Planning to get your teeth whitened? Before you book, it is worth knowing” How much is professional teeth whitening,” and is it actually worth the cost?
The answer depends on the method chosen, and the difference between options is bigger than most people expect. This guide covers every whitening option, what drives the price, and how to decide which treatment is right for your smile and budget.
The cost of teeth whitening depends on the method used, with professional treatments typically offering longer-lasting results and more significant improvements.
Teeth Whitening Cost Comparison
| Whitening Method | National Average | Legacy Dental | Shades Improved | Results Duration | Supervised |
| Whitening toothpaste | $5 to $20 | OTC | 1 shade | 3 to 4 months | No |
| Whitening mouthwash | $5 to $15 | OTC | Minimal | Up to 3 months | No |
| OTC whitening strips | $15 to $50 | OTC | 1 to 2 shades | 2 to 6 months | No |
| Microabrasion | Varies | Available | 1 to 2 shades | 6 to 12 months | Yes |
| At-home supervised trays | $196 to $400 | ~$196 | 2 to 4 shades | 1 to 2 years | Yes |
| In-office bleaching | $500 to $1,000 | ~$650 | 4 to 8 shades | 1 to 3 years | Yes |
According to the American Dental Association, the national average cost per arch for in-office whitening is $297. Legacy Dental's $650 in-office teeth whitening in Salt Lake City includes pre-treatment cleaning, gum protection, and Dr. Campbell's post-treatment shade evaluation."
Dr. Campbell holds the FAGD distinction, awarded to fewer than 7% of dentists nationwide. Treatment under a credentialed dentist directly influences precision, sensitivity management, and clinical outcomes.
Severity of Staining
Deeper staining or prior restorations may require additional pre-treatment steps. At Legacy Dental, enamel condition and stain type are assessed before whitening begins to ensure the most appropriate approach for each patient.
Geographic Location
In-office whitening in major US cities averages $700 to $900 per session. Legacy Dental's $650 rate sits within the competitive range of the Salt Lake City market under full clinical supervision.
Number of Sessions Required
Most patients achieve their target shade in one in-office session. Teeth with heavier staining may require a follow-up application, which Dr. Campbell determines based on the post-treatment shade evaluation rather than a fixed package cost.
A cost-per-year comparison provides the clearest answer:
Whitening Option | Upfront Cost | Results Duration | Annual Cost | Shades Improved | Supervised |
OTC Whitening Strips | $45 to $150 | 2 to 6 months | $45 to $150 | 1 to 2 shades | No |
At-Home Supervised Trays | ~$196 | 1 to 2 years | Under $100 | 2 to 4 shades | Yes |
In-Office Bleaching | ~$650 | 1 to 3 years | ~$325 | 4 to 8 shades | Yes |
Note: Legacy Dental's in-office treatment includes pre-treatment prophylaxis, gum protection, and post-treatment touch-up gel provided at follow-up visits. As Colgate's professional whitening resource confirms, dental supervision protects enamel integrity and gingival tissue in ways no OTC product can replicate.
Professional teeth whitening delivers excellent results for many, but it’s important to know if you’re the right candidate to achieve the best outcome.
Suitable Candidates
- Adults with permanent teeth and healthy gums, confirmed through a routine dental check-up, are strong candidates for professional whitening.
- Patients with extrinsic staining caused by coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco.
- Those experiencing mild to moderate yellowing due to natural dentin darkening over time.
Not Suitable For
- Intrinsic discoloration caused by tetracycline or fluorosis
- Significant enamel erosion or exposed root surfaces
- Patients with multiple visible crowns, veneers, bridges, or composite fillings on front teeth, as whitening agents do not affect restorations
For patients with these concerns, Legacy Dental offers cosmetic alternatives, such as porcelain veneers and dental crowns, to address discoloration that whitening treatments cannot reach.
In most cases, no. Teeth whitening is classified as a cosmetic procedure and falls outside standard dental insurance coverage. However, Legacy Dental offers several payment options to make treatment accessible:
- Cherry Financing: Up to 24 months financing with 0% APR options available
- In-House Payment Plan: One-third down with balance paid over a few months
- Membership Plan: 20% discount on procedures including cosmetic whitening
Speak with the Legacy Dental team about which financing option works best for your budget before your consultation.
Professional teeth whitening consistently outperforms at-home alternatives in results, longevity, and clinical safety. Whether the right option is dentist-supervised at-home trays at $196 or in-office bleaching at $650, the annual cost makes professional whitening more affordable than most patients anticipate. The most suitable treatment depends on the enamel condition, stain type, and individual goals. A consultation with the Legacy Dental team provides a clear, clinically informed recommendation before any treatment begins.
At Legacy Dental, Dr. Campbell and the dental team evaluate your enamel condition and tooth shade before recommending any whitening protocol. Call Legacy Dental at (801) 210-8086 or visit us at 1345 East 3900 South, Suite 116, Salt Lake City, UT 84124.
Book your whitening consultation with Legacy Dental today.
