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At-Home Teeth Whitening: Put a Brighter Smile in
Your Life
 Is
Whitening for Me?
Whitening is tough on stains, but gentle on your teeth. It can remove
many stains that are in the outer layers of the tooth. If your teeth
have yellowed with age or are stained from tobacco, tea, coffee, or
food, whitening may restore their natural whiteness. Antibiotic
(tetracycline) stains and discoloration caused by an injury may take
longer to whiten and may not respond as well. Whitening will not change
the color of fillings and crowns, and it's not advised if you're
pregnant or breastfeeding.
Why
Whiten My Teeth?
When you smile at someone, do you flash your smile? Or do you hide your
teeth? If yellow or stained teeth are keeping you from looking and
feeling your best, whitening -- a safe, quick, at-home process that
whitens your teeth -- could put a brighter smile in your life and give
your self-confidence a boost.
How is Whitening Done?
Your
Teeth are Examined
At the first appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums
and discuss how much whiter whitening can make your teeth. Before you
begin at-home whitening, your teeth must be clean. Any cavities must be
filled, and old or leaky fillings may need to be replaced. You may also
be asked to sign a consent form.
Your
Molds are Made
Next, molds of your teeth will be made. Often this procedure can be done
during the first visit. The molds are used to make custom-fitting,
flexible vinyl trays that hold the whitening gel snugly against your
teeth.
Helpful
Tips
For best results, follow these steps:
-
Brush and floss your teeth before putting in the
whitening trays.
-
Follow your dentist's directions exactly, and use
only the materials your dentist gives you.
-
Spit out any excess saliva. The whitening agent
won't harm you if swallowed, but it can irritate your throat.
-
Don't eat or drink while you have the trays in your
mouth.
-
Rinse your mouth out well after whitening.
-
Avoid citrus fruits and other acidic foods. They can
make your teeth more sensitive.
-
Call your dentist if your throat, teeth, or gums
feel irritated.
-
Place the trays in just before going to sleep so the
gel can work while you are asleep and saliva flow decreases.
You
Receive Your Trays and Gel
Finally, you'll be given your trays and the whitening gel. You'll be
shown how to put the gel in the trays and how to fit the trays in your
mouth. You'll also be told when and for how long to wear the trays each
day. How many weeks you'll need to use the whitening gel depends upon
how badly discolored your teeth are and how carefully you follow your
dentist's directions.
What to Expect
What to
Expect
You'll probably notice that your teeth begin to look whiter within a few
days. Some teeth can be harder to whiten than others, however. You can
discuss the results at your follow-up visit.
Checking
the Results
After you've whitened your teeth for the recommended time, the dentist
or a trained staff person will check your teeth and discuss the results
with you. Do not continue daily whitening unless you're told to, or you
may over whiten your teeth. To help keep your teeth whiter, your dentist
may recommend touch-up treatments from time to time. Be sure to follow
instructions for how often and how long to do these treatments.
Keeping
Your Teeth White
Once your teeth are whiter, you can help keep them that way by following
these tips:
-
Don't smoke. Smoking stains the outer layers of your
teeth, causing them to turn brown.
-
Avoid food and liquids that stain. Red wine, tea,
coffee, and some foods such as berries, can leave stains on your
teeth.
-
Brush and floss your teeth at least once a day to
remove plaque. Plaque turns to tartar (calculus) which can discolor
your teeth.
-
See your dentist for regular checkups and cleaning.
Removing plaque and tartar helps keep your teeth white and free of
decay.
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