Looking to brighten your smile? Teeth whitening, also known as teeth bleaching, is a common cosmetic dental treatment that can help lighten the color of your teeth and remove surface stains. While there are a variety of whitening methods available, professional treatments performed in a dental office or take-home professional strength bleach from your dentist tend to produce the most noticeable results. 

How much does teeth bleaching cost?

The cost of professional teeth whitening (bleaching) can vary depending on the whitening system used, number of sessions required, and your dental benefits coverage. The average out-of-network cost for in-office teeth bleaching treatments can range from $40 to $700 per visit.¹ If you are interested in take-home trays, talk to your dentist about the options and cost.

Use our cost estimator tool to find a price range for teeth bleaching near you.

What does the price of professional teeth whitening include?

The cost of a professional teeth bleaching treatment can vary based on your individual needs and dental benefits. In general, the price typically includes a dental exam to determine if bleaching is appropriate, the application of a whitening agent in the office, and the use of specialized lights to help activate the bleaching process. Take-home treatments typically include custom trays and bleach applicators that are used at home.

Are there alternatives to professional teeth whitening?

If you are looking for a brighter smile without professional teeth bleaching, there are alternatives available. 

Professional dental alternatives to teeth whitening include:

• Dental veneers: A thin covering made of porcelain or composite resin material that can mask discolorations, brighten teeth, and generally improve your smile.
• Dental bonding: A cosmetic procedure that uses a tooth-colored composite resin material to cover stained areas of teeth.

If you prefer to whiten your teeth without a dentist, at-home treatments include:

• Whitening toothpaste: A special toothpaste with mild abrasives and polishing agents that help remove surface stains and gradually brighten the appearance of your teeth.
• Whitening strips: These flexible plastic strips are coated with whitening gel that adheres to your teeth to help lift surface stains and lighten tooth color over time.
• LED light systems: This method uses a whitening gel paired with a blue light device to enhance stain removal and speed up the whitening process.

Is professional teeth whitening covered by insurance?

Coverage for teeth bleaching varies by dental plan. Since teeth bleaching is typically a cosmetic service, it is usually not covered by dental insurance, although some plans may cover it. Review your plan details to determine if your plan covers bleaching.  

Talk to your dentist about professional teeth whitening

Thinking about whitening your teeth? Start by asking your dentist for the cost of an option that fits your goals. Be sure to review your dental benefits plan as well, so you know what is covered before beginning treatment.