WHY?
          An attractive smile can be an important enhancement to your life. If you don't like the color of your teeth, you can chang it. Before attempting to whiten your teeth, be sure to see your dentist. A dental examination will determine that your teeth and gums are healthy, and help you understand the effect whiteners may have on your other dental work.


WHO?
          Tooth whitening has become one of the most requested dental procedures for patients of all ages. Dentist dispensed tooth whitening provides the most effective way to brighten the smile. Teeth with yellow tones show the best results from whitening. Even the grey shades of tetracycline staining can be lightened.


WHERE?
          Whitening agents are placed in a mouth guard which the patient wears at home for several hours each day. Teeth can also be whitened in the dental office using higher cocentrations of the whitening agent. This in-office approach can start the procedure and provide some immediate lightening . Additional at home whitening treatments may be needed for some patients.


WHAT?
          In-office whiteners use high concentration (15 - 50 % hydrogen peroxide) agents while the at-home products use a lower level of carbamide peroxide (10 - 15 %) . Both systems whiten the teeth from 5 to 12 shades.


HOW?
          In-office whiteners usually take about 1 - 3 hours: the advantage is that the result is immediate, but, they are often more expensive . The at-home whiteners will show results after about 5 - 7 days and are recommended for use for 2 weeks. Any whitener may require a touch - up every couple of months depending on your eating and brushing habits and the natural color of your teeth.


CAUTIONS
          Whiteners, especially those in high concentrations, can cause a temporary sensitivity to the teeth and gums. A desensitizing agent provided by your dentist can help. Discontinuing use of the agent for a day or two can also stop the sensitivity.

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