Teeth whitening: Safety, effectiveness, and what it costs
Last updated December 16, 2025
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While you probably enjoyed a nice, bright smile when you were younger, you may have noticed that some of that sparkle has faded over the years. It’s not your fault: for most people, tooth discoloration is virtually impossible to avoid, even if they adhere to a rigorous oral hygiene regimen.
However, it feels good to have a nice smile. That’s why it’s estimated that up to 19% of Americans have already whitened their teeth.1 If you're thinking about it too, take a minute to learn more about:
Causes of tooth discoloration
Over the years, teeth are subject to both extrinsic and intrinsic staining and discoloration. The leading causes of extrinsic (i.e., external) staining are the types of foods and drinks that cause stains on clothing — including coffee, tea, red wine, cola, and berries. And if you ever smoked or used chewing tobacco, that probably contributed to your
Intrinsic (internal) discoloration is a bit different, and tends to make teeth become yellow or gray over time. The main causes include excessive fluoride exposure during childhood, medications such as tetracycline and antibiotics, and dental disease.
Also, as people age, enamel — the hard exterior tooth layer — wears down. As a result, the yellowish dentin underneath becomes more visible, resulting in a naturally darker or yellower appearance. Also, poor oral hygiene — not brushing and flossing regularly — allows plaque and stains to accumulate, which contributes to discoloration.
Tooth discoloration can affect you in surprising ways
Some people might think that concern over tooth discoloration is misplaced because it's merely a cosmetic issue. But the fact is, aesthetics can have a direct impact on confidence, self-esteem, social participation, and even mental health.
Guardian research found that among adults with “fair” or “poor” oral health, 78% report a negative impact on emotional health. That can manifest itself in a variety of ways:
45% say they don’t smile often*
Nearly 4 in 10 report low self-esteem*
Nearly 1 in 5 report increased depression*
In other words, credible data suggests that cosmetic dental treatments, including tooth whitening, can not only improve a person’s appearance but may also improve their state of mind and even their ability to succeed.
What is teeth whitening, and how does it work?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure — a form of operative dentistry — designed to lighten tooth color by removing stains and discoloration, resulting in a brighter and whiter appearance.
Tooth whitening can remove both extrinsic stains, which usually respond well to standard whitening treatments, and intrinsic stains. However, the latter may require specialized whitening treatments such as bleaching with peroxide-based materials.
Teeth whitening can be done in-office by a dentist or other dental professional, or at home using professional-strength gels, available by prescription. Over-the-counter teeth whitening products are also available for home use, including whitening toothpaste, teeth whitening strips, and whitening gel.
For bleaching extrinsic stains on teeth, hydrogen peroxide is typically used in low to moderate concentrations for athome products (around 1.5-6%) and in higher concentrations (about 15–40%) for inoffice procedures.2 Carbamide peroxide concentrations for bleaching extrinsic stains typically range from 10–22% in at-home tray systems.3 Higher levels up to 35–45% exist for professional use on stubborn extrinsic stains but carry greater risks and are not standard for routine at-home application.4
Removal of intrinsic stains and discoloration is generally performed in a dental office. The treatment involves teeth bleaching, which uses stronger concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (25%-40%)5 and can lighten teeth beyond their natural color, sometimes several shades whiter than the tooth’s original hue. In addition to potent bleaching agents, dentists may speed the process and enhance results by using advanced technologies such as lasers and LED lights.
Both standard teeth whitening and teeth bleaching can whiten teeth, but bleaching achieves a more dramatic result by surpassing the original tooth color. It’s important to note that whitening treatments only work on natural tooth enamel, not on restorations such as crowns, caps, or veneers. If you’re having such work done, dentists will often recommend whitening natural teeth before placing crowns, caps or veneers to achieve an optimal color match.
Risks and side effects of tooth whitening and bleaching
While tooth whitening and bleaching are generally considered very safe, there are some possible side effects that you should discuss with your dentist before starting treatment. Among the most common are:
Tooth sensitivity
After undergoing teeth whitening or bleaching, your teeth may be sensitive to heat, cold, and sugary or acidic food and drink. This sensitivity is usually temporary and can be reduced by using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth or a fluoride mouthwash.
Irritated gums
Should a strong whitening solution come in contact with your gum tissue, your gums may become red, swollen, or sore. Gum sensitivity can be reduced by rinsing with salt water, a chlorhexidine rinse, or using a topical numbing gel. Symptoms should ease within a few days after treatment.
It’s important to note here that patients with gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) may want to avoid teeth whitening and bleaching, as these can exacerbate symptoms. If teeth whitening or bleaching is considered essential, patients should address their gum issues before undergoing treatment. Your dentist or periodontist can help you make an appropriate plan.
Over-whitening
Excessive whitening — often a result of patients overusing home whitening products — may cause teeth to appear translucent, bluish, or gray. Following product directions carefully and discussing your home treatment plan with a dentist can help you avoid this disturbing side effect.
Uneven whitening
Uneven whitening results in teeth appearing patchy or blotchy, with some areas looking significantly whiter than others. This is more common when patients opt for at-home treatments and are responsible for applying whitening agents.
Pros and cons of in-office and at-home treatment
As discussed above, teeth whitening can be done in the office by a dentist, or you can do it yourself at home. The question is, which route is best for you? Here are some key considerations.
Consider in-office whitening treatment if you have deeper, intrinsic stains that require strong, professionally supervised care; need immediate, dramatic whitening results before a special occasion or event; have sensitive teeth or gums and prefer the safety of professional care; or want precise control over the process and results.
Consider at-home whitening if you have mild to moderate surface staining, are okay with gradual whitening results, require convenience and flexibility, or if your schedule doesn't allow for office visits. It's also a good option if your budget limits you to affordable at-home treatments or if you are maintaining your teeth after an initial round of professional whitening.
Benefits of in-office whitening include fast, dramatic, lasting results. It’s often possible for teeth to get several shades whiter in one session, and professional supervision reduces the chance of side effects like uneven whitening. The results may also last longer.
Benefits of at-home whitening include cost and convenience. Self-treatment at home tends to be much less expensive than in-office treatments with a dentist, often costing as little as $50-$100. You can also do it on your own schedule, rather than booking and going to an appointment with your dentist.
Teeth whitening options compared
Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|
Over-the-Counter Products (e.g., whitening strips for at-home use) | • Most affordable: $10–$100 • Simple to do • Most convenient | • Limited effectiveness • Results take longer to appear • Risk of uneven whitening, gum irritation • Improper use may damage enamel |
Prescription Kits (Custom trays for at-home use) | • Professional-strength gels • Customized for even, effective whitening • Monitored by a dentist • At-home convenience | • Slower less dramatic results than in-office whitening • Requires daily use for 1-2 weeks. • Can cost $100–$600, |
Professional Teeth Whitening (In-office treatments) | • Fast, long-lasting effects • Professional supervision ensures safety, minimizes side effects | • Highest cost: $300–$1,000 per session • Inconvenient, requires dental office visits |
Shade Change | Duration | Sensitivity Risk | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Over-the-Counter Products (e.g., whitening strips for at-home use) | 1-2 shades | Weeks | Low-Moderate | Mild stains |
Prescription Kits (Custom trays for at-home use) | 2-4 shades | Months | Moderate | Good results, reasonable cost |
Professional Teeth Whitening (In-office treatments) | 3-8 shades | Years | High | Fast, dramatic results |
Cost information from How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost? A Comprehensive Price Guide and How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost? Price and Procedure Guide
What does whitening cost? And is it covered?
If you’re thinking about trying teeth whitening for yourself, you probably want to know about the cost and whether it’s covered by dental insurance. The quick answer to both is “It depends.”
Teeth whitening costs vary significantly depending on the treatment chosen, with professional in-office procedures being the most expensive and over-the-counter products the most affordable. Here’s an idea of what to expect:
Professional in-office whitening costs typically range from $300 to $1,000 per session, depending on your location, dental provider, and type of whitening treatment. Laser or advanced light-activated treatments may cost up to $1,500 in metropolitan areas and slightly less in rural areas.6
Dentist-prescribed at-home kits are priced between $100 and $600, which covers custom-made trays and professional-strength whitening gels.7
Over-the-counter whitening products, including whitening strips, gels and toothpastes, generally cost between $10 and $100.8
Some dental insurance plans can cover part of the cost, but teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure and is usually excluded from standard dental plans. According to DentalInsurance.com, only about 17% of dental insurance plans offer any whitening coverage.9 That said, it’s important to always check with your insurance’s current policy documents, just in case your dental plan is among the exceptions to the rule.