Bleaching

Bleaching or whitening is any process that make teeth appear whiter and is one of the most popular and economical ways to improve the appearance of teeth. You can whiten your teeth in one of four ways:

Dentist-administered bleaching

Dentist-administered bleaching generally requires a visit to your dentist followed by the administration of bleaching trays. Your dentist will apply a protective gel to your gums or use a rubber shield to protect soft tissues. A bleaching agent will be applied to your teeth and a light may be used to enhance the action of the agent. The effects will be immediate, but bleaching trays are provided for any future "touch-ups" that are necessary.

Dentist-dispensed bleaching trays for home use

The most common product that is dispensed by dentists is the bleaching tray. A bleaching tray is a custom-fitted mouth guard that is generally worn for a few hours during the day or slept with overnight. Bleach is applied to the inside of the tray before use. Most patients see the desired effects after one to two weeks of bleaching.

Over-the-counter bleaching system

You can purchase over-the-counter bleaching systems at your local pharmacy and should use them as directed on the package. Results do not tend to be as predictable as dentist-administered or dentist-dispensed bleaching and vary depending upon the system.

Whitening toothpaste

Whitening toothpastes contain polishing or chemical agents to improve tooth appearance by removing surface stains. This process will take more time than the other bleaching options