by Cyrus Dehkan

Created on: January 25, 2007   Last Updated: April 19, 2007

As a dentist I see many products come and go. Today, there are many products being touted as so call whitening agents. The choice for someone who isn't familiar with whitening product formulations can be confusing.

Very simply all products that are promoted as whitening agents do work. The problem lies in how they are used. Over the counter products that are bought at the local pharmacy have a lower degree of bleach concentration than those that the dentist uses. Most over the counter bleaches have a 10% carbamide peroxide concentration, while the prescriptive bleaches that only a dentist can prescribe contain 35% bleach.

Products such as whitening toothpastes do not work if you simply brush with them. If you place them in a tray for 12 to 24 hours at a time, some change may be noted. The concentration is way to low to notice appreciable change in a short time frame. The bleaches dispensed by a dentist are stronger, so results will be seen sooner- typically within an hour. As a result bleaching solutions dispensed by the dentist will achieve better results. The initial cost is more, but you'll in the long run get what you pay for. Also after the initial cost, touch ups are necessary to maintain the bleached tooth color. The cost for this is minor and needs to be done once every 3 to 6 months depending on different patient factors and desires.

Finally questions are always being asked about light bleaching versus take home bleaching. Frankly the results of either will be the same. There is no appreciable difference other than the time involved. In office light bleaching is strictly an office procedure. The patient will not be required to do much when they leave. Take home bleaches in trays require some patient cooperation to place and use properly. The cost is typically a little more for the in office bleaching than that of the take home products.

In summary what you choose will be dependent on what you can afford and how much time you are willing to spend in achieving the results you desire. Bleaching done by a dentist is far superior to anything currently available over the counter.

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