Costs March 2, 2026 · 6 min read

Teeth Whitening Cost: In-Office vs At-Home

Q: How much does teeth whitening cost?

Professional teeth whitening costs $400–$800 for an in-office treatment (like Zoom or laser whitening) and $200–$500 for a dentist-supplied take-home kit with custom trays. Over-the-counter strips and gels are cheapest at $20–$60 but work more slowly and less dramatically. In-office whitening gives the fastest, most noticeable results in about an hour, while custom take-home trays whiten gradually over a couple of weeks with professional-strength gel. Because whitening is purely cosmetic , dental insurance does not cover it. Prices vary by NYC location and provider. To save, choose a dentist's take-home kit over in-office, watch for new-patient whitening promotions, or use quality over-the-counter products for mild staining. Whitening doesn't work on crowns, veneers or fillings, and isn't recommended during pregnancy or for sensitive teeth without a dentist's guidance — so a quick consult is worthwhile before you spend.

In-office whitening costs $400–$800; take-home kits less. Here's what you pay for each option, why insurance won't cover it, and what actually works.

MDB

My Dentist Brooklyn Editorial

Independent dental guide · Brooklyn, NY

How much does teeth whitening cost?

Professional teeth whitening costs $400–$800 for an in-office treatment (like Zoom or laser whitening) and $200–$500 for a dentist-supplied take-home kit with custom trays. Over-the-counter strips and gels are cheapest at $20–$60 but work more slowly and less dramatically. In-office whitening gives the fastest, most noticeable results in about an hour, while custom take-home trays whiten gradually over a couple of weeks with professional-strength gel. Because whitening is purely cosmetic, dental insurance does not cover it. Prices vary by NYC location and provider. To save, choose a dentist's take-home kit over in-office, watch for new-patient whitening promotions, or use quality over-the-counter products for mild staining. Whitening doesn't work on crowns, veneers or fillings, and isn't recommended during pregnancy or for sensitive teeth without a dentist's guidance — so a quick consult is worthwhile before you spend.

Your three main options

In-office (Zoom/laser): $400–$800. Fastest, most dramatic, done in ~1 hour.
Dentist take-home kit: $200–$500. Custom trays + pro-strength gel, results over 1–2 weeks.
Over-the-counter: $20–$60. Strips and gels for mild staining.

Why insurance won't cover it

Whitening is cosmetic, so it's excluded from every standard plan. Budget for it as an out-of-pocket cost. See what insurance does cover in our insurance guide.

What actually works

Professional treatments use higher-concentration peroxide than store products, so they whiten more and faster. In-office is best for quick results before an event; custom take-home trays often give the best value and lasting results.

What whitening can't do

It doesn't whiten crowns, veneers or fillings — they stay their original shade.
It won't fix deep, internal stains (those may need veneers — see veneer costs).
It can cause temporary sensitivity.

Saving money

Choose a take-home kit over in-office.
Look for new-patient whitening offers.
Use reputable OTC products for light staining.

A short consult avoids wasting money on the wrong option — find a dentist via our Brooklyn guide.

Editorial note. This guide is general consumer information for Brooklyn and NYC residents, written and reviewed by the My Dentist Brooklyn editorial team. We are an independent resource and not a dental practice. Prices are typical US estimates in dollars and are not quotes. Always consult a licensed dentist for diagnosis and treatment.

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