If you have stained or discolored teeth, there are cosmetic procedures to fix your smile. Having stained or yellow teeth can impact your confidence and self-esteem, and with advanced options in cosmetic dentistry, most common concerns can be countered. While in-office teeth whitening is effective and is often necessary for extreme cases, you may also benefit from a home teeth-whitening system. Consider seeing a Hollywood, Florida dentist to understand the best choice for your needs. In this post, we have a guide for understanding a home teeth-whitening system.

Understanding teeth whitening

For the unversed, teeth whitening is also known as bleaching. It is a non-invasive treatment to fix color and aesthetic concerns related to staining and discoloration. This is a cosmetic procedure, which means that teeth whitening is not covered by most insurance plans. The standard option is to visit a dental clinic, where the dentist will use bleaching agents to clean and fix your stained teeth. The other choice is a home teeth-whitening system that involves using custom trays. Your dentist will order custom trays after taking impressions of your teeth, which you must wear at home with a particular bleaching solution.

Should you consider a home teeth-whitening system?

Yes, home teeth-whitening systems are helpful for most smile-related concerns. If you have excessive fluoridation, stained teeth due to medications or food habits, or discolored teeth due to smoking, you can consider a home teeth-whitening system.

What is the procedure like?

You need to visit a dental clinic twice to get a home teeth-whitening system. Your dentist will first check whether you have dental restorations and if there is a need for replacing the crowns, fillings, or bridges. They will also make molds of your teeth, which are sent to a lab to fabricate trays. These are clear trays made of plastic. On your second appointment, your dentist will check the trays for fit and adjustments, and you will get a whitening solution, which you need to use with the trays. You can wear the plastic trays for 30 minutes twice a day or overnight. With home teeth-whitening systems, you can expect to see results within two weeks, depending on the extent of staining. 

Please note that it is common to experience sensitivity when using whitening trays and bleaching agents. These symptoms should subside within a few days as you stop using the products. Talk to your dentist if you have other concerns.