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Ways to Get White Teeth

Whitening your teeth is one tactic to gain a more youthful appearance. According to the American Dental Association, you should first visit your dentist to treat any tooth decay, infections or gum problems before proceeding with teeth whitening. Regular dental checkups and teeth cleaning are the first steps in maintaining the health and color of your teeth. It's best to consult with your dentist before selecting a specific treatment, as one may not be appropriate for you.

  1. In-Office Bleaching

    • Chair-side bleaching is a whitening treatment performed by the dentist. The procedure, involving applying a bleaching substance to the teeth, may require one or more visits, and takes approximately 30 minutes to one hour for each treatment. The process sometimes includes the use of a laser to hasten the whitening. Instead of an in-office treatment, the dentist might distribute a similar product to the patient to use at home over a series of days. This process might include making a custom mouthpiece, or using gel to protect the gums.

    Whitening Toothpaste

    • Whitening toothpaste will not produce drastic whitening results, but it will remove surface stains, thus producing whiter-looking teeth. Stains that have penetrated the surface of the tooth won't be removed by whitening toothpaste. If you have just completed a bleaching treatment, using whitening toothpaste to removing coffee or smoking stains is one way to maintain your white teeth.

    Teeth-Whitening Kiosks

    • Some malls and salons throughout the country offer teeth-whitening kiosks, where walk-in customers have their teeth whitened in a similar process as at a dentist office, yet for a lower price. The chemicals used are often different from those used by the licensed dentist. Some areas have banned teeth-whitening kiosks. The American Dental Association warns against using this type of service, citing concerns over the training and licensing of the staff performing the service. Another concern is permanent damage that may be done to teeth and gums by the chemicals used at the kiosks.

    Home Treatments

    • Over-the-counter home whitening products involves the user applying a substance to the teeth for a period of time, such as overnight or for a number of minutes. These products include whitening strips, whitening trays, teeth-whitening gels and rinses. The American Dental Association warns that overuse or misuse of these products can cause damage to the tissues in your mouth. Excessive whitening can damage dental enamel and increase teeth sensitivity.

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