Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure. Teeth get stained from certain foods, drinks, smoking and general wear and tear, columnist Linda Dyett of the Consumer Guide to Dentistry explains. Whitening restores them to a brighter, more visually pleasing shade. There are professional and do-it-yourself methods. Your dentist can help you if you prefer some assistance.
Definition
The terms "bleaching" and "whitening" are often used interchangeably, but Dyett explains that dentists define them as two different processes. The Food and Drug Administration only allows "bleaching" as a description for treatments that make teeth whiter than their natural color. Products that do this contain some form of bleach, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. True whitening restores natural coloration by removing stains and dirt.
Methods
Dentists can perform tooth whitening procedures in the office or provide a home treatment kit, according to Dyett. The in-office method involves application of strong peroxide gel. This is done by the dentist or a trained technician, and your gums are shielded by a rubber device. The bleaching agent is left on the teeth from 15 minutes to an hour. You may only need one treatment, but severely stained teeth might require multiple sessions for the best results.
The home method uses a kit given to you by the dentist. It includes a bleaching agent and custom mouth tray. You apply the gel and leave it on as instructed. It may be as short as an hour or as long as overnight.
Alternative
You do not have to visit your dentist to get a whitening or bleaching treatment. Many whitening toothpastes and over-the-counter bleaching kits are available. Their ingredients are not as strong as the bleach dispensed by a dentist and the mouth guard is the same size for everyone, Dyett explains. Some kits use strips or paint-on gel rather than a tray.
Cost
Teeth whitening is strictly a cosmetic procedure, so it is not covered by dental insurance. Dyett states that whitening treatments performed by a dentist average $650 for each visit. A dentist-provided home bleaching kit with a custom mouth tray costs between $100 and $400. Over-the-counter kits typically run $20 to $100.
Benefits
Having your teeth whitened by a dentist rather than buying a home kit has several benefits. Professionals use stronger products that usually provide better, faster results. Your gums are protected from the bleach during in-office treatments, and a custom mouth tray gives good protection if you prefer to treat yourself at home. Dyett warns that a home kit tray will not fit as well. Your gums may be exposed to the bleach, and you may only get whitening on your front teeth due to an ill-fitting tray.
Warning
Teeth whitening performed by a dentist or at home is generally safe, but physician and Web columnist Dr. Andrew Weil warns there can sometimes be complications. Bleaching can cause soft-tissue shrinking if you have periodontal disease. It can travel into a deep cavity if you do not realize you have one. You may also cause damage over time with frequent bleaching, making your teeth more porous and likely to stain in the future.
