Methods of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening or bleaching involves lightening of the teeth and removal of stains. It bleaches the dentin and enamel, which makes up most of the tooth.

There are many options to choose from including over-the-counter whitening systems,dentist dispensed products,laser whitening,loaded tray whitening, and in-office teeth whitening. Most dentists prefer peroxide as the best option for teeth whitening.

The most common method today is over the counter topical whiteners. These include whitening gels,toothpastes,strips, and band aid containing peroxide which is placed directly on the teeth.

In the laser whitening method, Carbamide Peroxide is applied to the teeth together with a laser to activate a reaction between the teeth and peroxide. This is usually the most expensive treatment for whitening teeth.

The blue light method uses a blue light to quickly activate the reaction between hydrogen peroxide and teeth. The effect of this treatment can last for several years. The results from this method take effect almost immediately.

The tray method involves a prescribed bleaching/whitening gel called Carbamide Peroxide to be loaded in. The trays can be ready made or custom made. The chemical in the tray reacts with saliva to release hydrogen peroxide, which will whiten the teeth with continued use, usually around 2 to 3 weeks.

Home based methods usually use gels with a solution of carbamide and hydrogen peroxide. These home based methods give good results but generally take longer than the other methods.

All these methods can get the job done. You have to ask yourself whether or not you have the money, time and commitment. Dentists are going to be the most costly but get it done quickly, so for a busy person this may be the best route. Home based models are cheaper but take longer and you have to remember to do it regularly.