Over-the-Counter Whitening
These take-home teeth whitening kits and products are the most inexpensive, convenient ways to restore the luster of your pearly whites. You can purchase these cost-effective bleaching and cleaning products at your local supermarket, drug store, or online. Keep in mind that the cost of these whitening products varies based on the item’s size and if you buy a name-brand or generic product.
1. Teeth Whitening Strips
Typically Costs: $30-$70 for 10-20 strips
How it works: Flexible plastic strips are coated a thin layer of hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, and other bleaching agents. Apply the adhesive strips to your teeth daily for the recommended period for best results.
How Long it Takes: 5-30 minutes daily for 1-2 weeks depending on the strength of the whitening gel. Some potent treatments show changes within a single day, while milder whitening strips take up to 2 weeks to complete.
Risks: Uneven bleaching that results in blotchy white spots across the enamel. Irritation of soft gum tissue or corrosion of enamel if overused.
Upkeep: Repeat treatments every 6-12 months.
2. Paint-on Varnishes
Typically Costs: $10-$20 per unit
How it works: Whitening gel is painted directly onto the dental surface using an applicator brush or pen. Contains peroxide bleaching agents that forms a hardening film on the teeth to remove surface stains. Dissolves automatically.
How Long it Takes: Apply 1-2 times daily for 1-2 weeks.
Risks: Tricky to apply effectively. Can easily be rinsed away accidentally too soon, causing uneven bleaching that results in light and dark patches across the enamel. Irritation of soft gum tissue.
Upkeep: Use every 4-6 months.
3. LED Whitening Kits
Typically Costs: $50-$300
How it works: Kits include a special coating gel to prepare the teeth. Then, a blue LED light shines inside the mouth to activate the gel.
How Long it Takes: Use 20-30 minutes daily for 2-4 weeks.
Risks: UV light even in mild doses can cause severe irritation of the gums, oral skin burns, and irreparable enamel damage to sensitive teeth.
Upkeep: Every 6 months.
4. Whitening Toothpastes
Typically Costs: $5-$15 per tube
How it works: Apply directly to the teeth and scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Most whitening toothpastes use abrasives like baking soda to polish the surface and bleaches to undo tooth discoloration.
How Long it Takes: Brush 2-3 times daily for 3-6 weeks for visible changes.
Risks: Potent products with extra peroxide can irritate gum tissue. High-abrasive pastes can wear down the enamel.
Upkeep: ontinue using on a daily basis or a few times every week to prevent stains from returning.
5. Whitening Rinses
Typically Costs: $7-20 per bottle
How it works: As with any mouthwash, this rinse loosens food particles between teeth if swished for 60 seconds before brushing. Also contain fluoride and hydrogen peroxide to gently bleach teeth.
How Long it Takes: 3-6 weeks of daily use for visible changes to occur.
Risks: Rinses containing alcohol can burn your mouth and damage the good bacteria in your oral microbiome.
Upkeep: Continue using on a daily basis or a few times every week to prevent stains from returning.
6. Whitening Chewing Gum
Typically Costs: $3-5 per pack
How it works: Chewing gum after meals cleans teeth by stimulating saliva flow. This helps remove the food particles and sticky residue that linger and stain teeth. Whitening gum typically contains extra abrasives to scour the dental surfaces. Should be paired with other cleaning and whitening practices; negligible effects on its own.
How Long it Takes: 6-8 weeks for even minor changes in shade.
Risks: Products containing sugar can lead to cavities. Highly abrasive gum can wear down tooth enamel.
Upkeep: Chew daily for ongoing cleaning effects.
