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How to Fix Stained Teeth

In recent years, as over-the-counter tooth-whitening products increase in popularity, more and more people have opted for do-it-yourself, at-home whitening options for stained teeth. Whitening products contain peroxides which remove both deep and surface stains and make teeth appear white. Other whitening options exist beyond these products, but they're unlikely to have a permanent effect, according to the American Dental Association. At-home whitening products usually come in one of two formats: strips or trays. The steps involved in using these products differ slightly.

Things You'll Need

  • Whitening trays or whitening strips
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Instructions

  1. Whitening Trays

    • 1

      Avoid brushing teeth immediately before using the whitening strip. Wash hands thoroughly. Remove the strip carton from its packaging. Face the mirror. Open the carton, and take out a strip.

    • 2

      Line the strip up with your teeth and gums. Put the gel-side of the strip onto your teeth. Press gently until the strips adhere to your teeth. Fold the remaining exposed part of the strip behind your teeth. Follow the directions on the package of your specific whitening strips to learn how often strips can or should be used. Often one strip per day is recommended.

    • 3

      Keep the strip on your teeth for the length of time recommended by the manufacturer --- directions can be found on the package. Two hours is common. After the recommended time has elapses, remove the strip. If any gel remains, brush it off with a damp toothbrush.

    Whitening Tray

    • 4

      Schedule a dental appointment. Your dentist will fit you for a whitening tray by creating an impression of your mouth. Dentists form the impression by squeezing a molding putty into a hollow tray, inserting the filled tray into your mouth and then having you bite down into the putty. Poorly fitted trays can inflame your gums, so a close impression is key. Your dentist will decide how many trays will be made and how long your course of whitening treatment will last.

    • 5

      After picking up your trays and whitening gel from the dentist, remove the tray from its packaging. Squeeze the whitening gel into the tray. Face the mirror.

    • 6

      Insert the tray into your mouth --- trays allow for maximum contact between the whitening gel and your teeth and reduce contact with gums. Leave the tray in for the length of time recommended by your dentist instructions. Brush off any gel with a damp toothbrush.

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