Bright & White: Brush up on your teeth-whitening options

WHITENING TOOTHPASTES

Description: According to the American Dental Association, whitening toothpastes in the ADA Seal of Acceptance program have special chemical or polishing agents that provide stain removal. Unlike bleaches, these ADA-accepted products do not alter the intrinsic color of teeth.

Cost: $2.99 and up

Best for: Anyone who wants to prevent surface stains from setting in and causing long-term discoloration. This is especially important for people who regularly consume stain-causing foods or beverages like coffee or wine.

How long it takes: Superficial stains are removed immediately upon brushing, which should be done normally, not with extra scrubbing.

Pros: “People who use whitening toothpaste will get some surface stain off the teeth,” said Dr. Sam Simos of Allstar Smiles Office and Learning Center in Bolingbrook, Ill.

Cons: “Using whitening toothpaste alone to change the color of your teeth is like using a vacuum cleaner to remove stains from your carpet: You may succeed in getting out the surface dirt, but the deeper stain within the carpet remains,” Simos said.

OVER-THE-COUNTER STRIPS

Adhesive strips worn on dry teeth daily until desired whitening is reached. The adhesive contains the whitening agent, generally a 10 percent carbamide peroxide solution.

Cost: $15 to $50

Best for: Anyone seeking an inexpensive way to whiten teeth, as well as people with no crowns or fillings on their front teeth, which will not change color with whitening.

How long it takes: While the strips are worn for only 30 to 60 minutes each day, reaching desired results can take anywhere from three days to weeks.

Pros: “Whitening strips can be an economical and simple way to whiten teeth,” said Dr. Maria Lopez Howell, consumer adviser for the American Dental Association. They are “readily available, fairly comfortable and will provide varying results in a relatively short period of time.”

Cons: The strips may not be as simple or effective as people may think. “It’s like trying to put a Band-Aid on your teeth,” Howell said, noting that the strips are prone to slipping out of place as you wear them. Plus, Simos said, “Whitening results may be temporary because of the lower whitening gel concentration. Consequently, the use of whitening strips may need to be repeated multiple times a year in order to maintain consistent results.”

DENTIST TREATMENTS

Description: Two options are available: At-home whitening tray systems and in-office whitening. The at-home trays will be custom fit to the teeth and used with a 15 percent to 20 percent concentration carbamide peroxide solution. In-office whitening is the application of a barrier to the gum area, then whitening agent placed on teeth and light often used to accelerate the bleaching process.

Cost: Prices for both options are highly variable, given geography and variety of systems used, but generally range from $350 to $750.

Best for: The tray system is best for people who will use the trays regularly, as success depends on compliance. In-office whitening is best for those who want immediate results, such as brides or people with limiting schedules.

How long it takes: Trays are worn generally for at least two hours daily up to overnight. Patients can see a difference in four to six days, but it may take up to two weeks or more to achieve desired results. In-office whitening generally is done in about an hour.

Pros: “The patient has control” with the tray system, Howell said, deciding when to use the trays and for how long. The custom-fitted trays are comfortable to wear for a long period and stay in place well, she added. The tray system also has a lower initial cost, Simos said, and “your whitening results can be maintained for an indefinite period of time with periodic ‘touch up’ applications with the trays.” In-office whitening offers immediate gratification, Howell said. Plus, since it is done in the dentist’s office, it allows for professional supervision throughout the process.

Cons: “Disadvantages of the professional tray system include: lack of immediate results -- it can take up to two weeks or more to see results; misapplication of the gel in the trays can result in temporary gum irritation and short-term discomfort; and some find tray systems to be messy or a hassle to use,” Simos said. In-office whitening is expensive, Howell said, plus patients may need more than one office visit or may be sent home with trays to achieve the desired results. In addition, “Some people can experience varying degrees of tooth sensitivity with these (in-office whitening) systems, ranging from mild to severe lasting from 24 to 48 hours,” Simos said.