At-home whitening has been proven to be a highly effective dental treatment that restores the natural whiteness of a persons teeth.  As the name indicates, most of it can be done from the convenience of the patients home.   The treatment is set up in a dental office, and the dentist provides materials and instructions for their use to the patient.  Throughout the entire at-home whitening process, the patient has access to medical supervision and consultation when needed.

People use this treatment whenever their teeth become visibly yellow or brown.   There are several things that can cause teeth to discolor like this.  Darkening can occur, for instance, over the natural course of time as minerals penetrate the outer enamel of teeth.  Beverages such as coffee, colas, tea, red wine, and berry juices can also stain teeth.  There are many things that can cause this to happen. 

People who smoke or who use smokeless tobacco inevitably experience yellowing or darkening of teeth.  One has only to look at the yellowish color of a cigarette filter after smoking to predict the color of teeth in a couple of years.

Thankfully, however, this discoloration can be removed with at-home whitening.  This cosmetic dental restoration system is designed to remove these stains and restore the cosmetic attraction factor of a persons smile.   Houston cosmetic dentists make a specially formulated whitening gel that is designed to safely and gently force oxygen through the enamel of the teeth.  This process practically erases stains and brightens the teeth without damaging the enamel, the dentin, or the gums.

The creation of an at-home whitening system begins with a full dental examination.  This ensures that gums, teeth, and surrounding mouth tissues are healthy.  After the procedure determines that at-home whitening is appropriate for the state of the patients dental health, the dentist next takes impressions of the teeth to make models.  With these models, the dentist can create a personalized whitening tray that will fit tightly over the patients teeth and achieve the very best results possible. 

The patient then returns home and follows the instructions that the dentist has provided.  He or she places the tray over their teeth, applying it for several hours each day.  These trays can be worn around the house or while a person is sleeping.  The patient almost always sees results in a couple of weeks.   

Once the process is complete, the patient should stay away from food and drinks that will stain the teeth.  Brushing, flossing, and rinsing the teeth with water are standard care.   The individual should also schedule periodic visits to his or her dentist in order to touch up the white and remove any new stains that form.

Throughout this process, this dentist monitors everything in order to make sure that the gums do not become irritated by the trays.  Some sensitivity is to be expected, but it should never be severe or prolonged.   Patients experiencing sensitivity should brush with Sensodyne or an equivalent brand of toothpaste.   Acute irritation or sensitivity should be reported to the dentist immediately.