Professional teeth whitening at a dentist typically costs between $300 and $800 for in-office treatments in the Brooklyn area. Take-home whitening trays from a dentist usually range from $200 to $400. While this is more expensive than drugstore options, professional whitening is safer, more effective, and delivers longer-lasting results, which is especially important for teenagers with developing teeth.
If you are considering whitening for yourself or your teen, understanding the cost breakdown helps you make an informed decision. Here is what you can expect to pay and what factors influence the price.
What Affects the Cost of Professional Teeth Whitening?
Several factors determine what you will pay for teeth whitening at a dental office.
- Type of treatment. In-office whitening costs more than take-home trays because it uses stronger whitening agents and produces faster results. The dentist also provides direct supervision throughout the procedure.
- Geographic location. Dental offices in premium Brooklyn neighborhoods like DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, or Park Slope often charge more than practices in areas like Coney Island, Sheepshead Bay, or Midwood. However, choosing a practice based on expertise rather than location often provides better value.
- Dentist credentials and experience. A board-certified specialist with advanced training may charge more, but you are paying for expertise and safer outcomes. This matters especially for teen patients whose enamel is still developing.
- Number of sessions needed. Some patients achieve their desired results in one session. Others with deeper staining may need multiple treatments, increasing the overall cost.
- Severity of discoloration. Surface stains from food and drinks are easier to treat than intrinsic discoloration caused by medications, fluorosis, or genetics. More severe staining requires more intensive treatment.
In-Office Teeth Whitening vs. Take-Home Trays
Both options are professional grade, but they differ in cost, convenience, and speed of results.
In-office whitening ($300 to $800) uses higher concentration whitening agents applied by the dentist in a single appointment. Most patients see results of three to eight shades lighter in about one hour. This option is ideal for people who want immediate results or have an upcoming event.
Benefits include:
- Immediate, dramatic results in one visit
- Professional supervision throughout the procedure
- Custom gum protection to prevent irritation
- Controlled application for even whitening
Take-home trays from a dentist ($200 to $400) use custom-fitted trays made from impressions of your teeth. You apply a professional-strength gel at home over two to four weeks. Results are gradual but comparable to in-office treatment.
Benefits include:
- Lower upfront cost
- Flexibility to whiten at your convenience
- Custom trays ensure even coverage
- Trays can be reused for touch-ups
For teenagers, take-home trays are often the preferred option. “We use custom-fit whitening trays with pediatric-safe gels,” explains Dr. Yury Slepak, board-certified pediatric dentist at Bite Squad Dental of NYC. “By using low-concentration gels and monitoring tooth health before starting, we ensure safe results for younger patients.”
Is Professional Teeth Whitening Worth the Cost?
When you compare professional whitening to over-the-counter products, the investment often makes sense.
Over-the-counter whitening strips cost $20 to $50 per box. They use lower concentrations of whitening agents and produce modest results that fade within a few months. Many people repurchase strips multiple times per year, which adds up.
Professional whitening costs more upfront but delivers stronger, longer-lasting results. Professional treatments typically last one to three years with proper maintenance. When you calculate the cost over time, professional whitening often provides better value.
Beyond cost, professional whitening offers safety advantages:
- The dentist checks for cavities, cracks, or gum disease before treatment
- Custom application prevents gel from irritating gums
- Treatment time is controlled to prevent sensitivity
- The concentration is appropriate for your specific needs
For teenagers, professional supervision is especially important. Teen enamel is still developing, and improper use of over-the-counter products can cause sensitivity or damage. A pediatric dentist can recommend the safest approach for young teeth.
Does Insurance Cover Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure, so most dental insurance plans do not cover it. However, there are ways to manage the cost.
- FSA and HSA accounts. Some flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts allow you to use pre-tax dollars for teeth whitening. Check with your plan administrator.
- Payment plans. Many dental offices offer monthly payment options that spread the cost over time with little or no interest.
- Package deals. Some practices offer discounts when you combine whitening with other services like cleanings or exams.
- New patient specials. If you are new to a practice, ask about introductory offers that may include whitening at a reduced rate.
At Bite Squad Dental of NYC, we work with families to find affordable options for teen whitening. Ask about our current specials when you schedule a consultation.
Teeth Whitening Cost for Teenagers: What Parents Should Know
Teen teeth whitening has some unique considerations that may affect cost and approach.
- Teens may need less intensive treatment. Younger patients typically have less deep staining than adults because they have had fewer years of exposure to staining foods and drinks. This means a lower-concentration treatment or fewer sessions may be sufficient.
- Professional supervision costs more but protects developing teeth. Over-the-counter products are not designed for teen enamel. The extra cost of professional whitening includes the expertise to assess whether your teen is ready for whitening and to customize treatment for their developing teeth.
- A consultation is essential before any whitening. We recommend starting whitening treatments around age 14 to 16, once permanent teeth have fully erupted. The consultation fee is typically applied toward treatment if you proceed.
- Maintenance extends the value. Teaching your teen good habits after whitening, such as limiting soda and using a straw for staining drinks, helps results last longer. This makes the initial investment go further.
How to Get the Best Value for Teeth Whitening
You can maximize your investment in professional whitening with these strategies.
- Start with a professional cleaning. A thorough cleaning removes surface stains from plaque and tartar. You may find that your teeth look significantly brighter after cleaning alone, which means you may need less intensive whitening.
- Follow aftercare instructions. Avoiding staining foods and drinks for 48 hours after treatment helps the whitening agents set properly. This simple step improves results without additional cost.
- Maintain results with good oral hygiene. Brushing twice daily, flossing, and scheduling regular cleanings helps whitening results last longer. Touch-up treatments are less frequent when you take care of your teeth.
- Ask about take-home maintenance. Some practices include touch-up gel with your initial treatment or offer it at a reduced price. This extends your results for months without a full re-treatment.
- Consider package deals. If your teen needs a cleaning, exam, and whitening consultation anyway, bundling services may reduce the overall cost.
Teeth Whitening Costs at Bite Squad Dental of NYC
At Bite Squad Dental of NYC, we specialize in pediatric and family dentistry. Dr. Yury Slepak is a board-certified pediatric dentist with over 20 years of experience caring for children and teens in Brooklyn.
We offer safe, supervised whitening options for teenagers, including:
- Custom-fit take-home trays with pediatric-safe, low-concentration gels
- Professional cleanings to remove surface stains before whitening
- Thorough consultations to determine if your teen is ready for whitening
- Personalized treatment plans based on your teen’s dental development
With over 1,950 five-star Google reviews, Brooklyn families trust us to provide gentle, effective care. Our office at 2464 Coney Island Ave in Brooklyn is designed to make teens feel comfortable, with a friendly team that understands young patients.
Want to know if whitening is right for your teen? Call us at 718-998-2424 to schedule a consultation. We will evaluate your teen’s teeth, discuss options, and provide a clear cost estimate before any treatment begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Zoom whitening cost?
Zoom and similar in-office whitening systems typically cost $400 to $800 at Brooklyn dental offices. The exact price depends on the practice and any additional services included.
Is teeth whitening at the dentist better than whitening strips?
Yes, professional whitening uses stronger agents, custom application, and dental supervision. Results are more dramatic and last longer than over-the-counter strips. For teenagers, professional whitening is also safer for developing enamel.
How many whitening sessions do I need?
Most patients achieve their desired results in one in-office session or two to four weeks of at-home treatment. Severe staining may require additional sessions.
How long do professional whitening results last?
Results typically last one to three years depending on diet, oral hygiene, and lifestyle habits. Avoiding coffee, tea, soda, and tobacco helps results last longer.
Can I finance teeth whitening treatment?
Many dental offices offer payment plans or accept FSA/HSA funds for teeth whitening. Ask about financing options during your consultation.
