Tooth Whitening: Bleaching

If you are unsure of lasers, an older technique called bleaching is available. Bleaching requires the use of a tray, fitted specially by a doctor, and a whitening gel referred to as teeth whitening bleach. Most teeth whitening bleaches contain one of two ingredients: carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. The most well known bleaches are Perfecta, Nite-White, Nupro-Gold, Day-White, and Opalescence.

Bleaching has become a very safe and inexpensive cosmetic procedure. Many people choose teeth bleaching because it is often cheaper than the laser whitening.

Although bleaching is most often cheaper than laser whitening, it is generally not as effective. Bleaching typically makes your teeth one to three shades whiter.

The effects do not last forever, but with great care they can last for years. If one does not drink coffee, smoke, or eat staining foods, the effect can last longer.

If teeth bleaching does not meet your standards, other methods such as dental veneers or tooth bonding can whiten teeth as well as shape your teeth to look healthier and whiter.