Updated December 08, 2014.

Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.

 You may be surprised that a cosmetic dentist wold recommend the use of at home teeth whitening options, but this dentist can’t argue with their ease and convenience, especially for cases where only a light whitening is desired. 

At home whitening options, like strips and trays - easily found at drug stores nationwide - are a good and affordable option for the removal of surface stains.  Sure, a stronger professional process may be necessary to tackle more set-in stains and to get your teeth to their brightest white, but when used as directed, at home whitening agents are a great first step to a whiter smile.

 

Among the options for at home teeth whitening are thin, flexible strips that offer a coating of whitening gel, which contains peroxide, the whitening agent. 

It’s true that some patients prefer professional whitening because these strips can be awkward to use or hard to conform to (keep attache to) their teeth.  To alleviate this issue, some companies have begun to shape their strips so that they fit over the shape of either the upper or lower set of front teeth.  This way, even without trays that professionals would use, the whitening gel better stays in place against your teeth to work on stains, both on the surface and just below. 

Strip use is simple.  First just open the pouch or package and remove the strip. Peel the strip from the backing liner and align with your gum line. Press gently for good contact. Fold the rest of strip behind your teeth to keep it in place. Wear strip(s) for the brand’s suggested amount of time, then remove it and discard.

For best results, it is best if you do not brush your teeth immediately before applying strips, but brushing teeth immediately after removing the strips is acceptable, though not necessary.

  Do not eat or drink - even water - while using most whitening strips, as this will affect whitening results.  Also, do not wear whitening strips overnight or while sleeping.

It is important to note that most at home whitening agents will only whiten natural teeth.  These options do not work on caps, crowns, veneers, fillings or dentures, and are not recommended for use with orthodontic braces as they are designed to adhere well to the teeth.  In the same way, they are not recommended for use on loose teeth, temporary or loose restorations, unfilled cavities, or for those with periodontal disease.  

Do not leave strips on longer than the suggested time to avoid tooth sensitivity and gum discomfort.  Leaving the gel against your teeth for longer than suggested will not serve to further whiten your smile, nor will using a strip over again provide any tooth whitening benefits.  Some brands do suggest, however, that back-to-back use of new strips is possible.  With these strips, wear the first strip for the time instructed, then remove; rinse or wipe as needed, then apply a second strip.

Remember that results with at home teeth whitening kits are not necessarily immediate, which is why some systems may last a period of weeks.  Results vary, and each user will see their teeth become noticeable whiter at a different stage in the process.    The length of time your teeth will stay whiter after an in home whitening treatment is determined by your lifestyle.  Drinking coffee, tea, red wine or soda and smoking can dull or re-stain your smile.  

And, of course, visit your dentist regularly.  At home whitening strips are not a substitute for regular dental care for the overall maintenance of your smile!