Dentists typically prescribe one of three methods: in-office bleaching, the at-home use of bleaching trays, or a combination of both. But the ADA has a lot to say about how to make sure each one of these methods is used safely and effectively.
- Potassium Nitrate can help ease the sensitivity of tray bleaching. Soaking the trays in potassium nitrate for 10-30 minutes before usage can reduce sensitivity. And so can the use of a whitening toothpaste containing potassium nitrate.
- Higher peroxide concentrations don't give you noticeable results, since each person's teeth can only whiten so fast at a time.
- While brown discolorations respond well to bleaching, white discolorations don't - although they may look less noticeable against a lightened tooth.
- Occasionally, bleaching may need to be combined with abrasion techniques or bonded restorations to address white stains or markings.
- With tray bleaching, teeth normally lighten in 3 days to 6 weeks. However, nicotine-stained teeth may take 1-3 months, and tetracycline