- Teeth whitening is a procedure that bleaches the enamel of the teeth and/or removes surface stains to make the teeth seem whiter and brighter. There are different types of teeth whitening, each with benefits and drawbacks. In addition, the price range varies considerably from one method to the next, and patients should consider all factors before deciding on a method of teeth whitening. Certain people should not have their teeth whitened, and you should always consult with a doctor or dentist before attempting to whiten your teeth.
- Teeth whitening works by removing surface stains from teeth using abrasives or using bleach and peroxide to remove pigment from the tooth's enamel. Whitening works differently for everyone and different people can receive different results from the same kind of treatment. Teeth whitening is not a permanent process and results last anywhere from a few weeks to six months.
-
The types of teeth whitening available vary drastically in price, availability and results. Following is a list of the different kinds of teeth whitening available:
Over the counter whitening toothpaste: removes surface stains with mild abrasives that can lighten the teeth's color by about one shade. Results can usually be seen within a couple of weeks and will be maintained with regular use. The cost is usually under $10.
Over the counter whitening strips/gels: clear, peroxide-based gels either applied to the teeth on a thin strip or with a brush. Results are seen within a few days and will last three to four months. The cost for a 14-day treatment ranges from $10 to $14.
Tray teeth whitening: can be purchased from your dentist and involve filling a mouth guard-type tray with a peroxide bleaching agent and wearing the tray for anywhere from a couple of hours a day to every day during the night for up to four weeks. Results are usually seen within a few days and will last three to four months. Cost varies from $200 to $1,000 for the whole mouth.
In-office whitening: a procedure done in a dentist's office using a strong bleaching agent in addition to a special light or laser that accelerates the bleaching process. Treatments are usually 30 to 60 minutes in length and results can usually be seen after the first treatment. Most will need to repeat the process about every six months and the price is anywhere from $300 to $1,000 per treatment. - The most effective way of teeth whitening seems to be in-office laser bleaching, which can lighten teeth about three to eight shades lighter. Tray treatments and strips do not produce as dramatic results and usually only yield a few shades of lightening. The least effective method of teeth whitening is whitening toothpastes, because they are limited to only removing surface stains on the enamel. Whitening toothpaste can lighten your teeth by about one shade in most cases. Be aware that there are potential side effects to teeth whitening, such as teeth sensitivity and irritation of the mouth and gums.
- Not everyone is a good candidate for teeth whitening. Teeth whitening is recommended and most effective for people with healthy, unrestored teeth and gums. The more yellow the teeth, the more dramatic the results will be, and some shades of enamel respond differently to whitening, such as gray or brown shades. Children under 16 and pregnant women should not undergo teeth whitening treatments, and people with sensitive teeth are more likely to have severe sensitivity as a side effect. Which teeth whitening treatment to use is a personal choice, one that should be considered thoughtfully, taking into consideration all of these factors.
