For the older at-home non-moldable tray procedure, one must fill a mouthpiece-like form with a whitening gel that contains a peroxide-bleaching agent. Then the mouthpiece is inserted in the mouth, placed over the teeth, and worn for a period of time, generally from a couple of hours to all night for up to a month. The problem with this system is that since the “one-size fits all” mouthpiece is not custom-made to fit precisely on the teeth, the whitening gel does not provide maximum contact with the surface of the teeth, and additionally, some may leak out to irritate the gums. Despite its drawbacks, this treatment is reported to achieve a 1-3 shade color change to the teeth that could last up to four months. Cost: $20 to $30

An improved version is called the Boil and Bite Tray Bleaching System. For this treatment, a person must suspend the mouthpiece in hot water for about 10 seconds so that it becomes soft and moldable. The mouthpiece is then placed in the mouth and by using the fingers on the front and the tongue for the rear; it’s shaped to fit the contours of the teeth. After it has cooled the mouthpiece is tested for fit, reheated if necessary, and reshaped. Peroxide-based whitening gel is then placed in the mouthpiece and worn for the prescribed time. Cost: $20 to $80

Another at-home option is one where you can make impressions of your teeth with a paste mixture supplied with the whitening kit. The impressions are then sent to the manufacturer who will mail you the home-made custom-fitted mouthpiece. Also provided in the kit is a 30-day supply of whitening gel. Cost: $80 to $114

Also offered is a system where gel is applied to the non-molded mouthpiece, after which a person will insert a blue-light “plasma bulb” into any household lamp and sit in front of the bulb for a half hour. One company has spas in several states where you can get this treatment while watching TV or listen to music for 20-minutes. Cost: At home $70 - Spa treatment - $380

Dental Office Treatments

Custom-made mouthpiece-trays formed by impressions in a dental office can provide the best results because of the maximum contact of the gel to the surface of the teeth. Results can be up to ten or eleven-shades. Cost: $300 to $600

Professional Laser Teeth Whitening treatments in a dental office provide the most effective way to achieve excellent results. This treatment, although the most expensive, will give the results you were looking for. For laser whitening the dentist will apply a professional grade peroxide gel directly on the surface of the teeth (usually 15% to 43%). Then the gel is exposed to a special light which speeds up the chemical reaction of the agent and can whiten the teeth to over eleven-shades almost instantly. The entire procedure usually takes about one hour. This process may have to be repeated if stains are deep. Cost: $400 to $2,500

Summary

• Brush-on Whitening Gel - $20 to $90
• Whitening Strips - $25 to $60
• At-Home Non-Moldable Tray Kit - $20 to $30
• Boil and Bite Tray Bleaching System - $20 to $80
• At-Home Teeth Impression Kit - $80 to $114
• At-Home Blue Light Treatment - $70
• Spa Blue Light Treatment - $380
• Custom Made Mouthpiece Trays - $300 to $600
• Professional Laser Teeth Whitening - $400 to $2,500

Remember, teeth whitening is not covered by most dental insurance and since one can experience some irritation or discomfort to the gums, it is strongly advised that you consult your dentist before attempting any of these procedures.