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| Typical costs: | - Of the three types of over-the-counter products, gels are about $15 for a 14-day treatment; strips run $10-$55 for a 14-day supply; and one-size-fits-all tray-bleaching systems are $20-$150. Dentist-supervised at-home bleaching trays cost $150-$300 per upper or lower set of teeth, or $300-$600 for the entire mouth; in-office treatments run $200-$500 for the top or bottom arch, or $500-$1,000 for the whole mouth, according to WebMD.
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| What should be included: | - With over-the-counter gels or strips, you treat your teeth for 30 minutes, twice a day for 14 days. Results last about four months. Some systems provide a one-size-fits-all mouthpiece tray; an adjustable mouthpiece is best. These products generally use a lower-strength bleaching agent; some include a "whitening" light, but its effectiveness may be minimal.
- For dentist-supervised at-home products, your doctor makes an impression of your mouth. This is used to manufacture a custom-fitted tray that maximizes contact between the gel and your teeth while minimizing impact on sensitive gum tissue. Your dentist will probably schedule several appointments to monitor your progress and check your gums. According to Dental-Resouces.com, the most popular systems used by dentists are Zoom (which claims to lighten teeth six shades in three nights) and Britesmile.
- For in-office treatments, a whitening product is applied directly to the teeth. Often heat, light or a laser is used to accelerate the process. Treatments last 30 to 60 minutes. Results are often immediate, but five to six appointments are usually needed. Whitening isn't permanent, but avoiding foods and beverages that cause stains can make the results last a year or longer.
- Whitening isn't recommended for children under age 16, women who are pregnant or nursing, anyone who is allergic to peroxide or patients with sensitive teeth and gums, receding gums, worn enamel, cavities, exposed roots, fillings, crowns or other dental restoration.
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| Discounts: | - Dentist.net sells "custom-fitted" whitening trays online for $79-$119. You use a kit to make an imprint of your teeth, mail it in a prepaid envelope, and in four-five weeks you receive your tray and gels. Dentist.net warns that extensive dental work, orthodontic wire or receding gums may trap the impression material, loosening your dental work or making it difficult to remove the mold tray from your mouth.
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| Shopping for teeth whitening: | |
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated November 2006 |
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