Overview
Teeth whitening enhances the brightness of natural teeth, but it’s not for everyone. Discuss it with the dentist before you decide to whiten your teeth, especially if you have:
The lifespan of whitened teeth can range from 4-12 months depending on the type of treatment used and your consumption of food and drink that can easily stain teeth (such as blueberries, coffee, and tea).
To keep your teeth the whitest without undergoing teeth whitening treatment, practice good oral hygiene.
Types of Whiteners
If the dentist agrees that you are a candidate for tooth whitening, you can choose either an over-the-counter tooth whitening kit or a dentist-supervised treatment.
Over-The-Counter
If using an over-the-counter whitening kit, choose one approved by the American Dental Association and follow the directions on its package. Store-bought kits require 7-30 days of consistent use for full effect, Individual results may vary.
Dentist-Supervised
Dentist-supervised treatments provide greater tooth whitening results faster than store bought kits. Two types of treatment are available: