Bleaching Systems

We are often asked about the different types of teeth whitening or bleaching.  Most bleaching involves keeping a dilute form of carbamide-peroxide in close contact with the tooth surface for an extended period of time. Below are a sample of each form and a little about each.

Whitening toothpastes: These are over the counter preparations with low concentrations of carbamide-peroxide. These products work on a limited basis as they are not in contact with the teeth long enough. They are valuable in maintaining the color of your teeth after bleaching by more effective means.  Most retail between $3 and $5.

Bleach releasing disposable strips (Crest Whitestrips): These are strips of plastic designed to adhere to teeth for several hours. They contain low levels of carbamide-peroxide typically under 10% and therefore require extended use to obtain desired results. We find these helpful for patients who only require one or two shade changes, or for maintaining professional bleaching. Most retail between $35 and $60.

Professionally made bleaching take home trays: Custom impressions of the patient’s teeth are taken to make exact fitting whitening trays. They are designed to keep a solution of between 10% to 20% of carbamide-peroxide in contact with the teeth for six hours. They are typically worn at night and results of six to eight shade changes occur over two to three weeks. These trays also are useful in maintaining professional bleaching. Our office price is $250 with refills costing $35.

Lumacool in office bleaching: The patient is first protected with a barrier around the lips and gums. Then a solution of 35% hydrogen-peroxide is light activated to provide six to eight shade changes in one hour. This supervised procedure is effective for most patients; however some patient’s teeth sensitivity becomes a deterrent. This power bleaching can be maintained with any of the above systems. Our office price is $395 or $495 with a pair of trays to maintain the results.