When it comes to Cosmetic Dentistry - We have three major teeth whitening options available to us today.

Most of us start out with sparkling white teeth – Thanks to their porcelain-like enamel surface.

Composed of microscopic crystalline rods, tooth enamel is designed to protect the teeth from the effects of chewing, gnashing, trauma and acid attacks caused by sugar.

But over the years enamel is worn down, becoming more transparent and permitting the yellow color of dentin – the tooth's core material – to show through.

During routine chewing, dentin remains intact while millions of micro-cracks occur in the enamel. It is these cracks, as well as the spaces between the crystalline enamel rods, that gradually fill up with stains and debris. As a result, the teeth eventually develop a dull, lackluster appearance.

Teeth whitening removes the stains and debris, leaving the enamel cracks open and exposed.

Some of the cracks are quickly re-mineralized by saliva, while others are filled up again with organic debris, which is why teeth whitening requires ongoing touch ups and maintenance.

First is In-Office Whitening – That’s where you’ll see the biggest change the fastest.

That’s because of the high-concentration peroxide gel they can use after they’ve protected your gums with a paint-on rubber dam – Very important.

Generally, the peroxide remains on the teeth for several 15 to 20 minute intervals that add up to an hour to the treatment.

Those with particularly stubborn staining may be advised to return for one or more additional bleaching sessions, or may be asked to continue with a home-use whitening system.

In-office teeth whitening cost: from $450 to $650 per visit (on average) nationwide.

Then there’s Dentist dispensed Take-Home Whitening Kits

Many dentists are of the opinion that professionally dispensed take-home whitening kits can produce the best results over the long haul.

These kits have easy-to-use lower-concentration peroxide gel applied to your teeth using custom-made bleaching trays that resemble mouth guards.

Take-home teeth whitening kit cost: $100 to $400

Last is over-the-counter bleaching It’s the cheapest & slowest of your teeth whitening options, because it uses a bleaching gel with a lower concentration than dentist dispensed take-home whiteners and uses one-size-fits-all trays, whitening strips or paint-on applicators so they are more likely to cause users gum irritation from leakage.

In many cases this may only whiten a few of the front teeth unlike custom trays that can whiten the entire smile.