Guaranteed pearly whites can be achieved with bleaching or non-bleaching techniques.

#officebleaching The ADA reports the safe upper limit for hydrogen peroxide in a product is 10%, and for carbamide peroxide (a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and urea) it’s 35%.

#homebleaching Don’t skip a customized dental tray. Mouthguards that aren’t designed for teeth whitening and your mouth should never be used to hold and apply whitening solutions. The bleaching contents can harm your gums and throat if the tray isn’t properly designed.

Whitening toothpastes are a weaker solution compared to other whitening products. The toothpastes can only work on superficial stains (discoloration occurs on the inner dentin), and only improve by one shade lighter. That minimal whitening can only last as long as you keep up the brushing routine too. Bleaching, on the other hand, can change teeth color by three to eight shades for several years.

More is not merrier. It’s important to use whitening products in moderation, especially if those products are bleaching. Bleachorexia, is a term for people who whiten their teeth on a weekly basis. This kind of habit will wear down your teeth's enamel which increases sensitivity and eventually make the teeth yellower. Follow the directions and listen to your doctor.