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Bleaching Cost for Teeth: How Much & How to Save on Teeth Whitening

March 27, 2025
Topics: Patients
Written by: Ally Comstock

How Much Does Teeth Bleaching Cost?

If you’re considering teeth bleaching for a brighter smile, you may be wondering:

What is the average cost of teeth bleaching?
Are professional whitening treatments worth the price?
How can I save money on teeth bleaching with or without insurance?

Teeth bleaching costs range from $100 to $1,500, depending on the method used. While in-office professional whitening offers faster and longer-lasting results, at-home whitening kits can be a more budget-friendly alternative.

The good news? There are affordable ways to whiten your teeth professionally without paying full price.

This guide will break down the cost of teeth bleaching, affordable whitening options, and how to save on your treatment.


Teeth Bleaching Cost by Method

1. In-Office Professional Teeth Bleaching (Fastest Results)

Cost: $300 – $1,500
Best for: Immediate, long-lasting whitening results
Pros:
✅ Whitens teeth up to 8 shades lighter in one visit
Stronger bleaching agents than at-home kits
✅ Supervised by a dental professional for even, safe results
Cons:
Higher upfront cost
May cause temporary tooth sensitivity

Great for those who want dramatic whitening results in a single session.

Find affordable professional teeth whitening at The Patient Marketplace.


2. At-Home Custom Tray Whitening (Professional Results at Home)

Cost: $200 – $600
Best for: Custom-fit whitening at home with dentist-approved gels
Pros:
✅ More affordable than in-office whitening
Custom trays ensure even whitening
Stronger than over-the-counter kits
Cons:
Takes longer (2-3 weeks) to see full results
Must be worn daily for best effect

Great for those who want dentist-quality whitening at home.

Compare custom tray whitening prices at The Patient Marketplace.


3. Over-the-Counter Whitening Kits (Budget-Friendly)

Cost: $20 – $150
Best for: Affordable at-home whitening
Pros:
Most affordable whitening option
Convenient & available at local stores
Effective for mild staining
Cons:
Takes longer to see results (2-4 weeks)
Weaker bleaching agents than professional treatments
Strips or trays may not fit perfectly

Perfect for those looking for a low-cost, easy way to brighten their smile.

Find the best whitening kits at The Patient Marketplace.


4. Whitening Toothpaste & Mouthwash (Least Expensive Option)

Cost: $5 – $30
Best for: Maintaining white teeth after bleaching
Pros:
Super affordable
Can help remove surface stains
Safe for daily use
Cons:
Minimal whitening effects
Cannot remove deep stains

Best for maintaining results after professional whitening.

Find affordable whitening toothpaste options at The Patient Marketplace.


Factors That Affect Teeth Bleaching Costs

Type of Whitening Treatment – Professional in-office treatments cost more than at-home kits.
Location & Dentist’s Expertise – Cosmetic dentists in high-cost cities charge more.
Strength of Bleaching Agent – Stronger professional formulas cost more than over-the-counter kits.
Number of Sessions Needed – Some patients may need multiple treatments for deeper stains.
Additional Services – Whitening with bonding or veneers adds to the cost.

Even with these factors, there are ways to lower your teeth bleaching costs while maintaining quality results.


How to Save Money on Teeth Bleaching

1. Use a Dental Membership Plan for Discounts

Dental membership plans can save you 30-60% on professional teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures.

Example Savings With a Membership Plan:
In-Office Whitening: $600 → Membership plan covers 40% ($240), you pay $360
Custom Tray Whitening: $300 → Membership plan covers 40% ($120), you pay $180

Low monthly or annual fee ($150-$400/year)
Discounts on exams, cleanings, and whitening treatments
No waiting periods, claim denials, or restrictions

Find affordable teeth whitening providers at The Patient Marketplace.


2. Look for Teeth Whitening Promotions & New Patient Specials

Many dental offices offer discounts on professional whitening for new patients or during special promotions.

Ways to save:
Check for first-time patient specials
Look for holiday or seasonal promotions
Some dentists bundle whitening with cleanings for discounts

Compare teeth bleaching deals at The Patient Marketplace.


3. Ask About Payment Plans & Financing Options

If you can’t afford to pay for professional whitening upfront, many dental offices offer monthly payment plans to make treatment more manageable.

CareCredit & LendingClub – 0% financing available for qualified applicants
In-house payment plans – Monthly payments with no interest
Third-party lenders – Low-interest loans for cosmetic treatments

Find financing-friendly dentists at The Patient Marketplace.


4. Maintain Whitening Results to Avoid Paying for Touch-Ups

Once you’ve whitened your teeth, taking care of them will extend results and prevent additional whitening costs.

Brush & floss daily to prevent stains
Use whitening toothpaste & mouthwash
Avoid stain-causing foods/drinks (coffee, wine, tobacco)
Get professional cleanings every 6 months

Proper maintenance will keep your teeth whiter for longer, reducing the need for frequent bleaching treatments.

Find affordable dental cleanings at The Patient Marketplace.


Real Patient Story: How Jake Saved Over $400 on Teeth Whitening

Jake, a 35-year-old marketing professional, wanted professional teeth whitening but couldn’t afford the $800 in-office price.

Solution? He found an affordable provider through The Patient Marketplace, which offered:
A membership plan with a 40% discount
A financing plan with $25/month payments

Original cost: $800
Discounted cost with membership: $480
Total savings: $320+

Now, Jake has a brighter smile without financial stress!

Like Jake, you can find affordable teeth bleaching by choosing the right provider and membership plan!


Find Affordable Teeth Bleaching Near You Today

Looking for affordable, high-quality teeth bleaching? The Patient Marketplace connects you with trusted, cost-effective teeth whitening providers.

Compare local prices & find expert dentists
Save 30-60% on professional whitening
Find flexible payment plans that fit your budget

Click here to explore affordable teeth bleaching options now!

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Jordon Comstock

Author Bio

Jordon Comstock is the Founder & CEO of BoomCloud™, a software that allows practice, clinic & spa owners to build, manage and scale a membership program. Jordon loves helping patients save on care & writing tips in dentistry, optometry and the spa industries. Jordon is passionate about music, Hawaii, Healthcare businesses like: dentistry, optometry, med spas and massage spas.