4 Types Of Teeth Whitening Products

2. Chewing Gum and Whitening Strips

Whitening sugar-free chewing gum can help your teeth in multiple ways. First, chewing gum after meals stimulates saliva production to rinse away bacteria and food. Second, the chewing gum's whitening ingredients can coat the teeth to prevent staining. Keeping whitening gum with you for after meals may help maintain results after your whitening treatment.

Whitening strips are small plastic strips with a peroxide-gel that you apply to your teeth. Depending on the manufacturer's instructions, whitening strips can be used up to 30 minutes a day for up to two weeks for a noticeable whitening result.

3. Teeth Whitening Trays

Teeth whitening trays include one or more mouthguard-like trays with a gel-based whitening solution. You can buy teeth whitening trays at the store, or your dentist can create custom trays for you to use with a professionally dispensed whitening product. If you work with your dentist, they will take an impression of the teeth, and then your tray is made to fit your mouth. Over-the-counter trays have a lower concentration of peroxide than what is available from an in-office procedure. Just like whitening strips, teeth whitening trays may have to be used multiple days a week for up to two weeks for the best results.

4. In-Office Dental Whitening Treatment

In-office whitening treatments at your dentist's office can have excellent results. First, your dentist will place a protective coating on the gum tissue and lips to protect them from the harsh whitening ingredients. Next, your dentist will apply the whitening gel and shine an ultraviolet lamp onto the teeth to activate the treatment. This process usually features a higher concentration of whitening ingredients than you'll find in products in the store. While in-office treatments cost more than over-the-counter products, the results are typically better and last longer.