Are Teeth Whitening Trays Equal to Dentist Treatment?

There are a variety of teeth-whitening products on the market today. Whitening trays, as well as whitening strips, are not as easy or as quickly effective as whitening done in the dentist's office using a special light or laser.

Convenience

• Whitening trays were the first method of bleaching available for use at home. A dentist would take a mold of a patient's teeth and create a plastic tray. At home, the patient would put a whitening gel, made up of 10 percent peroxide, in the tray, and then wear the tray for a period of time each day for two to six weeks. Now, in a one-hour session, dentists can use a light treatment combined with a peroxide gel to instantly whiten teeth. Among the brands of peroxide gel are Zoom Teeth Whitening, BriteSmile, and Niveous. A third option is over-the-counter whitening strips.

Cost

• Whitening done in an office using a light or laser can cost anywhere from $299 to $650. An at-home bleaching tray system usually costs $100 to $400. Whitening strips cost $20 to $100.

Benefits

• The quickest and easiest solution: Spend the money and have the work done in an office, administered by a dentist. Your teeth will be whiter in an hour.

How Long Does It Last?

• Whitening tends to last anywhere from one to seven years. Long-term results depend on individual habits. Tobacco products, coffee, tea and wine will darken the teeth, no matter what bleaching system is used.

Cautions

• Whitening is considered to be safe, but some side effects can occur with the in-office light method. They include gum irritation that can last a few days and a temporary increase in sensitivity to temperature and pressure.