DENTURES New whitening procedures are something to smile about

Teeth-whitening procedures vary in cost, effectiveness.
SCRIPPS HOWARD
White is the new black -- for teeth, that is. So how do you get your teeth their pearly whitest? There are at-home and in-office smile solutions to fit every budget.
Tray teeth-whitening systems from your dentist utilize a carbamide peroxide whitener to remove stains left by such substances as coffee or tea, which can usually be removed in the course of two to six weeks. First, your dentist will take molds of your teeth to make the custom-fitted trays. Once they are ready, you'll be sent home with the bleaching product, along with your dentist's recommendation that you wear the trays from one to three hours a day or overnight. The cost for one of these systems can run anywhere from $250 to $850.
Home remedies
Teeth-whitening strips are another over-the-counter way to whiten teeth. The strips are thin, flexible pieces of plastic coated on one side with a hydrogen peroxide bleaching agent. Strips that contain 6 percent hydrogen peroxide whitener are typically worn for 30 minutes a day, twice a day, for 14 days; those that contain 10 percent usually work in seven days. The strips can be worn any time of day, at home or out of the house, then discarded, making them more convenient than bleaching trays. Generic and drugstore brands start at $13 a box; brand-name varieties, such as Rembrandt and Crest Whitestrips, run between $30 and $40.
You've probably seen paint- or brush-on whitening products at your drugstore or supermarket. While these are the least expensive option, they are also the least effective because most don't have the bleach concentration or staying power to send stains packing. But don't write these swipe-and-go products off just yet -- they can be particularly useful for maintenance after other bleaching treatments. One to try: Supersmile Quickee ($16).
At dental office
Professional teeth whitening, aka "power bleaching," with peroxide bleaching compounds has become extremely popular for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that it produces instant results. Depending on the method recommended for you, you can bring your teeth up several shades in 60 to 90 minutes. The results are said to last for about two years if you maintain your teeth properly. The cost of such instant gratification ranges widely, anywhere between $600 and $2,000.
Microabrasion treats spot-stained teeth with a mild acid and can be used in conjunction with tooth bleaching. The acid is combined with pumice, a sandy polishing substance, and rubbed into the teeth with a special dental hand-piece. It usually takes several appointments, and the technique works best with brown stains. Afterward, the teeth are refinished and polished; the procedure can be quite efficient for stains that are not embedded too far into the enamel.