The process of Teeth whitening sounds like one that is a no-brainer, but it is important to know how it works and what is involved. Teeth whitening can be done in two basic ways, using a bleach based chemical or a non-bleach based chemical. Most can be done in a dentist’s office while others can be performed at home with significant savings. Here is what to consider when looking at each:

Non-Bleach Procedure- These procedures are basically what can be purchased from retail stores. For example, the whitening strips and high-end toothpastes that promise a teeth whitening finish. These are used by dentists when you go in for your annual cleaning, so with a good amount of dedication and hard brushing you can get a teeth whitening effect.

Bleaching Procedure- Some bleaching procedures can be costly, but they can also improve the shade of the teeth from four to eight shades. With a slight concentration of bleach, these are given a potent punch to whiten your teeth. Where you can buy the non-bleach whiteners in the store for a decent price, bleaching procedures can cost upwards of $1,000. There are different types of bleaching procedures:

1. Light-activated teeth whitening is when the dentist uses a light to cause a quick and remarkable change in teeth color. This teeth whitening procedure can cost around $500 at a dentist’s office, but usually requires a yearly renewal to keep the teeth white.

2. Some dentists will create a custom mouthpiece for an individual to use to help in the teeth whitening process. This mouthpiece is worn for a certain period of time, causing the teeth to become white. This is usually around $300 for the procedure and the device.

It is important to remember to try to consult a professional before having any of these teeth whitening procedures performed. Some people react to certain procedures or chemicals in different ways than others and that will need to be determined before the teeth whitening begins. Make sure you find what will work best for you and what will cause the least amount of discomfort.