If you have recently investigated teeth whitening, you may be overwhelmed by the options that are available to you. It seems that any dental product out there is now offering some type of a whitening aspect. There is whitening toothpaste, mouthwashes, strips, tabs, trays, and even whitening chewing gums. With all the fuss out there about tooth whitening, it can be difficult to identify which products will yield the best results for you.

In order to identify which products may be best for you, it can be helpful to understand how teeth whitening works on the teeth.

Bleaching vs. Non-Bleaching

There are two typical approaches to teeth whitening. The first, and most common form of whitening is bleaching. Bleaching can typically whiten teeth between five to seven shades throughout the use of a specific product. Typically, patients can conduct chairside bleaching that is done in an office setting, or purchases an over the counter treatment kit that utilizes trays for home use. These treatments use some type of peroxide, traditionally carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide in varying strengths. Office treatments that are used under the supervision of a dentist can use higher concentrations of peroxide which results in a faster whiter smile. Over the counter products must reduce the amount of peroxide to make it safe for general consumer use.

The costs associated with tray bleaching can vary widely depending on the setting and specific product that you use. It is best to talk to your dentist about your options.

Additionally, bleaching procedures include the use of whitening strips, gels, or pastes that are placed directly on the teeth.

Non-bleaching procedures typically use another type of chemical to remove stains, or commonly a mild abrasive to grind the stain away. Toothpaste generally has some level of abrasiveness, and may also combine bleaching chemicals to further aid in tooth whitening.

How it Works

Tooth whitening that uses abrasive technology depends on the direct application of the product and then manual manipulation in order to remove stains. Dentists can caution about using products that are too abrasive, or using abrasives on the teeth too frequently, because they can also wear through the protective enamel on your teeth and expose your teeth to damage or disease.

When whitening uses bleaching, the peroxide acts to remove the color from the stain. This process doesn’t remove the actual substance that caused the stain, but instead just removes any of the pigment from that stain and helps to give your teeth a whiter appearance.

It may be difficult to decide which products to use. If you are considering using some type of bleaching, it is usually a good idea to talk to your dentist about which products may be best for you. Sometimes patients notice an increase in sensitivities or can inadvertently damage dental work by using a product that isn’t suited for them. Your dentist can help guide you toward the best solution for your teeth.

What Does it Cost?

Typically, chairside whitening can run in excess of $500, while at home treatment trays can cost around $300 for a custom fitted tray. However, the office whitening treatment contains a higher concentration of whitening formula, so you are likely to see more drastic results more quickly than any of the other options. Many of the whitening strips, gels, or liquids cost between $10 and $45. While these may seem like a better financial option, they often don’t produce the drastic results that you can get at your dentist’s office.

Overview

If you have been considering whitening options, talk to your dentist. Even if you decide that you don’t want to use their professional services, they can often guide you to products which will best suit your needs.