Teeth Whitening Prices 2026
Calculate your TDB 2026 reference fee based on the whitening method (in-office or single-tooth) and the scope of treatment.
In-office whitening is performed in a single chairside session. Single-tooth whitening is generally preferred for a discoloured tooth that has had root canal treatment (non-vital).
For in-office whitening, you can choose a single arch (upper or lower only) or both arches together. Single-tooth whitening may need a single session or multiple sessions.
Approximate Clinician Fee
TDB 2026 reference · VAT excluded · Material cost not included
Surprised?
This figure reflects the TDB 2026 minimum guideline tariff. For a personalised quote, please get in touch.
Reference fees are based on the TDB 2026 Guideline Tariff (2-45, 2-46, 2-47). Prices shown are exclusive of VAT; the whitening material cost is calculated separately.
Teeth whitening prices are among the most frequently researched topics for patients looking to improve their smile aesthetics. Teeth whitening treatment removes yellowing, staining, and discolouration that accumulate over time using hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide–based whitening gels and controlled clinical protocols. It allows the colour lost to coffee, tea, smoking, red wine, age, and genetic factors to be safely recovered.
At our clinic Doredent in Avcılar, Istanbul, teeth whitening is delivered by our clinical team in different formats — in-office (chairside), at-home, and combined protocols. Before treatment, a clinical analysis of the current shade, a professional dental cleaning, and selection of the right method are critical. A treatment plan is built for each patient based on intraoral anatomy and the cause of the discolouration.
Teeth whitening cost depends on the method (in-office / at-home / combined), the number of teeth being treated (single arch / both arches), whether the whitening is on vital or non-vital (root-canalled) teeth, the brand and concentration of the whitening gel, and whether custom trays are used.
What Is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening (bleaching) is a chemical process in which hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide molecules penetrate the enamel and dentine layers of the tooth and break down pigments, lightening the colour. The peroxide molecules neutralise colour pigments through an oxidative reaction without damaging the tooth. It is a safe, scientifically established aesthetic dentistry procedure.
Tooth discolouration falls into two groups. Extrinsic staining is caused by external colouring substances such as coffee, tea, smoking, and red wine that build up on the enamel surface and is usually resolved with professional dental cleaning. Intrinsic staining occurs in the internal structure of the tooth due to ageing, trauma, certain antibiotics (tetracycline), excessive fluoride intake, or genetic factors, and only resolves with professional whitening. A clinical examination is needed to determine which group your discolouration falls into.
Types of Teeth Whitening
At Doredent, different whitening protocols are applied based on each patient’s lifestyle, the degree of discolouration, and their expectations:
In-Office (Chairside) Whitening
Fast ResultA high-concentration whitening gel is applied under clinician supervision using an LED activation light in the clinic. A single session delivers 2–3 shades of lightening; the procedure takes about 45–60 minutes. Ideal for patients who want a fast result, are preparing for a special event, or are too busy to do extended at-home applications.
At-Home Whitening
Gradual ResultCustom-made thin, clear trays are made to fit your bite, and a lower-concentration whitening gel is placed in the trays and worn at home. Typically worn overnight or for 4–8 hours a day for 10–14 days. Lower sensitivity, gradual and natural-looking result. Long-term retention is high.
Combined Whitening
Maximum EffectThe fastest result of in-office whitening combined with the gradual effect of at-home whitening to reach the highest degree of lightening. Preferred for advanced discolouration or for patients wanting a very bright smile. The first session is performed in the clinic, then supported with at-home use.
Non-Vital Tooth Whitening (Single Tooth)
For Root-Canalled TeethA specialised whitening method for a single tooth that has had root canal treatment and darkened. A whitening agent is placed inside the tooth to lighten it from the inside out (walking bleach technique). Performed over several sessions. Cost-effective since it is targeted to that tooth alone.
The Teeth Whitening Treatment Process
The following stages are required for safe and effective whitening:
Comprehensive Examination and Shade Analysis
The clinician first carries out a detailed check of dental health. If there is decay, fracture, leaking fillings, or gum disease, these issues must be addressed before whitening. The current tooth shade is then recorded using the VITA shade guide. This baseline shade is the reference point for measuring the result. Photographic documentation is also taken.
Professional Dental Cleaning
For whitening to work effectively, the teeth must be completely clean. Professional cleaning removes surface staining, plaque, and calculus. A noticeable lightening of the teeth is often visible even at this stage. A 1–2 day rest period is recommended between cleaning and whitening.
Gum and Lip Isolation
In in-office whitening, the gel must only contact the teeth. A light-cured protective barrier is therefore applied to the gum, and retractors keep the lips and cheeks away from the teeth. This isolation prevents the gel from damaging the surrounding soft tissues. A critical step for both safety and patient comfort.
Application of the Whitening Gel
A high-concentration hydrogen peroxide–based whitening gel (typically 25–40%) is applied evenly across the front surfaces of the teeth. Each application stays on the tooth for around 15–20 minutes. The gel is refreshed 2–3 times in a session. Throughout, an LED whitening lamp activates the gel and boosts its effectiveness.
LED Activation and Rest
A dedicated LED whitening lamp (at 1,000–2,000 mW intensity) increases the active oxygen release from the gel. This accelerates the whitening process and increases efficacy by 30–40%. During the procedure, the patient rests comfortably in a reclined position. Total chairside time is around 45–60 minutes.
Final Shade Check and Desensitiser
At the end of the procedure, the gel is removed and the gum barrier is taken off. The new shade is measured against the VITA scale and compared with the baseline. A desensitising fluoride or potassium nitrate gel is then applied. This minimises any temporary sensitivity after whitening.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
The patient is briefed on avoiding pigmented foods and drinks (coffee, tea, red wine, smoking, beetroot, blueberries, etc.) for the first 24–48 hours — the so-called “white diet”. Brushing, flossing, and 6-monthly check-ups allow us to track how well the whitening is holding. Touch-up sessions can be recommended where needed.
Factors Affecting Teeth Whitening Prices
The price of teeth whitening depends on several factors. Understanding these helps you choose the method that’s right for you:
Method Used
There is a noticeable cost difference between in-office whitening, at-home whitening, and combined protocols. In-office whitening uses a high-concentration gel and a dedicated LED device in a single session, which makes it more expensive. For at-home whitening, the cost of making the custom trays and the amount of gel affect the fee. With combined protocols, the costs of both methods are added together.
Number of Arches Treated
Whitening can be applied to a single arch (upper or lower only) or both arches (upper and lower). Aesthetically, whitening both arches gives the most balanced result and is usually preferred. The TDB tariff codes single-arch and both-arch whitening separately. Treating both arches uses extra material and time, which affects the cost.
Vital or Non-Vital Whitening
Whitening living (vital) teeth and whitening teeth that have had root canal treatment (non-vital) are different procedures. Non-vital whitening involves placing a whitening agent inside the tooth and typically requires several sessions. The TDB tariff lists non-vital single-tooth whitening under its own code and fee.
Gel Brand and Concentration
The brand of whitening gel (premium brands such as Philips Zoom, Opalescence, and Pola Office versus standard brands), the active ingredient concentration (15–40%), the desensitising agents it includes (ACP, potassium nitrate), and packaging type all directly affect the cost. Premium gels deliver better clinical efficacy and a kinder sensitivity profile.
LED Activation Device
The technology of the LED activation device used in in-office whitening directly affects the outcome. Professional high-output devices (1,500+ mW) deliver faster results with less sensitivity than lower-powered alternatives. Clinics using modern equipment may naturally have a higher treatment cost.
Preparatory Treatment Needs
Procedures that may be needed before whitening — professional cleaning, restorations for decay, gum treatment — are separate cost items. Heavy surface staining may require multiple cleaning sessions. Whitening is not applied over unhealthy gums; gum treatment must come first.
Comparing Whitening Methods
The comparison below helps you see which whitening method is right for you:
| Criterion | In-Office | At-Home | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1 session (45–60 min) | 10–14 days | 3–4 weeks |
| Speed of Result | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Degree of Lightening | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Natural Appearance | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Sensitivity Risk | Medium–High | Low | Medium |
| Retention | 1–2 years | 2–3 years | 2–3 years |
| Clinician Supervision | Full | Partial | Full |
| Patient Effort | Low | High | Medium |
| Cost | Medium–High | Low–Medium | High |
Frequently Asked Questions
Performed under clinician supervision, with the right concentrations and protocols, teeth whitening is safe. The hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide used have been clinically tested over many years. It does not cause enamel loss or permanent damage. However, uncontrolled at-home use of high-concentration products can lead to gum burns, sensitivity, and surface roughening of the enamel. For this reason, we recommend whitening only under clinician supervision.
Mild hot/cold sensitivity for 24–48 hours after whitening is normal and resolves on its own. It’s caused by the gel temporarily reaching the dentinal tubules. Desensitising toothpastes containing fluoride or potassium nitrate help keep this period comfortable. For patients with already sensitive teeth, using a desensitising toothpaste for two weeks before whitening is recommended.
Depending on oral hygiene, dietary habits, and the method used, whitening lasts around 1–3 years on average. The effect fades faster in patients who consume a lot of coffee, tea, red wine, or smoke. At-home whitening and combined protocols hold a little longer than in-office whitening alone. Touch-up sessions can maintain the brightness for many years.
No. Composite fillings, porcelain crowns, and zirconia crowns are not affected by whitening — their colour does not change. This means that in patients with fillings or crowns on anterior teeth, the natural teeth lighten while the restorations stay at their original shade. In that case, the fillings or crowns may need to be replaced. Be sure to discuss this with your clinician before treatment.
No. Whitening is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. While there is no specific medical risk established, we take a cautious approach as there is insufficient clinical data on the safety of whitening agents during these periods. Whitening can be performed after pregnancy and once breastfeeding is complete.
No. For severe tetracycline staining, genetic colour disorders (amelogenesis imperfecta), and fluorosis-type intrinsic discolouration, conventional whitening may not be enough. In these cases, restorative approaches such as porcelain veneers or zirconia crowns are recommended. Severely worn teeth or those with active gum inflammation or decay need to be addressed first.
A “white diet” is recommended for the first 48 hours: avoid coffee, tea, red wine, cola, beetroot, red radish, blueberries, soy sauce, tomato paste, and smoking. During this period, stick to lighter foods (milk, cheese, chicken, rice, apple). Keep pigmented foods to a minimum in the weeks afterwards, and rinse your mouth after consuming them. Smoking significantly shortens the retention of whitening.
Depending on your baseline shade, the method, and the number of sessions, 2–8 shades of lightening can be achieved. In-office whitening delivers 2–3 shades in a single session; at-home whitening 3–4 shades over 10–14 days; combined protocols up to 5–8 shades. Yellow-toned teeth respond more effectively to whitening; grey–blue toned teeth respond more modestly.
No. Teeth whitening is a purely aesthetic procedure and is not covered by SGK. State hospitals don’t offer it either. Some private health insurance policies may provide partial cover under aesthetic dentistry benefits — check with your insurance provider.
Yes. Teeth whitening is generally applied to patients aged 18 and over. During adolescence, the pulp chamber is large and whitening can cause sensitivity. In some special cases (significant aesthetic concern in under-18s), very low concentrations can be used after clinician assessment. Whitening is not recommended in children and adolescents who are still developing.
