There are so many causes to teeth becoming tainted over time. Some of the most common are genetics, aging, consuming straining substances (soda, coffee, smoking, tea, ect). Even when you brush the recommended 2 minutes, twice a day you can still watch your teeth slowly change color. Whitening toothpaste can remove some stains on the outside of the teeth however can leave some of the deeper stains. That is why teeth whitening products are so popular, it can remove stains that regular brushing and flossing cannot get rid of.

A teeth whitening gel is placed into a tray that fits over your teeth. The active ingredient in the gel, carbamide peroxide, begins to break down. Oxygen, given off by the peroxide, then enters the enamel of the teeth and bleaches the colored substances. The structures of the teeth themselves are not changed, only bleached.

Teeth whitening gel has been around for much longer then it has been seen on the market. Dentists have been using teeth whitening gel for years because it is a fast and safe way to whiten teeth 2-5 shades in a matter of days without any type of procedure. Teeth bleaching is as safe as brushing your teeth. Do realize any type of teeth whitening system can cause teeth or gum sensitivity for a short period of time however it is not harmful. In case of sensitivity reduce usage time or frequency of the teeth whitening gel.

Make sure to brush and floss prior to bleaching your teeth. The teeth whitening gel is most effective on clean teeth. Put the trays in your mouth without any bleaching gel to check for fit and comfort. Use fitted trays for best results, they can usually be ordered through your dentist, and some kits come with trays that can be fitted to your teeth after being run under hot water to make the material malleable. Remove the trays and make sure to clean and dry them. Moisture reduces the efficiency of the whitening gel and slows down the whitening process.

Make sure when applying the gel to not fill and certainly do not overfill the trays. Do not spread the gel around, and remember to recap the syringe for next treatment until empty.

Seat the tray firmly against your teeth. Wipe away any excess gel which seeps over the brim of the tray by holding the tray up with one hand and wipe the excess gel off of the gums with your finger or a tissue.

It is recommended to keep the trays in for 30 minutes to 1 hour for the first time, and increase the use gradually if there is little to no tooth or gum sensitivity. 

Depending on the carbamide peroxide strength in the gel will determine the length of use. 10%, 15%, or 16% strength can be used 2 to 4 hours once or twice a day or overnight if no sensitivity. Carbamide peroxide gel with 20-22%, use for 30 min to an hour once or twice a day. Do not exceed one hour per application for these strengths.

For teeth whitening gels that use hydrogen peroxide as their active ingredient, they should only be used for 30 minutes to an hour depending on sensitivity. Again do not exceed one hour per application.

Remove the tray(s) and rinse off your teeth, brushing any remaining gel away. Continue routine dental care of brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each, as well as flossing in between teeth. Make sure to take care of your tray(s) and gel. Clean the trays using a toothbrush or Q-tip and cold water. Store the trays and gel in a cool dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. Refrigerate the gel to prolong the shelf life.

At home teeth whitening kits can range from $30 to $100 for most kits. Usually the price varies depending on what the kit includes. Some only come with a syringe and a pair of trays. While others are true kits and have found them including multiple gel syringe applicators, mouth molding trays, an electric toothbrush, storage case, tongue scraper and even an interproximal pick used by dentists. Going to the dentist and having them do it for you can cost several hundred dollars for the same results.