Everybody wants a bright white smile, and now it has become easy to get to that point with various whitening options. Make sure you explore your options and understand the procedure before you take your first step to that white smile!

• In office bleaching
• At home bleaching
• Whitening toothpastes

Will the bleach work on my teeth?

The best thing to do before starting a bleaching process is to speak with your dentist. Your dentist can explain to you how bleaching would effect your teeth. Not all teeth are immediately responsive to bleaching. If you have more of a yellowish tint to your teeth, you will most likely have the best results. If you have more of a gray tint to your teeth it may take longer and not bleach as well. Bleaching does not work on teeth with crowns or veneers. The bleach does not affect these materials and they will remain their same color, so it is suggested you speak to your dentist about further options.

What is in-office bleaching?

In office bleaching is performed with the supervision of a dentist. During this bleaching process, gel will be applied to your gums for protection and a bleaching agent is applied to the teeth accompanied by a light that will enhance the whiteness of your teeth. Just like any bleaching procedure, you may not see immediate results and this process may have to be repeated.

What is at-home bleaching?

At home bleaching allows you to bleach your teeth safely and effectively by using various options. There are several types of bleaching agents that you can obtain either from your dentist or over the counter.

Bleaching products contain peroxides which are the agents that bleach the tooth enamel. The bleaching agent is dependent on the percentage of carbamide peroxide it contains. These percentages usually range from 10% to 39%. These products usually are in a gel form. You place this gel in a mouthguard and let it sit in your mouth. Times vary with the percentage of carbamide peroxide. Make sure to follow the directions carefully. These mouthguards can be purchased over the counter and molded at home. Or you can go to your dentist and be custom-fitted for one. The mouthguards you get from your dentist are usually smaller and fit better without irritation, bleaching at home can take a few days to a few weeks depending on the color of ones teeth and the agent being used.

Whitening strips are very thin and are usually bought over the counter. They have also been shown to give very good results. These thins strips are placed over your teeth and have a gel like layer of peroxide agents on the inside. Common strips are used twice daily for about 30 minutes for a couple weeks. The results usually last for about 4 months.

Toothpastes have been coming out with whitening agents as well. "Whitening" toothpastes contain chemicals and agents which provide further effectiveness in aiding stain removal. These have more of a temporary effect, whereas bleaching procedures can change the intrinsic color of your teeth.

Are there side-effects to bleaching?

This is something you can go over with your dentist. Teeth sensitivity can be felt during the period that you are whitening your teeth. Once you are done with the process, this sensitivity usually goes away and is temporary. If you get an over the counter mouthguard, you may experience irritation from an uncomfortable fit.

Which bleaching agent should I use?

Choosing a bleaching agent is a personal choice and we cannot tell you which one to use. Every person responds differently to bleaching products and we suggest you find one that you feel most comfortable with and stick with it.

Why are my teeth becoming darker as I get older?

Your lifestyle and the aging process can stain and darken your teeth. If you drink tea, coffee, soda, red wine or smoke on a regular basis, your teeth are more likely to become darker with aging.

If I am pregnant or nursing, can I bleach my teeth?

It has not been proven through studies that bleaching your teeth while you are pregnant or nursing will be harmful. However, to be safe and cautious, it is recommended that you do not using bleaching agents while you are pregnant or nursing.

I whitened my teeth, and now they seem to have spots of white. Should I keep bleaching so it evens out?

You should continue with your bleaching process and when you stop it, you will more than likely see the blotchiness slowly go away. These spots you see are probably from decalcification which will pick up the bleach much more rapidly.

How often should I bleach my teeth?

Each procedure differs, however, most at-home bleaching lasts for two weeks. It is not recommended that you continue after this two week period. There will come a point where your teeth will not become any more whiter. After time, some of the brightness may go away and a touch-up kit could be of use.

Is it okay to go back to drinking red wine after I whiten my teeth?

It is recommended that you stick with an all white diet for the first week after whitening your teeth. This means no coffees, sodas, red wine or other drinks with color. Drinks such as sprite or water or white wine can be used as substitutes.

Should I buy just one syringe or a pack of multiple syringes?

It is most likely that you are going to go through more than one syringe, especially if you want to touch-up your whitening as months go by. Each syringe contains a different amount of agent, so it is difficult to say an exact number that you will need.

Is it better to get the higher percentage carbamide peroxide or get the lower percentage and wear it longer?

It is not recommended to get he higher percentages (20%-38%) and wear them for more than and hour at a time. However, you can get the lower percentages and wear them for longer periods of time, and even overnight. If you are prone to sensitivity, it is recommended that you get the lower percentage and find a good time period that suits you. There is no study shown that the higher the percentage, the more effective the bleaching is. It has to do more with the wearing time.

Should I refrigerate my syringes, and is there an expiration date?

The gel will last longer if you refrigerate it (approximately 2 years). If you choose not to keep it refrigerated, it will last no longer than a year. Most bleaching kits will come with their own directions and expiration dates, so be sure to check those prior to use of the product.

Which whitening procedure will cause the least sensitivity?

It is hard to say because all procedures can potentially cause sensitivity. Again, it is more of a personal thing. Some people may face sensitivity to all and some none.

Why did my gums sting and burn when I was whitening? Should I stop?

If your gums had a stinging sensation, you may have put too much gel into your tray. The gel should not touch your gum area or any soft tissue area. Make sure you are aware of how much gel you put in each tooth section. It should be just a small droplet because with your own saliva, it will cover your whole tooth. Do not panic if your gum burns. Simply stop the process and it should slowly go away. If you have further questions, contact your dentist.

Will using the desensitizing gels really help?

Yes, they usually help patients with sensitivity issues. It is recommended to use these gels 1-2 hours before bleaching your teeth. They come in a gel form also, and can be used in the same mouthguard as your bleach. Just make sure ALL the desensitizing gel is cleaned out before you insert the gel into the tray.