Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening in Houston

Are you dreaming of a brighter, more confident smile but wondering, “How much does teeth whitening cost?” At Dentistry of Highland Village, our team — Dr. Rushi Dave, Dr. Amy Milman, and Dr. Mili Shah — offers professional teeth whitening treatments that deliver safe, predictable, and long-lasting results. While over-the-counter products like whitening toothpaste or whitening strips may seem appealing, nothing compares to the professional in-office treatments available at our Houston dental office.

Our practice provides advanced whitening options, including the Philips Zoom WhiteSpeed system, which can make your smile up to eight shades whiter in just about an hour. We also provide custom take-home trays so patients can maintain their results on their own schedule.

Ready to learn more? Call our Houston dental office today at (713) 360-7700 to schedule your teeth whitening consultation.

What Factors Affect the Cost of Teeth Whitening?

The cost of teeth whitening can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as:

• Type of treatment: In-office whitening procedures, like Zoom or laser teeth whitening, cost more than whitening toothpaste or strips, but they are also far more effective.
• Number of sessions required: Stubborn stains or intrinsic discoloration may require multiple appointments.
• Dentist’s expertise: Professional supervision ensures better results and protects your tooth enamel and gum tissue.
• Location and dental practices: Costs may vary depending on the dental office and overall operational expenses.
• Additional dental procedures: If you need a dental cleaning, fluoride treatment, or treatment for gum disease before whitening, this may increase your total cost.

At Dentistry of Highland Village, we believe in transparency. Our dental team will walk you through your treatment plan and provide a full estimate before beginning your whitening procedure.

Average Cost of Professional Teeth Whitening

On average, the cost of professional teeth whitening in Houston ranges from $500 to $1,000 per session. While whitening kits or OTC whitening products may cost less, they cannot achieve the same level of whitening or protect your oral health as effectively.

• In-office whitening (Zoom WhiteSpeed): Typically $600–$1,000, depending on your needs.
• Custom take-home trays: Usually $300–$500, included free with Zoom whitening at our office.
• Laser whitening treatments: Can cost more due to advanced equipment, but may achieve dramatic results in one visit.

Compared to temporary fixes like whitening toothpaste or strips, professional whitening treatments are an investment in your long-term smile.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Teeth Whitening?

One of the most common questions we hear is: “Does dental insurance cover teeth whitening?”

Most dental insurance plans do not cover teeth whitening, since it is considered a cosmetic procedure. However, many patients still find the results worth the investment. At Dentistry of Highland Village, we offer flexible payment options and financing plans to make your whitening treatment more affordable.

Even if your insurance provider doesn’t cover whitening, our office can help you explore options to fit your budget.

Professional Whitening vs. At-Home Whitening

There are many teeth whitening methods available, but not all are created equal. Here’s why patients across Houston, Bellaire, Pearland, Sugar Land, and Missouri City choose professional whitening at Dentistry of Highland Village over DIY options:

Whitening Toothpaste and Strips

These over-the-counter products may help remove surface stains with mild abrasives or low levels of peroxide bleaching agents, but they cannot address deeper discoloration. They can also lead to gum irritation or sensitive teeth if used incorrectly.

Whitening Kits and Rinses

Store-bought whitening kits contain lower concentrations of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide than professional systems. Results may take weeks to appear, and improper use can damage the enamel surface.

Professional In-Office Treatments

At Dentistry of Highland Village, we use advanced peroxide-based gels and a light-activated system that safely whitens teeth in about an hour. Protective barriers are applied to prevent gum irritation, and our team ensures the whitening process is comfortable and effective.

When comparing teeth whitening cost vs. results, professional whitening offers the greatest value.

Teeth Whitening Options at Dentistry of Highland Village

We provide professional whitening treatments tailored to your needs:

• Philips Zoom WhiteSpeed: An in-office bleaching treatment that uses a special blue LED light activation system to speed up results.
• Custom Take-Home Trays: Fitted to your teeth, these trays use a safe whitening gel for gradual results you can control.
• Combination Treatments: Many patients use in-office whitening first, followed by at-home trays for maintenance.

This dual approach ensures both immediate results and long-term brightness.

How Long Do Results Last?

The longevity of your teeth whitening results depends on your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits. Avoiding dark-colored beverages, limiting sugary foods, and brushing with fluoride toothpaste can help your results last up to two years. Regular dental visits at our Houston office also help maintain a brighter smile.

Benefits of Investing in Professional Teeth Whitening

Choosing professional teeth whitening treatments at Dentistry of Highland Village comes with several advantages:

• A whiter smile in about an hour.
• Safer results with dentist supervision and ADA-approved whitening systems.
• Minimized tooth sensitivity with protective gels and post-treatment care.
• Customizable whitening options tailored to your goals.
• A noticeable improvement in both your appearance and your confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions