Depending on where you live and what kind of teeth whitening you choose, there can be either very little overall cost to whitening your teeth, or quite a bit if you choose something like laser whitening and you don't have insurance that could cover it. It can cost anywhere from $150 or more per arch to get your dentist to do it for you.

You should be happy to know, however, that there are many different options available to the average person, including using home whitening kits, toothpastes and laser whitening. No matter how much money you have to spend, you will likely be able to afford at least one of the available options.

Using whitening toothpaste is easily the most affordable option out there even though it is probably the least effective method. A tube of teeth whitening toothpaste can cost as little as four or five dollars and is available at just about every grocery store or drugs store in North America. You don't need the advice of a doctor to start using them, but it is a good idea to consult with a dentist first because the stains you have on your teeth may not be removable by whitening toothpaste. The reason is that most whitening toothpaste products can only take out surface level stains. If the stains on your teeth go all the way to the middle of your tooth, you are going to need more help.

At home whitening kits are a bit more expensive but they tend to work better than just toothpaste. One product provides a mouth guard that you fill with a gel and wear overnight, while other products give you strips you wrap around your teeth. No matter which one you choose, it will likely be cheaper than laser treatments, but likely less effective.

Before you choose any of the three available options, get a consultation setup with a dentist to find out which one is best for you so you don't waste your money and avoid some of the possible side effects in certain situations that a dentist will know about.

If you prefer to phone a dentist to find out, the terms "at-home tray bleaching" or "nightguard bleaching" should be sufficient terminology to use when discussing the service you are looking for. Remember that a dentist is not going to be too crazy about someone calling around just to get a price; they are looking to get patients and build a relationship with them.