An engaging and bright smile is something everyone would like. Professional teeth whitening can lighten your teeth quickly many shades. A more youthful appearance might be one advantage of enhancing your smile. There are several ways one can lighten their teeth. One method, used by dentists, that has been around for many years is a mixture containing peroxide gel. After determining that you should lighten your teeth, the dentist will first take an impression of your teeth. Then they make special trays that conform to your teeth. Next, they prepare a special gel mixture containing the ingredients used to bleach the teeth. After filling the trays with the gel mixture, you place the trays into your mouth as instructed by your dentist. They are kept in for several hours, or even overnight. Some dental offices are performing a more innovative technique of lightening teeth. The dentist uses a laser, and the treatment is complete in about an hour. The dentist places a layer of bleaching gel on the teeth and uses the laser light to penetrate the enamel and lighten the teeth. Whitening is usually complete in one visit.