Teeth whitening (also referred to as "teeth bleaching") utilizing at-home tray-based teeth whitening products has become the most popular way for dentists to help their patients obtain whiter smiles. This type of teeth bleaching system makes use of a plastic bleaching tray. Whitening gel is placed into the tray and it is then seated over the dental patient's teeth. The bleaching tray is then worn for multiple hours per day (or else overnight), for some weeks, while the effects of the teeth whitening process take place.

Our discussion about at-home tray-based teeth whitening systems addresses: what types of whitening gels have been recognized as safe and effective, what causes teeth to become darkened or stained, when does this type of teeth whitening process work and under what circumstances might it not, how long you can expect the teeth whitening effects to last, the specific steps involved with tray whitening systems, teeth whitening costs, and a discussion about side effects and safety concerns related to carbamide peroxide teeth whiteners.