes yellow teeth?

The Link Between vitamin D Deficiency and Yellow Teeth

Increased Susceptibility to Cavities: Weak enamel due to insufficient calcium absorption increases the risk of cavities. Decayed areas can appear yellow or brown, contributing to an overall discolored smile.

Is there a toothpaste that really whitens teeth?

Study upon study, however, shows that peroxide toothpastes are no more effective teeth whiteners than other toothpastes. Indeed, no toothpaste actually whitens. All toothpaste can do is remove stains from the surface of a tooth.

How to get white teeth in 1 day?

10 Ways to Whiten Teeth in a Day and Keep Healthy Gums
  1. Brush with Baking Soda. ...
  2. Use Hydrogen Peroxide. ...
  3. Activated Charcoal. ...
  4. Powdered milk and toothpaste. ...
  5. Coconut Oil Pulling with Baking soda. ...
  6. Essential Oils Whitening Toothpaste. ...
  7. Turmeric Whitening Toothpaste. ...
  8. Baking Soda and Strawberry Paste.

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