Teeth Whitening: In-Office & At-Home Tooth Whitening Solutions

Men and women worldwide are increasingly demanding teeth whitening, a cosmetic dentistry procedure that effectively removes stains and debris from teeth to reveal a whiter, brighter and more attractive smile.

Teeth whitening may be performed in your dentist's office or at home using take-home kits supplied by your dentist. There also are over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments available.

Tooth Discoloration and Staining

The types of stains removed by teeth whitening may be extrinsic or intrinsic.

Extrinsic stains develop on the outer tooth enamel and are caused by dark-colored beverages, foods and tobacco, and usual wear and tear. Brushing and regular dental cleanings or teeth whitening usually can remove these stains.

Intrinsic stains develop in the interior of teeth and are generally caused by trauma, aging, exposure to minerals (like tetracycline) during tooth formation and/or excessive fluoride ingestion. Intrinsic staining may not always be treatable with whitening. Teeth veneers may be a more appropriate option for such cases.

Other factors that influence teeth stains include original tooth color, translucency and thinness of tooth enamel, dietary habits, smoking habits, drugs/chemicals and teeth grinding.

Teeth Whitening Options

Today's teeth whitening options vary based on their peroxide concentrations and application times.

If you want a quick and easy solution, in-office whitening procedures are highly beneficial and usually produce a significant color change in a short amount of time. Performed by dentists and trained technicians, a high-concentration peroxide gel is applied to the teeth for several 15 to 20 minute intervals, with total treatment averaging about an hour.

Professional take-home whitening kits from your dentist consist of an easy-to-use lower concentration peroxide gel and custom-made bleaching trays. According to dentists, professional take-home teeth whitening kits produce the best long-term outcomes.

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products are inexpensive and convenient methods for teeth whitening. Over-the-counter whitening products are store-bought and feature a bleaching gel with an even lower peroxide concentration than professionally dispensed take-home whiteners, which is applied to the teeth using strips, self-forming trays or paint-on applicators.

Teeth Whitening Results

Final teeth whitening outcomes vary significantly from person to person. Although teeth whitening procedures are safe, risks include sensitivity, gum irritation and a Technicolor effect (restorations like crowns, dental implants, dentures, etc. will not be affected by whiteners) if instructions are not followed or you have restorations (which will not change color with teeth whitening). Sensitivity typically lasts no longer than a day or two. For more serious cases of sensitivity, dentists recommend using toothpastes containing potassium nitrate.

How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?

The cost of teeth whitening varies based on a number of factors. For example, in-office professional teeth whitening is more expensive than do-it-yourself whiteners. Whitening may come with greater cost if you must first undergo restorative dentistry to prepare the teeth for the effects of whiteners. If you are suffering from a toothache, it may indicate gum disease, tooth decay, a root canal or worse.

Generally speaking, whitening treatments can range in cost from $20 up to $600 or more. Dental insurance typically does not apply for cosmetic dentistry treatments.