Teeth Whitening

Over time, stain-causing foods and beverages, smoking, and thinning enamel can dim the brightest smile. If you are feeling self-conscious about your teeth, your dentist can help you discover the whitening treatment that is best for you.

At-Home Whitening

Home treatments can help reduce surface stains. These methods are less expensive than in-office whitening, but because they cannot offer the strength of professional whiteners, they are not as effective and usually require several weeks of daily application.

• Whitening Toothpastes and Rinses: Use mild abrasives and bleaching agents to remove surface stains. They can also help maintain brightness after a professional whitening.
• Whitening Strips: Flexible plastic strips coated with peroxide-based gel. Positioned on the front of the teeth for 30 minutes twice daily. Treatment time varies from several days to several weeks.
• Stock Gel Trays: Mouthguard-like appliances filled with whitening gel and placed over the teeth. Results vary by manufacturer.

In-Office Treatment

An in-office whitening treatment is generally faster, more effective, and lasts longer because dentists use gels with a higher concentration of peroxide than OTC products. Your dentist will examine you first to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy, protect surrounding tissue during the procedure, and monitor treatment throughout. Office whitening usually takes 30 to 90 minutes.

• Light-Activated Whitening: Halogen, LED, or UV lighting activates the molecules in the whitening gel, speeding up the chemical reaction that eliminates stains.
• Custom Gel Trays: Professionally crafted trays allow a more precise application of peroxide gel at home. Usually requires about two weeks for maximum whitening.

Some teeth are not good candidates for typical whitening procedures. If you have deeper discoloration caused by trauma or medications, or if you have bonding, veneers, crowns, or bridges that are darker than your natural enamel, talk to your dentist about which option is best for you.