The Cost in Time and Money Varies by Bleaching Method
There are three main methods of whitening teeth: bleaching procedures done in a dental office, home bleaching products dispensed by dentists, and over-the-counter bleaches, toothpastes and rinses used without a dentist’s supervision. A summary of how they work:
In Office
Procedure: Rubber dams and floss are fastened around teeth to protect gums. A powerful 35% hydrogen peroxide solution is dabbed on teeth for deep bleaching. The patient must sit for 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours, sometimes under a 150-degree Fahrenheit lamp to speed the process.
Pros and cons: Fastest, taking one to three visits. Most effective, it can remove stubborn genetic discoloration and stains from the antibiotic tetracycline, also easier stains from coffee, tea, red wine and food. Most expensive, it can cost $500 to $2,000 for a full mouth.
Popular brands: BrightSmile, Starbrite, Perfection White, Hi Lite
Dentist-Dispensed, Home Use
Procedure: The dentist fashions a rubber or foam mouthpiece that fits over the top or bottom row of teeth. At home, the patient squeezes a thick gel with a medium bleach (equivalent to about 3% hydrogen peroxide) into the mouthpiece and wears it for several hours or overnight. Used daily for an average of three weeks.
Pros and cons: Minimal time in dentist’s chair; costs less than in-chair bleaching, total of about $400 to $1,000, but it is sometimes less effective and takes longer.
Popular brands: BrightSmile, Rembrandt, Nite White, Opalescence, Colgate Platinum.
Over-the-Counter
Procedure: Three major varieties.
One-step bleaching systems are similar to the dentist-dispensed method, but the mouthpiece isn’t customized.
In three-step bleaching systems, first an acid is applied to etch tiny grooves or pits in teeth. Second, peroxide is applied to bleach the teeth. Third, titanium dioxide (white paint) is applied to fill in grooves and pits.
Whitening toothpastes and rinses rely on milder chemicals, abrasives. Some have titanium dioxide.
Pros and cons: Cheapest. Bleaching systems cost about $7 to $30 for a two-week kit, but may irritate gums or worsen cavities.
Acids may permanently damage enamel. Titanium dioxide paint wears off in hours and builds up in the body with unknown effects.
Toothpastes and rinses are safer but work on surface stains only. Dentists favor them to maintain whiteness after bleaching. Cost $3 to $8 per tube or bottle.
Popular brands: Bleaching systems: Dr. George’s Dental White, The Perfect Smile, White Stepp, Plus-White. Toothpastes, rinses: Rembrandt, Colgate Platinum, Aquafresh Whitening.