Unlock a Brighter Smile: Your Ultimate Guide to Teeth Whitening Techniques and Tips

If you’re looking to enhance your smile, teeth whitening is a popular option to consider. Teeth whitening can help remove discoloration and stains from your teeth, leaving you with a brighter smile.

What causes teeth to change color in the first place?

To understand how teeth whitening works, it's important to understand how teeth get stained in the first place. There are several factors that can contribute to tooth discoloration, including genetics, aging, lifestyle habits such as smoking or consuming foods and drinks that stain teeth (such as coffee, tea, and red wine), and certain medications or medical treatments. Over time, the outer layer of your teeth (the enamel) can become stained or discolored, making your teeth appear dull or yellow. Teeth whitening works by removing these stains and discoloration to restore your teeth to a brighter, whiter shade.

Who is a good candidate for teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that can help almost anyone enhance their smile. However, it's important to know if you're a good candidate for the procedure. Generally, people with healthy teeth and gums are ideal candidates for teeth whitening. Stains or discoloration from coffee, tea, red wine, or smoking can usually be successfully treated with teeth whitening. However, if you have other dental issues such as tooth decay or gum disease, it's important to address those issues before considering teeth whitening. Your dental professional can help determine if teeth whitening is right for you.

Can I whiten my teeth while straightening teeth?

If you are wearing braces or other dental appliances, talk to your dentist before starting any whitening treatment. Your dentist will advise whether your braces (or other appliance) is compatible with certain teeth whitening methods.

If you have, or are considering, Invisalign^® clear aligners the Invisalign™ Professional Whitening System enables you to brighten and straighten your teeth at the same time. Invisalign Professional Whitening System is designed exclusively for use with Invisalign aligners or Vivera™ retainers. Talk to your dentist about treatment in-office or in the comfort of your own home. Not in Invisalign treatment? Your dentist can provide you with customized Invisalign™ whitening trays.

Use the Invisalign Doctor Locator to find an Invisalign provider near you.

How does teeth whitening work?

Teeth whitening works by using a bleaching agent to break down stains on the surface of your teeth. The most common bleaching agent used in teeth whitening is hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which penetrates the enamel of your teeth and breaks down the stains that have accumulated over time.

In-office teeth whitening:

In-office teeth whitening is a popular option that involves visiting your dental professional for teeth whitening treatment. During the treatment, a strong bleaching agent is applied to your teeth, and sometimes, a special light may be used with the whitening agent to accelerate the process. In-office teeth whitening typically produces the quickest and most dramatic results.

Pros and cons:

The main advantages of in-office teeth whitening are its effectiveness and speed. The treatment can typically be completed in one visit, and the results can last for a year or more. The main disadvantages are the cost, which can be higher than other teeth whitening options, and the potential for sensitivity or discomfort during and after the treatment.

Cost:

The cost of in-office teeth whitening can vary based on where you live and your dentist, but typically ranges from a few hundred up a few thousand dollars.¹

At-home teeth whitening with custom-fitted trays:

At-home teeth whitening with custom-fitted trays is another popular option. This method involves your dental professional taking impressions of your teeth to create custom-fitted trays, which you’ll use to apply a whitening gel at home. The trays are typically worn for 30 minutes to an hour per day, for a period of several weeks.

Pros and cons:

The main advantages of at-home teeth whitening with custom-fitted trays are its convenience and lower cost compared to in-office whitening. It can also produce good results, especially if used consistently over a period of several weeks. The main disadvantages are that it takes longer to see results compared to in-office whitening, and there is a risk of sensitivity or discomfort if the whitening gel is not used properly.

Cost:

The cost of at-home teeth whitening with custom-fitted trays can vary depending on where you live and the dentist you choose, but typically cost up to several hundred dollars.¹

Whiten and straighten your teeth at the same time

The new Invisalign Professional Whitening System powered by Opalescence offers professional-grade whitening done your way. You can use this system with your Invisalign aligners or Vivera retainers. Ask your doctor about treatment in-office or in the comfort of your home.

To find an Invisalign trained provider who offers the Invisalign Professional Whitening System, use the Doctor Locator tool to find a doctor nearby.

Over-the-counter teeth whitening kits (strips, gels, or trays):

Over-the-counter teeth whitening kits are widely available at drugstores and online. These kits typically contain whitening strips, gels, or trays that can be used at home to whiten teeth. The concentration of the bleaching agent in these kits is generally lower than what’s used in professional teeth whitening treatments,² but they can still produce noticeable results.

Pros and cons:

The main advantages of over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening kits are their convenience and lower cost compared to professional teeth whitening treatments. They can also produce good results if used consistently over a period of several weeks.

One disadvantage with OTC teeth whitening is that you don’t have a dentist’s help. It’s important to have a dentist or dental hygienist supervise your whitening because they can check if your gums are in good condition and that there is no tartar buildup. They can also keep an eye on your teeth to make sure they are getting whiter evenly.

Cost:

The cost of over-the-counter teeth whitening kits varies by retailers.

Natural teeth whitening remedies:

Some people prefer natural remedies to whiten their teeth, and there are several options available. One such remedy is brushing with baking soda, which can help remove surface stains on the teeth. Another option is applying a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to the teeth,³ which can help remove deeper stains. Some people also recommend rubbing the inside of an orange peel⁴ on the teeth or rinsing with apple cider vinegar. However, it's important to keep in mind that these methods may not be as effective as professional teeth whitening treatments⁵ and can be harmful.

It is very important to consult your dentist before trying any teeth whitening method, particularly natural ones.

Pros and Cons:⁶

One advantage of natural teeth whitening remedies is that they are often inexpensive and easily accessible. Additionally, some people may prefer to use natural remedies for personal or environmental reasons. However, the main disadvantage is that the results may not be as dramatic as professional teeth whitening treatments, and there is a risk of damage to the teeth.

Cost:

The cost of natural teeth whitening remedies varies depending on the method used. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are relatively inexpensive and widely available, while other remedies such as activated charcoal or coconut oil may be more expensive. Overall, natural remedies are generally less expensive than professional teeth whitening treatments but may not provide the same level of results.

Risks and side effects of teeth whitening

While teeth whitening can provide a brighter smile, it's important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects before undergoing treatment. Here are some common risks and side effects associated with teeth whitening:⁷

Potential risks:

It's important to discuss the potential risks and side effects of teeth whitening with your dentist before undergoing treatment. Your dentist can help you determine if teeth whitening is right for you and recommend the best method for achieving the results you want while minimizing the risk of complications.

Maintaining teeth whitening results⁸

After undergoing teeth whitening, you'll want to take steps to maintain your results and keep your smile looking bright and beautiful. Here are some tips for maintaining teeth whitening results:

Remember that teeth whitening is not a permanent solution, and your results will fade over time. However, by following these tips and taking good care of your teeth, you can maintain your results and keep your smile looking great for years to come.

Choosing the best teeth whitening method for you

When it comes to teeth whitening, there are several factors to consider when choosing the best method for you. Here are some tips to help you select the right teeth whitening method:

When selecting a teeth whitening provider or product, it's important to choose a reputable source to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of the treatment. Look for products that have been tested and approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) and consider seeking professional treatments from a licensed dentist.

Lastly, talk to your dentist. They can review your specific situation and recommend a tooth whitening method for you.