How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

At-home teeth bleaching options include whitening strips and gels. Applied directly to the teeth with a brush or a thin strip, these peroxide-based bleaching products usually need to be applied once or twice a day for 10 to 14 days. Results last four or more months, depending on your lifestyle habits.

With a custom tray bleaching system, a mouth guard-like tray is filled with a peroxide-based bleaching gel or paste and placed over the teeth for one to several hours a day for up to four weeks. These are custom-fitted by your dentist. The results are better with custom bleaching trays as compared with whitening strips.

Now that you have bleached, how do you keep your teeth white? Whether you use an at-home tooth-whitening system, or have your teeth bleached by a dentist, you can help maintain the results by brushing, flossing, and rinsing daily. Also, avoid acidic and tannin-rich foods and beverages such as black teas, coffee, red wine, sports drinks, carbonated beverages (dark and light-colored sodas) berries and other strongly-colored foods.

Excited to learn more about brightening your smile? Call us today to discuss which option will work best for you! 518-584-6302