Ok so you want whiter, shinier, teeth. Should you do it yourself or go to a dentist?

If you want your teeth whitened, you might be wondering whether you need to go to the dentist to have it done. There are a lot of good reasons to let a dentist do it. First of all, if your tooth whitening has from a dentist, you will have his (or her) expertise monitoring the experience. He (or she) can do an oral examination of your mouth and take into consideration your complete dental history.
 

When a dentist is supervising your bleaching treatment, the dentist will probably want to see you a few times to be sure you are following the directions given, to be sure the custom tray fits properly, and inspect your mouth and gums for irritation from the mouthpiece or chemicals, and to check on how the dentist teeth whitening process is coming along.
 

Do It Yourself Teeth Whitening
 

You have several options if you decide to go the DIY way.
 

Custom Fitted Tray System

I think the best method of the do it yourself ways to whiten teeth is to use a custom fitted tray based teeth whitening system. They are more expensive but well worth the price These are similar to what is used in a dentist’s office, though it can also be done at home, almost as effectively. The tray is made to fit in your mouth, over your teeth, then they are filled with a peroxide-bleaching agent and worn in the mouth for a significant amount of time over several weeks. This is one answer to how to whiten teeth.
 

Whitening Toothpaste

Typically toothpastes contain small amounts of silica, calcium carbonate or calcium phosphate, and aluminum oxide to help grind off the stains that are made by the molecules hanging onto the teeth from the food eaten. These gentle polishing or chemical agents aid in the stain removal effectiveness. These toothpastes do not contain bleach; they have a hydrogen peroxide in them that helps remove stains right on the surface of the tooth. There is nothing in them to alter the intrinsic color of the teeth.
 

Teeth Whitening Strips

These whitening strips are thin, flexible shaped strips that are coated with a whitening gel that is peroxide-based. The strips are worn on the teeth for about half an hour at a time, for several days. Many people get visible results using this method.