Teeth Whitening

Dental office bleaching trays, laser light treatments, do-it-yourself whitening strips - even toothpaste - can help transform aged teeth into more youthful pearly whites. The products that deliver faster results, of course, cost more. For people who want immediate results, like someone getting married in a few weeks, "power bleaching" is recommended which uses a light-emitting diode lamp to hasten the bleaching process. Dramatic results are obtained in an hour.

Store-bought strips, which whiten teeth in one to two weeks, may be all that's needed for some people.

Before you begin:

1) Bleaching may cause temporary tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.

2) Peroxide doesn't lighten fillings, crowns, veneers, bonding and bridges, so bleaching can lead to uneven color.

3) How long any treatment lasts varies, depending on your daily oral habits, but OTC products can be effective for up to a year, while laser treatments can last from six months to two years.