Teeth Whitening
Expect to pay $12-$850 for teeth whitening at a typical dental office, or $15-$218 through discount programs and dental schools.
Professional teeth whitening uses bleaching agents to remove deep stains and brighten your smile.
Sources: CDT benchmark database, state Medicaid fee schedules, and providers’ published rates. Re-verified monthly. Nothing on this page is a quote.
Typical Price Range
$12-$850
Based on CDT code database
Discount Programs & Dental Schools
$15-$218
FTC Pricing Disclaimer: Prices shown are estimated ranges based on dental_cdt_prices database (127 CDT codes), ADA fee surveys, FAIR Health. Actual prices vary by location, dentist, and complexity. Always verify pricing before scheduling.
Detailed Price Comparison by CDT Code
Prices from 23 related CDT codes in our database.
| CDT Code | Procedure | Cash Price | Insurer Allowed* | Dental School | FQHC Range | Medicaid (CA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D1354 | Interim Caries Arresting Medicament | $15-$60 | $28-$42 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D1208 | Topical Fluoride - Excluding Varnish | $12-$65 | $27-$45 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D1206 | Topical Fluoride Varnish | $15-$70 | $30-$50 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D1330 | Oral Hygiene Instructions | $15-$70 | $32-$48 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D9910 | Application of Desensitizing Medicament | $20-$85 | $38-$62 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D1351 | Sealant - Per Tooth | $25-$95 | $42-$68 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D9215 | Local Anesthesia | $25-$95 | $42-$68 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D9230 | Nitrous Oxide Analgesia | $35-$130 | $58-$95 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D1120 | Prophylaxis - Child Cleaning | $35-$140 | $58-$90 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D9310 | Consultation | $40-$165 | $75-$115 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D1110 | Prophylaxis - Adult Cleaning | $50-$200 | $85-$130 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D9440 | Office Visit After Hours | $65-$265 | $118-$182 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D9110 | Palliative Treatment - Emergency | $65-$265 | $118-$182 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D4910 | Periodontal Maintenance | $80-$300 | $135-$210 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D9930 | Treatment of Complications | $90-$350 | $155-$245 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D4355 | Full Mouth Debridement | $90-$350 | $155-$245 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D9223 | Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia - Each Additional 15 Minutes | $90-$350 | $155-$245 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D1510 | Space Maintainer - Fixed Unilateral | $150-$500 | $250-$380 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D9222 | Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia - First 15 Minutes | $188-$625 | $292-$458 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D9946 | Occlusal Guard - Hard Appliance - Partial Arch | $200-$700 | $312-$488 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D9945 | Occlusal Guard - Soft Appliance - Full Arch | $200-$700 | $312-$488 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D1516 | Space Maintainer - Fixed Bilateral Upper | $225-$750 | $350-$548 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D9944 | Occlusal Guard - Hard Appliance - Full Arch | $250-$850 | $390-$608 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
*Estimated range insurers typically allow for this procedure (50th-80th percentile), modeled from published fee-survey data. Individual plan rates vary. Medicaid rates come from published state fee schedules and generally apply only to enrolled Medicaid members at participating providers.
Paying With Insurance vs. Paying Cash
Dental insurance works differently from medical insurance. Knowing how plans actually pay for teeth whitening helps you pick the cheaper route.
If you have insurance
Insurer-allowed amount*
Your plan negotiates the fee down to the allowed amount, then typically pays 50-80% of basic work and 50% of major work, until you hit your annual maximum (usually $1,000-$2,000). You pay the rest.
If you pay cash
Negotiable cash price
Many offices discount 10-30% for payment in full at time of service, but you have to ask. Dental schools and FQHC clinics go lower. No waiting periods, no annual maximum.
Third option
Dental savings plan
Not insurance: an annual fee ($80-$200) buys access to pre-negotiated discounts of 15-40% at network dentists. No waiting periods or maximums, often the best fit for major work.
Rule of thumb: for cleanings and checkups, cash is often cheaper than carrying a plan. For a single big procedure, a plan’s $1,000-$2,000 annual maximum usually covers only part of the bill. Compare the insurer-allowed column against a negotiated cash or dental-school price before assuming insurance wins. Watch for 6-12 month waiting periods on new plans.
What's Included
- Cleaning
- Whitening Treatment
- Take-home Trays
Recovery Time
1-2 days sensitivity
Teeth Whitening FAQs
How much does professional teeth whitening cost?
In-office whitening costs $300-$800 for a single session. Take-home whitening kits from your dentist cost $100-$400. Over-the-counter whitening strips ($20-$50) are the cheapest option but less effective than professional treatments.
How long does professional teeth whitening last?
Professional whitening results last 6 months to 2 years depending on your diet, habits (coffee, wine, smoking), and oral hygiene. Touch-up treatments every 6-12 months help maintain results.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes, when performed by a dentist or with dentist-recommended products. Professional whitening uses higher-concentration bleaching agents under controlled conditions. Temporary tooth sensitivity is the most common side effect, usually lasting 1-2 days.
Where to Get Teeth Whitening for Less
Dental Schools
50-70% savings at 66 accredited schools
Community Clinics
Sliding-scale fees at FQHCs
Compare All Prices
CDT codes, Medicaid, discount plans
Plain-English answer: how to negotiate a dental bill
Step-by-step playbook with JAMA 2023 success rates and IRS 501(r) charity-care rules.