Patients ask us about whitening their teeth on a daily basis: “What is the best way to whiten my teeth?”

There are several ways to bleach your teeth:

  1. Over the counter strips or gels eg. Crest white strips
  2. Professionally made custom trays with the appropriate amount/concentration of bleach gel (usually done at home 30-45min/day for 1-2 weeks)
  3. One hour bleaching treatment in our office

Clinical studies have shown the best bleaching results are obtained using option 2: custom trays fabricated at a dental office with the prescribed gel.

It is important to have an examination by a dentist to assess the condition of your teeth and determine the reason for the tooth discolouration to decide if bleaching will help you. A dentist’s role is also critical in educating patients about the safest way to bleach their teeth, and assess the effectiveness as well as treat any adverse effects. For example, bleaching gel has been shown to have minimal effects on white fillings, but can cause mercury release from silver amalgam fillings so it is important to avoid bleach contact with these teeth. In addition, it can damage the glaze on porcelain crowns or veneers.

Optimal results are always going to be with a professional treatment, and we can help determine which treatment would work the best for your teeth!

So if you’ll ever ask yourself – what is the best way to whiten my teeth, contact us for consultation.