Teeth whitening is a process of lightening the color of teeth. It involves a bleaching process that reduces the discoloration of the enamel and dentin caused due to smoking, aging, consumption of tea, coffee and colas.

You can try tooth whitening if you have healthy teeth without any fillings. Teeth whiteners are not suitable for dark gray stains, crowns, colored fillings and stains due to some medication such as tetracycline.

There are several types of products available for use at home. When selecting a whitener you must look for the ADA Seal for safety and effectiveness. Tooth whiteners gels or strips contain carbamide or hydrogen peroxide as the active bleaching ingredients. The bleaching gel is placed in a thin bleaching tray that fits over the teeth. The tooth whitening strips are placed on the teeth and gently pressed to make a contact between the whitener and the surface of the tooth. Results are usually seen within the first week.

You may experience tooth sensitivity to cold or discomfort in the gums during treatment. These symptoms always disappear within a couple of days after completion of treatment.

The tooth whitening toothpastes help remove surface stain through the action of mild abrasives or chemical polishing agents. Whitening toothpastes with the ADA Seal of Acceptance program do not alter the intrinsic color of teeth, unlike bleaches.