Which Tooth-Whitening Method Is Best for You?
Here is a comparison of the different ways you can brighten your smile.
In-office bleaching. This requires just one to three 30 to 60-minute office visits. The dentist uses gel or a shield to protect your gums, then applies a bleaching agent to your teeth.1 This method will last for up to five years.1,4
At-home bleaching supervised by a dentist. Your dentist makes a custom-fit mouth tray for you and provides you with the peroxide bleaching solution. This method takes one to four weeks, depending on the shade you desire. You can use the trays for either several hours a day or overnight.1,2,3,4
At-home bleaching with an over-the-counter product. These are generally safe and effective. You apply strips or gel to your teeth, but the bleaching agent is not as strong as one your dentist can provide you. They also take longer to use.4
Whitening toothpaste. These toothpastes have a special chemical or polishing agent to remove stains, but they do not change the intrinsic color of your teeth.1,2,5
1 “Tooth Whitening Treatments.” American Dental Association. www.ada.org/2754.aspx Accessed 2010.
2 “Tooth Whitening Systems.” American Dental Hygienists’ Association, 2008. www.adha.org/oralhealth/whitening.htm Accessed 2010.
3 “How Can My Dentist Improve My Smile?” Academy of General Dentistry, September 2008. www.agd.org/support/articles/?ArtID=1196 Accessed 2010.
4 “How Can I Brighten My Smile?” Academy of General Dentistry, February 2007. www.agd.org/public/oralhealth/Default.asp?IssID=290&Topic=B&ArtID=1122 Accessed 2010.
5 “ ADA Statement on the Safety and Effectiveness of Tooth Whitening Products.” American Dental Association, February 2008. www.ada.org/1902.aspx Accessed 2010.