The cost of teeth whitening varies significantly depending on the type of whitening treatment you’re pursuing. Professional treatments available at your dentist's office are more expensive than drugstore options, but they typically deliver superior results in less time.
Prices for any dental treatment vary widely based on location, type of treatment, and other factors. Read on to learn more about the types of teeth whitening available and the price range for each.
Laser Teeth Whitening
Laser teeth whitening is an effective way to brighten your teeth. Lasers are used to speed up the effect of bleach on the teeth, activating a chemical in the bleaching gel that generates oxygen molecules that penetrate and break apart stain molecules.
A rough estimate for laser whitening is between $600 to $1,000, depending on location and the availability of the service.
Zoom! Teeth Whitening
The Zoom! in-office procedure can entail up to four visits to the dentist—one for a consultation, one for the treatment itself, and up to two follow-ups. The treatment typically takes about an hour but may take longer for badly stained teeth.
With this treatment, a bleaching agent is applied to the teeth and exposed to a special light that activates it.
The cost of Zoom! Teeth Whitening starts at around $500.
Opalescence Tooth Whitening
Opalescence offers a professional, in-office teeth whitening option that delivers a brighter smile in about an hour, starting at about $395.
Opalescence also offers highly effective take-home kits in different concentrations depending on your needs and your dentist's recommendation. You can achieve a brighter smile in as little as one week for between $75 and $100 with an Opalescence take-home whitening kit from your dentist's office.
Drugstore Teeth Whitening Kits
Teeth whitening kits bought at drugstores or online are the cheapest way to brighten your smile. While many over-the-counter options are available, none of them include a custom-fitted tray to effectively hold the product against your teeth, which is essential for minimizing gum irritation and achieving the best results with bleaching kits.
Additionally, drugstore options contain a lower concentration of the active ingredient than the products available at your dental office.
Over-the-counter options cost anywhere from $10-$100.
Advantages of Professional Teeth Whitening
What are the advantages of professional teeth whitening at a dentist's office?
- Custom-made bleaching trays fit your mouth perfectly, reducing the risk of gum irritation and delivering more uniform results.
- The use of more concentrated bleaching solutions provides faster and more dramatic results.
- In-office whitening can often be completed in one visit instead of several weeks when using products bought over the counter.
The American Dental Association reports that in-office whitening may also produce safer long-term results than other methods. One study revealed that participants who had their teeth whitened by a dentist showed no significant wear on tooth enamel up to four years later.
Ready to Learn More About Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a relatively inexpensive procedure that can dramatically improve your smile and boost your confidence. While many products are available in stores for at-home teeth whitening, most people find that professional products work best—particularly if you have significant staining or discoloration.
Whether you’re looking for the most effective in-office or at-home teeth whitening, Dr. Todd is ready to help. Contact us today to get started!