Most nights at my home, we have a ritual with our kids. They first choose whether they are going to brush their own teeth, or if they are going to lie in our laps and have either my wife or I do it "like a dentist." Whatever they choose, though, they always run to me afterwards and flash a huge smile and ask, "Are my teeth shiny?" And only after I give the nod of approval do they run off to bed and promptly fall asleep. (All right - it's not always that easy, but that's not the point of this article).

Even at the age of three, our kids had the notion that teeth should be white and shiny. I'm not entirely sure where they picked this idea up (I'm sure that my being a dentist had nothing to do with it), but it is also an extremely prevalent idea in our society. It could be that white teeth are a benchmark of good health, or that flashing a big smile is one of the easiest things we can do to attract others. But whatever the reason, people are interested in making their smiles brighter.

Now, while there are a lot of ways to achieve this look, including basic hygiene and home-care, there are many people who are interested in bleaching their teeth using chemicals. And when it comes to doing this, there are three basic approaches that one can take. They are all equally safe, although some may lead to more short-term sensitivity than others.

In-office whitening

Because your gums are well protected and you are under the supervision of your dentist, the bleach is a stronger solution than you'd use at home. Also, the dentist will often use a laser light to speed up the process. Generally, the entire whitening can be completed in one visit, broken into three 20-minute bleaching treatments.

There are a few downsides. First of all, the treatment costs a lot more than other options. Second, I have seen cases of extreme tooth sensitivity, sometimes even requiring the procedure to be stopped mid-treatment. For these reasons, I normally recommend other options, unless time is a factor.

Bleaching trays

Your dentist will design perfectly fitting bleaching trays using an impression of your teeth. At home, you'll use a special bleaching solution in these trays daily for one to two weeks. This is my go-to option when patients ask about whitening, and for the most part achieves similar results as in-office treatments.

Over-the-counter kits

Of all of the choices out there, my favorites are the strips because you're less likely to swallow bleach or damage your gums with these products. While the bleaching solution used in over-the-counter products may be too mild to yield dramatic results or to whiten severely stained teeth, these products may help whiten mildly discolored teeth, especially in younger people, since their enamel is stronger and less easily stained.

If whitening is something you would like to consider, it is a good idea to talk with your dentist beforehand. He or she will assess the condition of your teeth and help you to determine the best option for you.

Dr. Logan Hazard at Heartwood Family Dental in Post Falls offers free exams and X-rays for all new patients, treatment for the entire family, a wonderful team, and acceptance of all insurances in the area. Call Justine today at (208) 777-1542.