QUICK ANSWER
Professional teeth whitening in Beverly Hills typically costs $300 to $900 for in office treatment and $200 to $500 for take home custom trays. Store bought whitening kits cost $20 to $100 but give weaker, shorter lasting results. Most patients see visibly whiter teeth 1 to 3 shades lighter after one in office session, with results lasting 6 months to 2 years depending on care.
If you’re comparing your options before booking an appointment at Smiley Dental Beverly, this guide breaks down everything that affects the price, and how to choose the right treatment for your budget and your smile.
Why Teeth Whitening Costs Vary So Much
A lot of patients are surprised to learn that teeth whitening isn’t a one price fits all treatment. The cost depends on the type of whitening you choose, how stained your teeth are to begin with, and whether you need one session or several. Someone with mild coffee staining might only need a single in office visit, while someone with years of tobacco or wine staining may need multiple sessions or a combination of in office treatment and take home trays.
What Affects the Cost of Teeth Whitening?
Several factors influence what you’ll actually pay for whiter teeth:
- Type of whitening: In office treatment, dentists provided take home trays, and over the counter kits all sit at very different price points.
- Severity of staining: Coffee, wine, and tobacco stains often need more sessions than teeth with only mild discoloration.
- Number of sessions: Deeper staining may require two or three visits for the best results.
- Add on care: Sensitivity treatments and touch up kits after your main treatment can add to the total cost.
- Location: Prices in Beverly Hills tend to run higher than the national average because of the overall cost of living and demand for cosmetic dental care in the area.
Teeth Whitening Cost Breakdown
| Whitening Type | Average Cost | Time to See Results | How Long It Lasts |
| In office professional whitening | $300 to $900 | Same day | 1 to 2 years |
| Custom take home trays (dentist provided) | $200 to $500 | 3 to 14 days | 6 to 12 months |
| Over the counter strips and kits | $20 to $100 | 1 to 4 weeks | 2 to 4 months |
| Whitening toothpaste | $10 to $20 | Several weeks | Maintenance only |
In office whitening costs more upfront, but it’s supervised by a dentist, uses a stronger whitening gel, and produces faster, longer lasting results than anything available at a store. You can learn more about our professional teeth whitening treatment options and what each session includes. Take home trays sit in the middle. They’re more affordable than an in office visit but still use professional grade whitening gel that’s stronger than what you’ll find on a drugstore shelf.
Is Professional Teeth Whitening Worth the Cost?
For most patients, yes. In office whitening uses a much higher concentration of whitening agent than store kits, so it works faster and more evenly across all your teeth. A dentist can also check for cavities, cracks, or gum issues before starting treatment, something a store bought kit simply can’t do. This matters because whitening gel applied over an untreated cavity or exposed root can cause real pain.
Patients with sensitive teeth also benefit from having a dentist involved. A professional can adjust the strength of the whitening gel and the length of each session to reduce discomfort, which isn’t possible with a one size fits all drugstore kit.
What We See in Our Patients
After years of treating patients at Smiley Dental Beverly, a few patterns show up again and again:
- Patients with coffee, tea, or wine stains usually get the best and fastest results from professional whitening.
- Yellow toned teeth respond better to whitening treatments than teeth with gray or brown staining, which often need a different approach entirely.
- Patients who avoid staining foods and drinks for the first 48 hours after treatment tend to keep their results noticeably longer.
- Mild tooth sensitivity for a day or two after treatment is common and almost always resolves on its own without any extra treatment.
Common Mistakes Patients Make
- Choosing the cheapest kit without checking gum or tooth health first. Untreated cavities can turn a simple whitening session into a painful one.
- Overusing whitening strips at home. Applying them too often or leaving them on longer than recommended can wear down enamel and increase sensitivity over time.
- Expecting store bought kits to match professional results. Most over the counter products only whiten teeth by about one shade, even with repeated use.
- Skipping a professional cleaning before whitening. Plaque and surface buildup can block the whitening gel from working evenly, leading to a patchy result.
When Should You See a Dentist Before Whitening?
It’s worth booking a dental visit before starting any whitening treatment if you have any of the following:
- Untreated cavities or signs of gum disease
- Teeth that are already sensitive to hot or cold
- Crowns, veneers, or fillings on your front teeth, since these don’t whiten the same way natural enamel does
- Gray or brown toned staining, which usually needs a different treatment plan than yellow staining
Recovery and Aftercare
One of the best things about teeth whitening is that it needs little to no recovery time. Most patients return to their normal eating and drinking habits within a few hours of treatment. To help your results last as long as possible, try to avoid coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco for at least 48 hours after your session. Using a soft bristled toothbrush and asking your dentist about a touch up kit for maintenance every few months can also help keep your smile bright for longer.
The Bottom Line
Teeth whitening in Beverly Hills ranges anywhere from about $20 for a basic drugstore kit to $900 for full professional in office treatment. If you want faster, longer lasting, and safer results, professional whitening is generally worth the extra cost, especially when a dentist checks your teeth and gums beforehand to make sure treatment goes smoothly.
Whitening is just one part of a bigger smile transformation. Take a look at our cosmetic dentistry services to see everything we offer.
Ready for a brighter smile? Book a teeth whitening consultation at Smiley Dental Beverly today and find out which whitening option is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about teeth whitening treatment and costs.
In office whitening usually takes 60 to 90 minutes for a single session. Take home trays are typically worn daily for one to two weeks to reach full results.
Some patients feel mild sensitivity for a day or two after treatment. This is normal, temporary, and usually fades on its own without any extra care.
In office whitening generally lasts one to two years with good oral hygiene and occasional touch ups. Store bought kits tend to last only a few months before results fade.
Yes, when it’s supervised by a dentist. Sensitivity can be managed by adjusting the strength of the whitening gel and the length of the treatment session.
No. Whitening treatments only work on natural tooth enamel, so any crowns or veneers will stay the same shade even after treatment.
Usually not, since it’s considered a cosmetic procedure rather than a medical necessity. Many clinics offer flexible payment plans to help make treatment more affordable.
