We all know what our teeth are supposed to look like after a whitening, but what exactly is the procedure for whitening teeth? Read on to find out.

Even with regular brushing and flossing, your teeth can still grow dull and yellow. Simple lifestyle habits, like smoking or drinking coffee, can lead to teeth stains. 

Fortunately, whitening teeth is a readily available procedure. But how does the process work and what should you expect out of it? 

Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here's our breakdown of how to whiten teeth, both professionally and through DIY options:

Don't know how to whiten teeth? Don't worry, this is exactly why you should turn to the professionals. When in doubt, you should never hesitate to approach a dentist. 

Dentists start by keeping a record of your teeth's current shade. This helps them check the progress during and after the whitening procedure. The next step is to keep your teeth dry, which means they might use gauze and barriers in your mouth.

Once ready, they'll polish your teeth with pumice. This is a rough material intended to remove any plaque off the surface of your teeth.

Once finished, the dentist will then apply the whitening solution to your teeth. This could be either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Both are bleaching agents to turn your teeth white.

More often than not, these chemicals require a laser to activate them.

Your dentist might not achieve the ideal shade on your first visit. This all depends on the current shade of your teeth. You might get it done in one visit or you'll have to come back for more. 

One of the best ways to whiten teeth without visiting the dentist is to use a whitening tray and gel. 

If you've never tried these before, they're not that complicated to understand and use. The tray fits around your teeth but you have to add in the gel first. The gel contains peroxide in it to bleach your teeth.

However, the peroxide isn't that strong. You have to wear the tray with gel for several hours, often during the night, for it to truly do its magic. It can take as long as several days or weeks before you see noticeable results.

You do have to be careful with generic trays you can buy over-the-counter. They might not be the right size for you or the gel is too strong. This could cause mild irritation, especially if the peroxide comes into contact with your gums.

Gels and trays are now the most popular products when it comes to whitening. Despite their popularity, you do have to make sure you only buy and use the right one suited to your needs. Make it a point to contact your dentist first.

Don't have the patience to wear trays with gel overnight? You can still try out whitening strips. You can buy these almost everywhere you look, even at convenience stores or corner-street pharmacies. 

These are quite easy to use. It's like laying over soft plastic over your teeth, applying the strip gently until it covers the teeth you want to treat.

Like trays, these plastic strips contain peroxide to bleach your teeth. However, they aren't as concentrated as the gel used in trays. This means it could take an even longer period before you see results.

Fortunately, while many strips aren't reliable, there are a few that do bring results. Publications showcase that Crest Whitestrips, as well as GLO Brilliant, contain a safe mix of peroxide for regular use.

That said, make it a point to contact your dentist before buying whitening strips. They can tell you which brand to use. They can also alert you in case whitening strips aren't going to help and if it's time to seek our professional whitening services.

You may also find whitening toothpaste at your local store. Your dentist might recommend one too. 

But how do these work?

Unlike strips and trays, these toothpaste products don't contain high levels of peroxide. Instead, they have a higher concentration of abrasives. When you apply them to your teeth and brush, they scrape off the upper layer of the surface.

Some toothpaste products will go one step further. They may contain polishing agents to brighten your teeth after they've scraped off the stain.

If you don't see results or if you feel a little sick after brushing your teeth, the problem might be the toothpaste. It's possible that it irritates your gums. There's also the chance that you need to replace your toothbrush.

However, keep in mind that toothpaste products can't truly bleach your teeth. They can only help remove the stain and keep your teeth in good shape. You should consult your dentist before using a whitening toothpaste on a regular basis.

It's also possible to use dental floss, whitening gum, or even mouthwash. Keep in mind that most of these products don't carry official certification that they can indeed whiten your teeth. Some of them might be scams that can't really help you.

You'll also find DIY guides all over the internet claiming bananas, strawberries, and charcoal paste can help whiten your teeth. Others point to apple cider vinegar or coconut oil paste.

Some of these DIY methods might work but they aren't as effective as a professional whitening procedure at the dental clinic. Using a bleaching agent like peroxide is still the preferred means of whitening your teeth.

Whitening teeth can help build confidence and it's a healthy habit to maintain good gums too. Get rid of the plaque and stains to keep a bright white smile that looks good and feels good too.

Of all the methods listed here, visiting your dentist is still the best option. Nothing beats the professional training and equipment that a dentist can provide. 

Don't have a dentist?

If you're in the DC area, feel free to contact us today. We are open from Tuesdays to Fridays. Come to us for teeth whitening, crowns, veneers, bridges, and even gum treatments or dentures.