Tooth whitening can improve the color of teeth that have darkened or stained over time and can be done one of two ways. There are numerous over-the-counter products that work quite well to lighten teeth if used as per the manufacturer’s directions. Your dentist can also offer at home, office dispensed bleaching systems in which custom fitted trays are made out of a thin, clear plastic. A bleaching gel is placed in the trays and they are worn at home for one to two hours per day for about two weeks. Significant whitening can be seen with these systems, which have a higher concentration of bleaching agents than over-the-counter systems. Your dentist can discuss which system would work best for you.
