Keeping Your Teeth White

Bleaching
Bleaching is done with custom-fitted mouth trays and bleaching gel. The most common active ingredient in tooth bleaching gel is 10% carbamide peroxide, which breaks down into 3% hydrogen peroxide when dispensed. First, your dentist will make impressions of your teeth and create custom mouth guard trays for your mouth. To protect your sensitive gum tissue, (s)he will leave a slight space between the tray and your gums when forming the tray. You'll then be instructed on proper use of the mouth guards and bleaching gel. You'll probably be told to squeeze a thin line of the gel into the mouth guards and wear them for several hours nightly, or even overnight (not to exceed eight hours). You must be consistent in using the gel-apply it nightly usually one to two weeks, without skipping any days. The dentist will compare your teeth with a shade guide, and will probably ask to see you again in a week in order to monitor your progress. The most common side effect associated with bleaching is tooth sensitivity. However, it's generally mild and temporary, usually only lasting as long as the duration of the bleaching procedure.

Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpastes can slowly help remove surface stains and keep yellowing from returning once you've had it bleached away, but by themselves the toothpastes won't cause the quick, dramatic changes you'll see with bleaching.