Whitening prices

We offer two take-home whitening systems, KöR and Opalescence. Both use custom trays made from a digital scan of your teeth. The full price list is below, followed by a comparison of the two systems and guidance on choosing a gel strength. Dental insurance generally does not cover whitening, because it is typically considered cosmetic. What each package fee covers, and what can cost extra, is stated with the items below. For what the gel does inside the tooth, see How Tooth Bleaching Works.

Prices

Full cases include the scan appointment, the trays, the gel kit, and the delivery appointment, where we fit the trays and go over the instructions. Replacement trays are usually made from the scan already on file. If your teeth have changed since that scan, for example with new dental work, a new scan may be needed first. There is an additional charge for that scan appointment, and we will tell you the fee before we take the scan. Care instructions for both systems are on our After your visit page.

Item	What is included	Fee
Full cases
KöR-Night	KöR-Seal trays from a scan, and the KöR-Night kit: 2 syringes of gel (5 ml each) and desensitizer with swabs. Scan and delivery appointments included.	$675
KöR-Day	KöR-Seal trays from a scan, and the KöR-Day kit with desensitizer. Scan and delivery appointments included.	$675
Opalescence Take-Home	Lab-made trays from a scan, and a patient kit: 8 syringes of gel (1.2 ml each), toothpaste, tray case, and shade guide. Scan and delivery appointments included. At the manufacturer's dose of about half a syringe per tray, the kit covers about 8 applications for both arches; if your course needs more gel, it is purchased separately (see the refill kit below).	$495
If you already have trays from us
KöR maintenance kit	1 syringe of KöR-Night 16% gel (5 ml), KöR Complete desensitizer (3 ml) with 11 swabs, written maintenance instructions, and a take-home bag.	$110
Opalescence refill kit	A full new patient kit: 8 syringes of gel (1.2 ml each), toothpaste, tray case, and shade guide.	$75
Replacement trays, both arches	New trays matching your system, KöR-Seal or standard, from the scan on file. Delivery appointment included. The fee is the same for both systems.	$275
Replacement tray, single arch	One arch, matching your system, from the scan on file. Delivery appointment included. The fee is the same for both systems.	$165

The two systems, compared

KöR uses sealed trays made by the KöR lab from a scan. The seal is designed to minimize contact between the gel and saliva, so the gel stays in close contact with the teeth. The gel is kept refrigerated from manufacture until it is used, because whitening gel is sensitive to heat. For either system, follow the storage instructions on the gel's packaging. Opalescence uses standard custom trays, made by a dental lab from a scan. We offer it in four gel strengths, and the strength sets how long the trays are worn each day.

KöR: strengths

It is the system we reach for first in difficult cases: tetracycline stains, fluorosis, a dark starting shade, and teeth that did not respond to whitening before. The reasons are the sealed tray design and the treatment plan we use, which we can extend when a case needs more time.
The sealed tray is designed to keep saliva away from the gel, so the gel stays in close contact with the teeth for the whole session.
Desensitizer is included in the kit and is part of the routine, used before and after whitening.
Both systems are supervised by our dental team. If 14 nights are not enough, we direct additional nights rather than leaving you to guess.

KöR: weaknesses

It costs more: $675, against $495 for Opalescence.
KöR-Night means sleeping in trays for at least 14 nights in a row. Follow the prescribed schedule; missed sessions may delay progress.
Not everyone sleeps well with trays in. KöR-Day is the alternative within the same system.

Opalescence: strengths

It costs less: $495.
We offer four gel strengths, so the daily wear time can be matched to your schedule and your sensitivity.
It can also improve resistant stains, including tetracycline and fluorosis staining, although those cases usually need a longer course of treatment and results vary.
The gel contains potassium nitrate and fluoride (the PF formula) in every strength.
The trays are standard custom trays, the same kind we use for other treatments.

Opalescence: weaknesses

The trays are a standard custom design, not a sealing design.
For the most resistant staining we usually recommend KöR instead, for its sealed tray design and the treatment plan we use.
Higher-strength gels may increase sensitivity. We choose the strength and wear time with you, and adjust the plan if sensitivity develops.

True of both systems

Neither system whitens fillings, crowns, or veneers. Your natural teeth whiten around them, and the difference can show. We check for this before treatment starts.
Sensitivity during whitening is common. For mild sensitivity, we may direct you to shorten the wear time or change the gel. If sensitivity is more than mild, keeps returning, or gets worse, stop whitening and call us. Do not push through it.
Do not whiten during pregnancy or while nursing.

Additional gel or supplies beyond what a package includes are not included in the listed fees, whether a case is difficult or an ordinary course simply runs longer than the gel provided. We will discuss what a case is likely to need, and any additional cost, before you decide. KöR's published protocols for some severe tetracycline and fluorosis cases include in-office steps; those are not part of our treatment here. Our KöR care is take-home, and an extended plan is additional take-home treatment, directed by us.

How to choose

Work through these four questions in order:

How resistant is the staining? Everyday staining from coffee, tea, red wine, and age responds to either system. Resistant staining, such as tetracycline, fluorosis, or a dark starting shade, is where we usually recommend KöR, for its sealed tray design and the treatment plan we use, which we can extend. Opalescence can improve some resistant stains too, over a longer course of treatment, and results vary.
When will you actually wear the trays? The system that works is the one you will use every day without skipping. If you can sleep in trays, KöR-Night or Opalescence 10% fit. If you want short sessions while awake, KöR-Day or Opalescence 35% fit, at 30 to 60 minutes. Opalescence 20% is a middle option at 2 to 4 hours.
How sensitive are your teeth? A history of sensitivity points to a lower strength, a shorter wear time, and desensitizer as part of the routine.
What is your budget? Opalescence is the lower fee. KöR costs more because of the sealed lab-made trays, the refrigerated gel, and the longer treatment plans it is usually used for.

KöR-Night or KöR-Day?

Both use the same KöR-Seal trays. KöR-Night is 16% carbamide peroxide, worn while you sleep, for at least 14 nights in a row. KöR-Day is a hydrogen peroxide gel made for short daytime wear, 30 to 60 minutes once or twice a day. Switching between them does not require new trays. The choice is about when you will wear the trays, not about the trays themselves.

Choosing an Opalescence strength

The four strengths we offer are carbamide peroxide with potassium nitrate and fluoride. The strength sets how long the trays are worn each day. A higher strength means shorter wear per day. How long treatment takes depends on the stain and how your teeth respond. Many everyday cases take about two weeks; resistant staining takes longer.

Strength	Worn	A good fit for
10%	8 to 10 hours, or overnight	Sensitive teeth, a history of sensitivity, first-time whitening, or patients who prefer to sleep in their trays.
15%	4 to 6 hours	The standard starting point for most patients. The wear time fits an evening routine.
20%	2 to 4 hours	Patients who want shorter daily wear, had no sensitivity at 15%, or are whitening more slowly than expected at 15%.
35%	30 to 60 minutes	Patients who want brief daytime sessions and tolerate stronger gel well. Higher strength may increase sensitivity; not a first choice for sensitive teeth.

We start at 15% unless your history points to 10%.
Move up a strength only when we direct it, one step at a time, and only when the current strength is comfortable.
If sensitivity appears, contact us; we may direct you to step down one strength or shorten the wear time.
Place one continuous line of gel inside the tray, about half a syringe per tray, following the manufacturer's instructions. More gel does not whiten faster.
Switching strengths does not require new trays.

If you are not sure which system or strength fits, we will look at your staining, your sensitivity history, and your schedule at your appointment and recommend one. Call us at (970) 237-4313, and let's talk.