Teeth whitening is an easy process, according to the American Dental Association. Whitening products use either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as bleaching agents. The ADA says these bleaches break stains into smaller particles, reducing their intensity and making your teeth look brighter.

Many adults wish their teeth were whiter. Fortunately, there are several ways to whiten your teeth. Unfortunately, this can make the selection process confusing.

Let’s examine your ADA-suggested teeth whitening options:

• In-office teeth whitening: The dentist will protect your gums with a special gel or rubber shield before applying a bleaching agent to your teeth during the appointment.

• At-home whitening provided by your dentist: Your dentist will give you instructions and a custom-made tray for at-home teeth whitening.

• Over-the-counter whitening products: You can purchase toothpaste (Sensodyne Clinical White is a popular choice) or strips at a retailer or online and use these products at home.

Now let’s take a closer look at how each of these teeth whitening treatments works.

In office teeth whitening options

Teeth bleaching is a common cosmetic procedure that many people choose to improve their smile. Professional teeth whitening services can provide quick results, making teeth several shades brighter in just one appointment, the ADA says. Your dental professional can safely remove tough stains using bleaching agents, often combined with lights or lasers, to create a radiant smile.

An office teeth whitening treatment uses higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, Cleveland Clinic reports, which can provide quicker and more noticeable results. One 30-minute session with your dentist might be enough to achieve a significantly brighter smile, it says.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry reports that the average cost per whitening procedure increased by 29% between 2019 and 2022. In 2019, the average cost for teeth whitening or bleaching under the guidance of a dentist was $393 and it was $508 in 2022.

If you want that bright, white smile, a dental savings plan might be something to consider. Dental savings plans are membership-based programs that offer discounts on dental services at participating dentists. Altogether Dental members save an average of 40% on professional whitening out-of-pocket costs.

Whitening take home kits

Among the teeth whitening services, kits you buy from your dentist to use at home are the middle-of-the-road option.

These kits are an ideal choice if you would rather whiten your teeth from the comfort of your  home at your own pace. You’ll still have professional guidance, with instructions from your dentist, the ADA says.

At-home whitening kits use professional-grade whitening gel with your trays, which are customized to fit your teeth. This takes a little longer to see results compared to in-office treatments, but these kits let you whiten your teeth on your schedule. You wear the trays for a few hours each day and can see results in two weeks, with your teeth being up to seven shades later, according to Aspen Dental, which accepts Altogether Dental members.

Over the counter teeth whitening products

If cosmetic dentistry is not in your budget, then whitening products like toothpaste or strips that you can buy at a retailer use a lower concentration of bleaching agents compared to professional treatments. Most at-home kits contain ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, a chemical that includes hydrogen peroxide. These ingredients whiten your teeth by working at a molecular level, Cleveland Clinic says.

Tooth stains are essentially a buildup of dark-colored compounds known as chromogens, Cleveland Clinic says. Hydrogen peroxide breaks the bonds in these compounds, effectively lightening the stains.

If you have sensitive teeth and your goal is to remove stains, you might want to try products like Sensodyne Clinical White, which you can buy at your local retailer. Sensodyne Clinical White  doesn’t contain hydrogen peroxide, which can irritate.

Teeth whitening strips are a budget-friendly way to whiten your teeth at home. They come with a professional-grade whitening gel that you apply directly to your teeth and wear for a set amount of time each day. While they cost less, whitening strips aren’t custom-made for your teeth, which can sometimes lead to uneven whitening or discomfort.

The cost depends on the product, but both options are available at your local retailer.

If you’re interested in a cosmetic dentistry procedure like teeth whitening, then an Altogther Dental membership might be a good fit for you. Altogether Dental membership is straightforward. By paying a monthly fee, you can save 15-50% on all dental procedures, including teeth whitening services. Plus, you’ll earn loyalty rewards and receive assistance with scheduling appointments.

Remember, regular dental cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing more costly dental issues in the future.

Sources

American Dental Association | Teeth Whitening

Sensodyne | Whitening Sensitive Teeth

Cleveland Clinic | Teeth whiteners

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry | State of the industry