There are many ways to whiten your teeth — from whitening toothpastes and other products that can remove many surface stains for very little cost, to light-activated whitening techniques in a dentist’s office that cost up to $1,000 and can produce dramatic results. Dentist-dispensed, take-home whitening trays can either be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to power bleaching. These kits can be more effective than in-office bleaching over the long term, largely because they tend to be used over extended periods, according to The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Just how do they work? After a dentist takes a mold of your mouth, you’re give a set of custom-fitted trays to take home. At home, you squeeze a teeth-whitening gel into the trays and wear them for a few hours each day or night for one to two weeks, on average. The trays cost about $400. Continue Reading →