How to Make Teeth Whiter

Whitening toothpastes are the least effective of your options, although regular dental hygiene is important for preventing stains from foods and beverages. Usually, the whitening toothpastes contain a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide. Baking soda is another common ingredient. The effect may not be noticeable.

Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are two of the effective bleaching agents. They are available for use at home and in a dentist's office. The at-home products contain a lower concentration of the bleaching agent. However, the concentration is higher than what is found in whitening toothpastes.

A paint-on or brush-on gel is one choice. Whitening strips containing the bleaching agent is another option. Most people find that they get good results when they use plastic trays that contain the bleaching agent. The tray is left in the mouth for 15 minutes to an hour.

Dentists provide take-home whitening kits that include a custom-fit mouthpiece containing the whitening agent. Depending on the concentration of the peroxide in the gel, the tray may be left on for an hour or overnight. This treatment makes teeth whiter after a single use, although several treatments are sometimes needed for tough stains.

Sometimes, bleaching agents will not make teeth whiter, or at least as white as a person desires. Usually, this is because of damage done to the dentine inside of the tooth caused, for example, by medications like tetracycline.

When bleaching agents are ineffective, veneers can be used to mask the discoloration. A veneer is a thin layer of dental porcelain that is attached or bonded to the natural tooth using resin-based cement. Together, the patient and the dentist choose an appropriate color. The tooth is measured and the veneer is ordered.

Veneers are the most costly alternative. It's a good idea to try other solutions to make teeth whiter first.

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