How much does teeth whitening cost?
Find out with our quick guide to teeth whitening. With a variety of options that help you affordably brighten your smile, we’re here to help you understand their associated costs and what comes with each option so you can decide which treatment may be right for you.
¹Offer available in select offices. Not valid for previous or ongoing work and cannot be combined with other discounts or dental discount programs. Not valid on Basic or Classic dentures or orthodontia. Discount taken off usual and customary fees for general dentistry services and does not apply to services rendered by a specialist. Patients with insurance will receive either the 20% discount or insurance plan pricing, whichever discount is greater.
Offer expires 12/31/25.
Cost of teeth whitening at Aspen Dental
The average cost of teeth whitening varies based on the method you choose—in-office or at-home. No matter which option you select, removing teeth stains and discoloration likely costs less than you think.
For your best results, we recommend an in-office treatment. With a professional whitening visit, you’ll get a fast, fully customized experience with longer-lasting results. These in-office teeth whitening treatments cost on average $449² for Aspen Dental patients, and may include everything from whitening gel and chair time, to at-home products that maintain your desired shade.
²This average price is an approximation based on 2025 internal data and may not reflect the actual cost you will encounter due to individual factors. Price range varies from $359 to $485. For location specific pricing, please click here.
How we make teeth whitening affordable
³Offer available in select offices. Not valid for previous or ongoing work and cannot be combined with other discounts or dental discount programs. Not valid on Basic or Classic dentures or orthodontia. Discount taken off usual and customary fees for general dentistry services and does not apply to services rendered by a specialist. Patients with insurance will receive either the 20% discount or insurance plan pricing, whichever discount is greater. Offer expires 12/31/25.
Professional teeth whitening vs. at-home solutions
Both professional and at-home solutions have their advantages and disadvantages. Let's compare:
Effectiveness | Cost | Follow-ups | Longevity | Convenience | Customization | |
Professional solutions | High, up to 10 shades brighter in one session⁴ | $$ - $$$ | Touch-up kits included | 6 months - 1 year⁴ | Requires a visit to the dentist | Tailored to you |
At-home solutions | Moderate, noticeable after 3-4 sessions | $ - $$ | Not included | A few months⁴ | Visit not required | One-size-fits-all |
⁴Based on Glo Science clinical studies.
Teeth whitening at the dentist: your costs explained
Learn how the cost of teeth whitening varies from type to type.
In-office teeth whitening
Faster results: Our in-office teeth whitening treatment uses advanced light-activated LED technology for a fast, highly-effective treatment in the fraction of the time of at-home kits. While using these more powerful tech can be more expensive, it leads to safer results that last longer.
Whitening goals: With in-office whitening, you can customize how many shades brighter you want to go. Typically your care includes three light sessions in a single visit to ensure you get the shade you want.
Consistent brightening: To get a consistent and even shade for your smile, you’ll need the help of a professional. Our team is trained on how to effectively and safely make your smile evenly bright based on how your teeth currently look today.
Safety: When you get professional whitening, we take into consideration how sensitive your teeth are and make adjustments to your plan to keep you comfortable. While over-the-counter at-home kits that are available beyond your local office are a great solution for a more subtle and easy brightening effect, they are not customized to the health of your current teeth, which can lead to later damage and costs down the line.
At-home teeth whitening kit
Professional at-home options: Aspen Dental offers safe whitening kits you can use at home that are more effective than traditional over-the-counter options. These kits include custom trays and professional whitening gel designed for your smile and unique goals. While they don’t provide as quick or bright of results as an in-office treatment, many patients use these kits to maintain and extend the results from their visit.
Over-the-counter: Getting started on whitening your teeth is simple and affordable with at-home kits because they’re easy to access. While you can find them anywhere and save money upfront, it’s important to consider your goals, gum sensitivity and tooth sensitivity before starting to use them. We always recommend visiting a dentist ahead of time to see what’s best for your smile.
One-size-fits-all solution: Over-the-counter at-home kits are a generic solution to brighten your smile, which is why they’re typically affordable upfront. While this may be great if you’re looking for a subtle brightening effect, if you’re looking for a bigger transformation, you’ll save more time and money long-term with a professional treatment which includes at-home maintenance kits that customized for your goals.
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Teeth whitening cost FAQs
Is teeth whitening cost covered by insurance?
Most dental plans consider teeth whitening a cosmetic service, so related costs are rarely covered. You can still use benefits for an oral exam to learn if teeth whitening is for you, what kind of teeth whitening you’d like and get an estimate. When you visit, make sure to bring your insurance plan details with you so your local Aspen Dental team can review what your plan covers.
How long do whitening results last and what affects value?
With good habits, many patients enjoy brighter results for anywhere from a few months to over a year. Coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco can cause stains and discoloration, which can lead to shorter teeth whitening results. To help maintain or extend the color of your treatment, we recommend regular cleanings and touch-ups, either in-office or with custom trays for at-home use.
How can I lower my cost safely with at-home options?
At Aspen Dental, we recommend starting with a dental exam. This allows us to create a teeth whitening plan to your enamel and tooth sensitivity. We also offer dentist-supervised custom trays as a gradual, budget-friendly way to whiten and maintain your results after in-office treatment. To save even more, ask your local team about available financing.
How does a provider decide what whitening will cost me?
Your Aspen Dental provider starts by reviewing your goals and deciding if in-office whitening or take-home trays are the best fit for your goals. They then estimate how many sessions you’ll likely need to achieve your desired results before going over your care plan with you.
Your personalized estimate will included costs based on your estimated whitening services as well as recommended preparation treatment and your location. Keep in mind, your oral health plays a role in your overall whitening care plan. Some patients may need a cleaning or other treatments before starting your whitening treatments. If that’s recommended for you, once your prep care is complete, your provider will get started on your whitening treatment.