Teeth bleaching or whitening is becoming more popular as more consumers worry about their appearance, especially their smile. Having a white smile not only changes the way a person will feel about themselves, but how others look at them as well.

There are more options to teeth bleaching today than ever. The chemicals and prices vary in huge differences and it might be hard to know which is the best teeth whitening option for you.

Let’s first discuss the major active ingredient in teeth bleaching and whitening. The bleaching agent is called hydrogen peroxide, also known as carbamide peroxide. When using an over the counter product, the percentage of hydrogen peroxide percentage is around  three percent.

The ingredient is active, just not at major intensity. Whitening your teeth with an over the counter procedure will take longer to see noticeable results. This procedure must be repeated much more often to keep the result of pearly whites.

The cost is generally affordable for all and can range anywhere from ten dollars to one hundred dollars. The cost of having your teeth whitened by a dentist office are much more, but there is good reason.

Where your over the counter teeth whiteners only have about three percent hydrogen peroxide, you dentist can use a more concentrated edition with closer to thirty to forty percent. The results are much different as well.

With teeth bleaching performed by a dentist, the results will start to show in around an hour, much different than two weeks. This procedure will only need to be repeated every couple of years, depending on the teeth staining foods you eat.

There is another option that falls right in the middle of the first two described. By visiting your dentist, they can have a mold made of your teeth. A mouthpiece will be created to fit your mouth almost perfectly.

Once your mouthpiece is ready, the dentist will send the bleaching gel home with you to use in your mouthpiece on you own time and in the comfort of your own home. The bleaching solution is not as strong as your dentist would use in his office, but much stronger than an over the counter box can provide.

This cost is also right in the middle of the other two. With the choices available through your dentist and over the counter, you should be able to find a bleaching solution for your white teeth needs.

Evaluate the difference in time of application and results, cost of results and re-application and also the amount of chemicals being used in each procedure. There may be one that will feel more comfortable to you. It may be that you want small results for a small price, or immediate long lasting results for a higher end price.

Consider all of your options before beginning any teeth whitening procedure. Remember that the pain is minimal and much different from many other dental procedures. A fear of the dentist should not hold those hoping to have white teeth from contacting their dentish about teeth bleaching.