Want Whiter Teeth? You've Got Options

Steve Thompson, Contributing writer

The dental industry has answered a call for white teeth, and the options have grown increasingly diverse over the last several years.

Patients can schedule teeth whitening procedures at the dentist or they can buy home kits that allow them to create whiter teeth while they sleep.

The teeth whitening option you choose will depend on the amount of money you are willing to spend and the quality of treatment you desire. Some of the at-home options cost between $40 and $50, while many in-office bleaching options will cost patients hundreds of dollars, sometimes several times over.

The most important thing to remember is that one teeth whitening treatment, regardless of the option you choose, is unlikely to be an instant fix. Most of the options available require several treatments, so prepare yourself for the long haul.

Teeth-Whitening Toothpaste

The easiest and least expensive option is toothpaste that is formulated to reduce discoloration and bring forth the shiny white color many people want. There are several brands available, each with its own formula, though most use the same abrasives to help scrub unsightly colors from the teeth.

According to MedicineNet.com, some teeth whitening toothpastes contain hydrogen peroxide, while others contain a combination of other abrasives. However, none of these products includes bleach, and the standard whitening power limits treatment to one shade per tooth.

Strips And Gels

The next option you have for teeth whitening is strips or gels purchased from a drug store or pharmacy. These products are more effective than toothpaste but require more effort.

Whitening strips are placed on the teeth twice a day, according to MedicineNet.com, and are used for approximately two weeks at a time. However, the process must be repeated every four to five months to maintain the results.

Gels are brushed onto the teeth once a day, and have approximately the same results. Teeth whitening gels and strips can cost anywhere from $10 to $60, depending on the brand and where you buy them.

Whitening Trays

According to the ADA, there are teeth whitening trays available for both in-home and in-office use. Both products use bleach-based formulas to restore tooth whiteness, though the bleaching solution will be stronger with dentist-office treatments.

Additionally, if you visit the dentist for teeth whitening trays, you will be given a mouthpiece that is specifically made for your mouth, which means that the bleaching solution is distributed more evenly over your teeth than with a conventional over-the-counter tray.

Power Bleaching

The final teeth whitening method you might want to consider is called power bleaching, and is conducted in the dentist's chair.

This is a 30- to 45-minute procedure that involves systematic bleaching of each individual tooth. The results with this treatment are typically more long-standing and the dentist will be able to make a difference of several more shades.

The type of teeth whitening solution you choose will determine the effectiveness and the staying power of the results. Consider the cost of each solution as well as what your insurance will cover in deciding which option is best for you.