Teeth whitening is big business. Whiter teeth deliver greater self confidence and personal pride to many people. There are numerous teeth whitening products  on the market today to help you achieve whiter teeth. From whitening toothpaste and teeth whitening gel  to laser technology and many products in between. How do you know which one to use? This article will explain how each one works and the cost so you can make your own informed decision.

It’s important to know before you get into this that some stains can never be removed. Some stains are internal. They come from family genetics or certain medications. Stains caused by tea, tobacco, coffee or foods are external and can be removed from the comfort of your own home!

Hydrogen Peroxide is the main ingredient used to whiten teeth in most home products. Two types, either a 5% or a 10% concentration is used in polyethylene strips or in a gel tray as a delivery system to the teeth. Although it is not regulated by the FDA, hydrogen peroxide whitening products seem to be  pretty safe. Some people may experience a mild tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. If that happens discontinue use. If you already have a tooth sensitivity, this product is not recommended. Hydrogen peroxide does not have a long shelf life, so be aware that products do expire.

There are plenty of whitening toothpastes available on the market today with hydrogen peroxide and/or baking soda in them.  They work best immediately after you have eaten something that may stain the teeth.  They work very gradually, and you may not notice an effect for a while.

The gel strips are convenient, clear plastic strips that can be used anytime.  They need to be pressed into the teeth’s crevices so it’s sometimes difficult to achieve an even application.  The gel trays are more difficult and unsightly to use, but they deliver an even, more solid application than the plastic strips

Trays are molds that you fill with gel and soak your teeth in for a length of time. You can buy them at the stores pre-made, or you can get them custom molded at the dentists office. This can cost you around $400-$500, but you don’t have the complication of the mold not fitting properly and the gel irritating your gums from spilling out of the tray. You also will receive a stronger bleaching solution as a teeth whitener.  Carbamide Peroxide is typically the bleaching solution used at the dentist’s office. It is hydrogen peroxide compounded with urea and comes in different strengths .

Paint-on teeth whitening is a home procedure where you paint the product on to your teeth and let it sit for at least 30 minutes as it bonds to your teeth and does it’s whitening.  Some use hydrogen peroxide and others use carbamide peroxide as the active lightening ingredient.  When you are finished, you brush it off your teeth.  It’s very simple to use and is ideal for touching up and maintaining professional whitening jobs. As with all home whitening kits and products, you have to refrain from eating or any activity where you use your mouth.   And you must read the directions to avoid ruining your enamel with prolonged use.  Although the paint-on whitening technique works, it is not reported to be as effective as the trays and strips.

The best teeth whitening way to brighten your smile is with laser technology. Laser teeth whitening  even targets stubborn stains below the surface of the tooth. In one hour you can have what will take numerous treatments by any other method and still be not as effective as the laser. Yes, it is quite a bit more expensive with the average cost around $1000. The average treatment time is typically one visit. .
When receiving laser treatment, the dentist will first determine your present shade of white and mark it in your chart. He will then isolate the teeth being bleached by painting them or using a rubber dam. You will wear goggles and a bib to protect yourself from the bleaching agent. He will then use the laser light to activate the bleaching solution. Your teeth will be noticeably whiter.

Whether it’s worth it or not depends on the amount of time and money you have to spend and how badly you want it done. White teeth can really mean a lot to people who are embarrassed about their discolored teeth or people who make their living off their appearance. There certainly are other very effective methods that won’t break your budget. A store bought home whitening kit costs around $25 and the results may last around 6 months depending on what you eat, if you smoke and what you drink.