Bleaching teeth is done using oxidizing agents like carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. These agents interact with the enamel of the teeth and oxidize the stain deposits. When the process is repeated, the bleach starts sinking lower inside the dentine layer. When the process reaches completion, the signs of discoloration go away leaving dazzling white teeth.

If you want to get bleaching done professionally by a dentist, you can opt for any of following two ways:

1. If you want to get your teeth bleached using the “Office bleach” procedure, the dentist will apply a layer of oxidizing agent onto your teeth.  After a short period of time, he will flush away the layer. Your teeth will achieve instant brightness. The dentist will most probably be using a 35 % hydrogen peroxide equivalent. This may be a pretty fast procedure, but it is not totally risk-free. It can damage the soft tissues of your mouth by chemical burns. It needs to be monitored by the dentist very minutely.
2. Another method of getting your teeth whitened professionally by a dentist is longer, but definitely less risky. If you opt for this method, the dentist will put the oxidizing agent on to a thin strip of material and place it on your teeth. This strip will not be removed in that sitting. You will have to keep that strip for an hour to several days, depending on the condition of your teeth. This procedure is time-consuming, but it has much less risk of damaging the soft tissue of your mouth.

Another method of getting teeth bleached is fast gaining acceptance. It is called Light-activated bleaching. It is a new procedure and is still under study to understand its efficacy.

If you don’t want to spend money on the dentist, there are options for you to whiten your teeth at home. There are a lot of home kits available in the market which you can use yourself at home. It is much less expensive and contains all that you will require. There will be a custom-made tray that you will have to fix on your teeth and a carbamide peroxide gel. The gel has to be worn for an hour or even overnight. The peroxide contained in the home kits are usually much lower in concentration than what is used at the dentist. Hence they are low in risk and can be used safely.

Children look so angelic when they smile because of their unspoiled white teeth. As we start growing older, we start torturing our pearlies with tea, coffee, alcohol and smoking. Reducing the intake of these will help us in the long run. Take care of your teeth the proper way and dazzle the world with a beatific smile.