"Teeth Whitening Guide: Options, Costs, and Maintenance Tips"

About the experts

• Shereen S. Azer, BDS, MSc, MS, FACP, is an associate professor and Chair of the Division of Restorative and Prosthetic Dentistry at the Ohio State University College of Dentistry. He specializes in aesthetic aspects of dentistry, including tooth whitening, dental implants, and ceramic restorations.
• Joyce Kahng, DDS, is a doctor of dental surgery, award-winning cosmetic and restorative dentist, and owner of Orange and Magnolia Dental Studio in Costa Mesa, California. She also served as an assistant clinical professor at the University of Southern California’s Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry for five years.

Highlights

• From whitening strips to “power bleaching,” several options are available to brighten your smile.
• A cosmetic dentist tells us there’s only so white your teeth can get—and those blindingly white celebrity smiles often aren’t from bleaching per se.
• Too much teeth whitening can cause damage, so dental experts explain how to safely get and maintain whiter teeth.

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that brightens your smile by removing stains caused by foods, drinks, smoking, aging, and medications like tetracycline. While modern whitening methods have been around since the 1980s, those extremely white smiles seen on celebrities are often the result of veneers rather than whitening treatments. According to Dr. Kahng, there are limits to how white natural teeth can get with whitening procedures, and veneers can exceed that threshold. The effectiveness of teeth whitening can vary based on individual tooth characteristics such as color and opacity.

Teeth whitening options

"Professional in-office whitening Veneers At-home whitening kits from dentists Over-the-counter options" Professional in-office whitening involves the use of high-concentration bleaching agents like carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide to target deep stains. Veneers are thin coverings placed over the teeth to change their color and shape. At-home whitening kits involve custom trays and professional-strength gel provided by dentists. Over-the-counter options like whitening strips and toothpaste are also available.

How much does teeth whitening cost?

The cost of teeth whitening treatments can vary depending on the type of treatment, severity of discoloration, and location. In general, prices for teeth whitening range from $300 to $1,400 for in-office treatments, $375 to $500 for professional home kits, $800 to $3,500 per tooth for veneers, and $4 to $65 for over-the-counter products.

Potential side effects and risks of teeth whitening treatments

Common side effects of teeth whitening include tooth and gum sensitivity, which are usually temporary. Overusing over-the-counter products can weaken enamel and increase the risk of cavities, decay, and staining. It is important to follow directions and pay attention to the concentration of whitening products to avoid complications.

How to maintain whitened teeth

To maintain whiter teeth, it is essential to avoid staining foods and drinks, practice good oral hygiene, and seek professional dental cleaning regularly. Maintaining healthy habits can help prolong the results of teeth whitening treatments and prevent sensitivity or damage to the teeth.