If you decide to whiten your teeth the old fashioned way due to cost or perhaps… fear (!) consider one of these two options:
1. Over-the-Counter Bleaching Kits
Buy an over-the-counter bleaching tray. A kit like this contains a one-size-fits-all tray and the bleaching gel. If you whiten your teeth at home it will take about two weeks of using the tray for two hours a day.
Prices range from $49 - $120 for a complete system i.e. the upper and lower sets of teeth.
Do note that most dentists are not in favor of this type of bleaching system due to the possibility of unpleasant side effects. The kits don’t have the custom fitting that comes with supervision and the gel can irritate and whiten your gums.
Before trying it out we suggest you see a dentist so that the best treatment can be determined for your specific problem. If you do go the home route make sure that the ADA (American Dental Association) has approved the product.
2. Dental Trays - Custom Made and Used at Home
This is a safer form of "at-home" bleaching and makes use of a custom-made dental tray from your dentist. A dental tray is supplied that covers your teeth and your dentist will give you the whitener to use at home.
The tray is worn twice a day for an hour for about two weeks to whiten your teeth by a few shades. After the procedure you visit your dentist again for a checkup. Supervised at-home kits cost from $300 to $500.
Using Whitening Toothpaste
Try old fashioned whitening toothpaste to aid the process above or as an alternative method to whiten your teeth. The ADA does approve of their use since they are quite harmless. Whitening toothpaste will remove an invisible film called pellicle from the teeth, and result in a whiter appearance.
Pellicle causes stains to stick to dental enamel so once it is removed your teeth have less chance of becoming discolored. Whitening toothpaste does not actually remove stains and it may take a long time to notice anything so persevere. It won't actually whiten your teeth but it WILL prevent them from becoming yellow and discolored.
Use Good Oral Hygiene to Whiten Your Teeth
Remember, none of these measures is a replacement for good oral hygiene. It is really important to brush regularly - between meals and before bed (up and down and in a circular motion) and floss every day. Make sure you see a dentist at least once every six months and get your teeth cleaned regularly.
If you want to whiten your teeth start by avoiding the bad guys that cause stains, have your teeth power bleached or bleach them at home and brush with a whitening toothpaste every day. These measures go a long way on the road to whiter teeth. Whiten your teeth once and then decide to keep them that way by cultivating good oral hygiene habits. Your teeth will thank you! Enjoy!
