A brighter smile can boost confidence, but professional teeth whitening isn’t always cheap. Prices range from $300 to $1,500 depending on the treatment. But here’s the good news—you don’t have to pay full price. Whether you have insurance or not, or if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, there are ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality.
In this article, we’ll break down:
- The cost of professional teeth whitening
- How to save money whether you have insurance or not
- The secret to massive savings with dental membership plans
Let’s dive in.
How Much Is Professional Teeth Whitening?
The cost of professional teeth whitening depends on the method you choose. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Treatment Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| In-Office Whitening (Zoom, Opalescence, etc.) | $500 – $1,500 |
| Take-Home Custom Whitening Trays | $300 – $600 |
| Over-the-Counter Whitening Strips | $30 – $100 |
| Charcoal & Natural Whitening Kits | $20 – $50 |
Key takeaway: In-office whitening is the most effective but also the most expensive. However, there are affordable ways to get the same results—keep reading to find out how.
Does Insurance Cover Teeth Whitening?
Unfortunately, most dental insurance plans do NOT cover cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening. That means you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket.
But don’t worry—there are other ways to get professional whitening at a fraction of the price.
How to Save on Teeth Whitening (With & Without Insurance)
1. Use a Dental Membership Plan Instead of Insurance
If your insurance doesn’t cover whitening, a dental membership plan could be your best option.
✔️ What is a dental membership plan? It’s a direct savings plan offered by dental offices that gives you access to discounted services—including teeth whitening.
✔️ How much can you save? Up to 50% off professional whitening treatments!
✔️ Where to find a plan? Check out The Patient Marketplace to find local dentists offering membership plans.
Why it’s better than insurance: No waiting periods, no deductibles, no hidden fees—just instant savings.
2. Get a Whitening Package at a Dental School
Dental schools offer teeth whitening treatments at 50%-70% less than private practices. Students perform the procedure under expert supervision, so you get the same professional-grade whitening at a lower cost.
How to find one? Search “dental school clinic near me” or check out the American Dental Association’s (ADA) database of accredited schools.
3. Take Advantage of First-Time Patient Specials
Many dental offices offer introductory discounts for new patients. Some include FREE whitening with a cleaning or exam—a huge cost-saving hack!
Pro tip: Call local dentists and ask about new patient promotions.
4. Use an HSA or FSA Account
If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you might be able to use those funds for professional teeth whitening.
Check with your provider to see if your plan allows it.
5. Look for Limited-Time Discounts on The Patient Marketplace
The Patient Marketplace connects patients with affordable, high-quality dental care.
✔️ Find local dentists offering discounts on whitening and other procedures.
✔️ Compare pricing, membership plans, and patient reviews in one place.
✔️ Get the best price transparency—no hidden fees!
Biggest advantage: You can compare multiple dentists in your area and find the best deal—without the hassle of calling around.
Real Patient Savings: How Jessica Paid 70% Less for Whitening
Jessica, a 32-year-old marketing executive, wanted a brighter smile but was shocked when her dentist quoted $850 for in-office whitening.
She found The Patient Marketplace and discovered a local dentist offering a dental membership plan. For just $149/year, she got: ✔️ Free teeth cleaning & checkups
✔️ 50% off whitening treatments
Instead of paying $850, she only paid $250—saving $600 instantly!
Lesson? Membership plans = massive savings!
Final Thoughts: Get a Brighter Smile for Less
Teeth whitening doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you have insurance or not, there are plenty of ways to save big:
✅ Join a dental membership plan (find one on The Patient Marketplace)
✅ Visit a dental school for 50%+ lower costs
✅ Ask about first-time patient deals
✅ Use an HSA/FSA account
✅ Look for local discounts
Your next step: Click here to find an affordable dentist near you and start saving on teeth whitening today! Explore The Patient Marketplace
