How to Whiten Smiles

Smiles appear whiter when the teeth are whiter. In actuality, teeth whitening methods only remove stains. Even with regular brushing, teeth get dingy, stained or discolored due to smoking and certain foods and beverages. Cosmetic dentists offer the best treatments for whitening teeth, but these procedures are too expensive for most people. As an alternative drug stores sell at-home or do-it-yourself teeth whitening products. These products offer noticeable results at a more affordable price.

Things You'll Need

• Teeth whitening toothpaste
• Whitening strips
• Whitening mouth guard kits

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Instructions

• 1

  Brush teeth with a whitening toothpaste. For best results choose toothpaste with a higher percentage of bleaching agents. Another option is to choose toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Look for the ADA seal on the packaging.

• 2

  Apply whitening strips on the teeth. Good Housekeeping.com recommends whitening strips as one of the best ways to whiten teeth at home. The strips are thin pieces of paper containing bleaching agents such as peroxides. For most whitening strips you attach the strips to the teeth and keep them on for 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the brand. You use the whitening strips once or twice a day for about one week.

• 3

  Use a mouth guard tray. Mouth guard trays come in a kit. The product offers the necessary materials for making an impression or mold of the teeth. You fill the mold or impression with the bleaching agent provided in the kit. You then fit the tray over the teeth. Most kits require you to leave the mouth guard on for 2 to 4 hours. After removing the tray you brush your teeth to remove the gel. Good Housekeeping also recommends whitening trays as a good way to whiten teeth at home.