How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost Without Insurance? - GoodRx (2024)

If years of sipping on coffee have left their mark, you may be longing for whiter and brighter teeth. With so many teeth-whitening options available, achieving a radiant smile is certainly possible. But at what cost?

Professional in-office treatments come with a considerably higher price tag, while over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products are more budget-friendly. But each approach has its pros and cons. Understanding the cost of different teeth-whitening methods and ways to save can help you brighten your smile without draining your bank account.

How much does teeth whitening cost without insurance?

The cost of teeth whitening ranges from $10 to $1,000 and sometimes more without insurance. According to a survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the average cost for teeth whitening or bleaching under the guidance of a dentist was $508 in 2022, up from $393 in 2019.

The whitening method you choose affects the cost. For example, professional teeth whitening, such as an in-office treatment, comes with the highest charges. Over-the-counter products like strips and gels are more affordable, but they may take significantly longer to achieve the same results as the professional options.

The chart below provides a summary of what you can expect to pay for different methods of teeth whitening.

In some cases, a type of teeth whitening called internal bleaching is needed. This treatment is done by an endodontist, a dental specialist who treats problems related to the interior of the teeth, and involves bleaching the tooth from the inside out. It’s typically recommended to treat severe discoloration in a tooth that has received endodontic treatment, like a root canal. Internal bleaching can cost around $300 per tooth.

What factors affect the cost of teeth whitening?

As mentioned, the cost of teeth whitening is largely determined by whether you choose professional in-office treatment, a take-home kit provided by your dentist, or OTC products. But other factors that can affect the price include:

• Location: Along with the cost of living, the average rates for dental services can vary from one area to another. In New York City, you may pay between $99-$599 for in-office professional whitening. The same treatment ranges from $650-$1,100 in Rolling Hills Estates, California.

• Dentist's experience: Highly experienced dentists may charge more for their services.

• Consultation fee: Before proceeding with teeth whitening, your dentist will want to examine your teeth and gums to ensure you are a good candidate. This pre-treatment evaluation fee is often an additional expense.

• Extent of discoloration: Do you have severe teeth staining or discoloration? If so, you may require more extensive or longer-term treatments, such as custom home trays, in addition to an in-office whitening session, which may mean a higher cost.

• Dental insurance coverage: Few dental insurance plans cover the cost of teeth whitening.

• Maintenance: Teeth whitening doesn’t provide permanent results. After the initial whitening, aftercare products and touch-up sessions may be needed to maintain your brighter and whiter smile.

What teeth-whitening services does insurance cover?

Teeth whitening is usually not covered by dental insurance because it’s considered a cosmetic procedure and not medically necessary. The few dental plans that cover a portion of teeth-whitening costs typically have restrictions.

The Humana Bright Plus dental plan, for instance, provides a $100 allowance per year for in-office teeth whitening. So if your teeth-whitening treatment costs $400, you'd get $100 off and pay $300 out-of-pocket using this plan. And there's no waiting period or deductible to meet.

Guardians Direct’s Diamond dental plan also helps offset teeth-whitening costs, but the coverage works a bit differently. After you've been enrolled for 6 months, this plan pays 50% of your teeth-whitening expenses. However, you have to meet a $50 deductible first.

So let's say your teeth whitening costs $600. You'd pay the first $50, then Guardian would cover 50% of the remaining $550, which is $275. Your total out-of-pocket costs would be $325 ($50 deductible plus the remaining $275). This Guardian plan has a $500 annual maximum benefit for teeth whitening, as well.

Some dental savings plans — which work differently than dental insurance — offer discounts on teeth-whitening treatments. For example, the Aetna Vital Savings plan provides 15% to 50% off your bills for dental services, including teeth whitening, at participating dentists.

How much does teeth whitening cost with insurance?

While teeth whitening isn’t usually covered by dental insurance plans, some policies may offer a small allowance or discount that can help reduce the cost. So the cost of teeth whitening with insurance depends on your specific plan and its benefits.

To get a clear picture of how your coverage could affect the cost, review your dental insurance policy or call your plan administrator directly. They can tell you if your plan includes any benefits for teeth whitening and, if so, what type of coverage you can expect.

Even if your plan offers some teeth-whitening coverage, there may be limitations. For example, your plan might only cover specific types of whitening treatments, require you to use an in-network dentist, or have a waiting period before coverage kicks in. You can also likely expect to pay copayments or coinsurance.

What are other ways to get help paying for teeth whitening?

Here’s some good news: There are ways to get whiter and brighter teeth without straining your budget.

The first step is to schedule a consultation with your dentist, so they can evaluate your teeth and gums. During this consultation, be honest about any budget concerns you have, and ask about cost-effective options that can still deliver the results you want. Once you have your dentist's advice, consider these 5 strategies to start achieving your teeth-whitening goals.

1. Shop around

If you’re considering in-office teeth whitening, don't settle for the first quote you receive. Take some time to research different dentists, compare prices, and read reviews from patients. Shopping around can help you find the best value for your money and ensure you're getting a safe and effective treatment.

2. Check for promotions

Keep an eye out for special offers from dental offices and manufacturers of whitening products. You may be able to find discounts on in-office treatments for new patients, bundle deals on take-home kits, or even free teeth-whitening consultations.

3. Look into dental savings programs

Some dental savings programs provide discounts on teeth-whitening treatments, but this isn’t a common practice. Before enrolling in a dental savings program, make sure to understand the program’s rules and benefits, as well as any restrictions. Calculate the potential savings and compare them to the membership fee to determine if joining the program makes financial sense. If the numbers add up, a dental savings plan can be a good way to reduce the cost of teeth whitening.

4. Ask about a payment plan

Some dental offices offer financing options that let you spread the cost of teeth whitening over several months. When looking at payment plans, ask about interest rates and fees. Try to find options with low or zero interest to avoid paying more in the long run.

5. Try over-the-counter whitening options

Talk to your dentist about OTC teeth-whitening products, since they’re more affordable than in-office treatments. Your dentist can help you choose a product that's both safe and effective. When shopping for OTC whitening products, look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. This seal means that a product meets the ADA’s requirements for safety and effectiveness.

Can you use FSA or HSA funds for teeth whitening?

No, teeth whitening treatments are considered a cosmetic procedure. If you want to get the tax benefits, you can only use money from a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to pay for medical expenses related to treating or preventing diseases and illnesses, according to IRS Publication 502.