There are many teeth whitening systems and products, including whitening toothpastes, over-the-counter gels, rinses, strips, trays, and whitening products you get from a dentist.

Teeth whitening is ideal for people who have healthy, unrestored teeth (no fillings) and healthy gums. Individuals with yellow tones to their teeth respond best. But this cosmetic procedure is not recommended for everyone.

Whitening Systems:

There are all kinds of products you can try; rinses, gels, chewing gum, toothpastes and strips.

If you decide to try whitening at home, it is suggested that you talk with your dentist first, especially if you have sensitive teeth, dental restoration, very dark stains or a single dark tooth, lots of fillings or crowns. At home whiteners have peroxides, typically carbamide peroxide, in amounts ranging from 10% to 20%.

Tray-based tooth whiteners

Tray-based tooth whitening systems involve filling a mouth guard-like tray with a gel whitening solution that has a peroxide-bleaching agent. The tray is worn for a period of time, for few hours during a day and up to 4 weeks and even longer (depending on the degree of discoloration and desired level of whitening). The tray can be purchased either over the counter or obtained from the dentist.

Teeth Whitening Safety Tips

• Don’t leave the strips or gels on longer than the directions say, or you may end up getting sensitivity in teeth and gums. After you whiten, avoid soda, sports drinks, or other acidic beverages for a couple of hours to protect your teeth.
• Protect sensitive teeth. Your teeth may be a little sensitive after you whiten, but it’s usually for a short time. It’s a good idea to stop using the product and talk to your dentist if sensitivity starts bothering you.

Whitening is not recommended or will be less successful in the following circumstances:

• Age and pregnancy issues: Bleaching is not recommended in children under the age of 16. This is because the pulp chamber, or nerve of the tooth, is enlarged until this age. Teeth whitening under this condition could irritate the pulp or cause it to become sensitive. Teeth whitening is also not recommended in pregnant or lactating women.
• Sensitive teeth and allergies. Individuals with sensitive teeth and gums, receding gums, or defective restorations should consult with their dentist prior to using a tooth-whitening system. Anyone allergic to peroxide (the whitening agent) should not use a bleaching product.
• Gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, and exposed roots. Individuals with gum disease or teeth with worn enamel are generally discouraged from undergoing a tooth-whitening procedure. Cavities need to be treated before undergoing any whitening procedure. This is because the whitening solutions penetrate any existing decay and the inner areas of the tooth, which can cause sensitivity. Also, whitening procedures will not work on exposed tooth roots, because roots do not have an enamel layer.
• Fillings, crowns, and other restorations. Tooth-colored fillings and resin composite materials used in dental restorations (crowns, veneers, bonding, bridges) do not whiten. Therefore, using a whitening agent on teeth that contain restorations will result in uneven whitening -- in this case, making the teeth without restorations appear lighter than those with restorations. Any whitening procedure should be done prior to the placement of restorations.