Whitening
If you would like a brighter smile, you have two options: in-office-based teeth whitening, or at-home care.
Both tooth whitening options use peroxide-based bleaching agents. At-home systems contain from 3% to 20% peroxide (carbamide or hydrogen peroxides). In-office systems contain from 15% to 43% peroxide.
Generally, the longer you keep a stronger solution on your teeth, the whiter your teeth become. However, the higher the percentage of peroxide in the whitening solution, the shorter it should be applied to the teeth because it will dehydrate the tooth and increase tooth sensitivity.
There are pros and cons to each option, but before you try at-home tooth-bleaching kits, be sure to talk to us. Not everyone will see good results. Bleaching will not whiten porcelain crowns or composite tooth-colored restorations.
In Office Whitening
Teeth whitening done in the office can get teeth brighter faster. The bleaching solution is usually much stronger than at-home kits. Also, heat, light, or a combination of the two may be used to speed and intensify the whitening process.
The most dramatic results -- teeth generally get three to eight shades brighter -- usually take several 30- to 60-minute in-office visits.
The Procedure:
Thorough cleansing and polishing of teeth
Application of gum protectant
Application of whitening agent
Whitening agent is laser-activated
Whitening agent is left on teeth for several minutes
Teeth and gums are rinsed
At-Home Teeth Whitening
Tooth whitening strips and gels. Applied directly to the teeth with a brush or a thin strip, these peroxide-based tooth bleaching products usually need to be applied once or twice a day for 10 to 14 days.
Tray-based tooth bleaching systems. For this whitening option, a mouth guard-like tray is filled with a peroxide-based bleaching gel or paste and placed over the teeth for one to several hours a day for up to four weeks. You can buy tray-based tooth whitening systems over-the-counter or have one custom-fitted by your us.
Tooth whitening toothpastes. Because they're mildly abrasive, every toothpaste helps remove stains from teeth. Whitening toothpastes, however, also contain chemicals or polishing agents that help scrub stains from teeth without the aid of a bleaching agent. Tooth-whitening toothpastes are relatively inexpensive and brighten teeth by about one shade. Some whitening toothpastes contain peroxides, but they aren't left on the teeth long enough to have a whitening benefit.
Keeping teeth white
Whether you use an at-home tooth-whitening system, or have your teeth bleached in the office, you can help maintain the results by brushing, flossing, and rinsing daily.
Things to avoid:
Black teas and coffee
White and red wine
Sports drinks
Carbonated beverages (dark and light-colored sodas)
Berries and other strongly-colored foods
Sauces (soy, tomato, curries)