Today there are many ways in which to whiten your teeth which include whitening toothpastes, whitening at the dentist office with procedures known as chair side bleaching or power bleaching and at home bleaching with such products as whitening strips, whitening gels, tray based bleaching systems that you can purchase at a retail store, and tray based bleaching systems you can acquire from your dentist. Not only are there all kinds of ways in which to whiten your teeth, but many of these can be done in the privacy of your home instead of in a dentist’s office. Either way you choose, most individuals are very happy with the results.

Whitening toothpastes

Whitening toothpastes may be the most expensive product available today for whitening teeth. On the other hand, whitening toothpastes will not help with many stains. The only benefits for teeth whitening toothpastes are they will remove surface stains. These products do not contain any type of bleaching component. In most cases, these toothpastes will only lighten the color of your teeth possibly a shade. If you visit the dentist, in contrast you will receive a shade this three to eight times lighter.

Whitening Strips

Whitening strips are practically invisible thin strips that are placed on the teeth. The strips are coated with a whitening gel that utilizes the power found in peroxide. In the majority of cases, you will need to apply the strips for 30 minutes per day for around 2 weeks. Most people notice a change in a few days, however, the results usually only last for about 4 months.

Whitening Gels

Whitening gels are also peroxide based which you apply with a small brush directly on your teeth. You will need to apply the whitening gel two times per day for around 2 weeks. Once again, a noticeable change is noted in a few days and the results last around 4 months.

Both the whitening strips and whitening gels may use a peroxide base similar to that you will receive in the dentist’s office, however, the strength is much weaker. You will see some lightening, but not like you would notice with a professional method used by a dentist.

Tray Based Methods at Home

One popular teeth whitening procedure is the tray based method that can be purchased from a retail store. You will fill a mouth guard type tray with a gel type solution. This solution contains a peroxide agent similar to that found in whitening gels and whitening strips. You will then place the tray over your teeth and wear the guard for around 2 hours per day or at night while sleeping for one month or longer. The amount of days you use the mouth guard depend on the degree of teeth staining you may have or how white you desire your teeth.

Bleaching at the Dentist’s Office

At the dentist office there may be an array of methods used, however, the most common involves placing a protective gel over the gums, then applying the bleaching agent to the teeth. In the majority of cases, heat, laser light or a specific light designed for use with the teeth whitening process, which helps in accelerating the process.