A Checkup on Whiteners

Writer Jennifer Huget, Special to The Washington Post, writes the following on the subject of Teeth Whitening:

A few overarching points [on teeth whitening]:

• Conventional wisdom -- touted mostly by dentists themselves -- holds that you should have a dentist check your mouth for decay or disease before embarking on your tooth-whitening journey.
• Whitening products take two basic approaches. Some contain bleach that permeates the teeth to remove both internal, or "intrinsic," stains and those on the outside of the teeth. Others use mechanical or chemical means to loosen or buff away the junk that stains the outside.
• Most experts agree that the effectiveness of any tooth-bleaching method comes down to two factors: the concentration of bleaching agent (usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) and the length of time that agent is in direct contact with the teeth.

Matt Messina, a Cleveland dentist and the American Dental Association's go-to guy on whitening, says, "Whitening is basically a continuum. The less expensive, less involved procedure produces lower results, while the most expensive, more complicated procedures can produce dramatic changes in color. There is no one right answer."

Connecticut dentist Marty Zase, president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, notes that, for treatments done by a professional, the cost of whitening is determined by the dentist's location, experience and skill. Any dentist can call himself a cosmetic dentist; to find one with extra training, go to http://www.aacd.com/ . Ask to see photos of a whitening the dentist has actually performed, Zase suggests, and don't be shy about asking for references.

The American Dental Association says whitening is a pretty safe procedure. But bleaching agents can cause short-term tooth sensitivity and, if poorly applied, temporarily make your gums and other parts of your mouth hurt. Both problems should go away if you lay off the bleach for a day or so.

The Food and Drug Administration regards tooth-whitening products as cosmetics, not drugs. So as long as manufacturers don't say their products cure or prevent disease or make other health claims, they're free to say just about anything they like without substantiating those claims with research. So it's up to you, oh dingy-toothed one, to choose carefully.

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In an article titled "Invest in Your Looks" by Liz Pulliam Weston, we find practical advice on teeth whitening.  Regarding Professional teeth whitening, Ms. Weston explains: Dentists offer two basic systems for brightening your pearlies: take-home bleach trays and in-office bleaching.

As a purely cosmetic procedure, tooth whitening isn't covered by insurance or employer flexible spending plans. The take-home kits typically cost $300 to $500, according to the American Dental Hygienists Association, and require up to two weeks of nightly (or daily) treatment. The in-office procedures usually cost $500 to $1,000 and use a light or heat to activate the gel that whitens your teeth; most require just one office visit. Touch-ups are often required after a few years.

More costly options for cosmetic improvement include bonding, in which resin is molded onto a tooth, and veneers, in which porcelain facings are adhered to the tooth. Bonding typically costs $300 to $700 per tooth while veneers usually run $700 to $1,200.

Compare the cost of professional whitening to the cost of over-the-counter remedies -- whitening toothpastes ($3 to $5), whitening gels ($15) and strips ($30 to $50) -- and the drugstore remedies typically come out the winner. But professional whitening gives more dramatic results, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and offers professional supervision so you don't wind up wearing away your precious enamel in an effort to get too-bright teeth.

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