Bleaching teeth at home

The dentist might suggest you bleach at home using gel he or she will give you and a special tray molded to the shape of your teeth, to avoid the bleaching agent coming in contact with your softer gum tissue. The dentist will first take an impression of your teeth and then make a soft "tray" that will fit right over your teeth. You apply the gel to the mouthpiece and then wear it while you sleep for two weeks or twice a day for two weeks. These applications, sometimes called "nightguard vital bleaching" are kinder to your mouth and cost up to $500. Your dentist can start the process in his or her office and then have you continue it at home, or you can bleach solely at your home. If you use both the office and in-home treatments you could get a fifteen times brighter smile...certainly a whiter white than the over-the-counter applications will produce.

The dentist's gel solution is going to be a stronger concentration than the OTC version and his direct application to your teeth will keep the sensitivity issue to a minimum as will the mouth guard if you go that route. The time spent in the chair getting the "bleach job" will be less than an hour compared to weeks of strip and gel application. If you are a little leery of the chemicals you are putting in your mouth, the dentist supervision will be a plus for you. The downside of any dentist applied solution is the cost as well as the wait for an appointment. If you are ready to "git her done" then a quick trip to the drugstore may be more satisfying if not as complete.