Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves bleaching the teeth to make them lighter and brighter. There are several methods of teeth whitening, including in-office bleaching, at-home bleaching, and over-the-counter whitening products.

People may choose to whiten their teeth for a variety of reasons, including:

• To improve the appearance of their smile
• To remove stains or discoloration caused by food, drinks, tobacco, or aging
• To boost their self-confidence and self-esteem

The process of teeth whitening varies depending on the method used. Some common methods of teeth whitening include :

In-office bleaching: In-office bleaching involves applying a bleaching agent to the teeth and activating it with a special light or laser. This method can usually be completed in one visit and can produce immediate results.

At-home bleaching: At-home bleaching involves using a whitening gel or strips that are applied to the teeth at home over the course of several days or weeks. This method is generally less expensive than in-office bleaching, but it may take longer to see results.

Over-the-counter products: Over-the-counter teeth whitening products include whitening toothpaste, whitening mouthwash, and whitening strips. These products are generally less effective than professional teeth whitening methods and may take longer to produce results.

Teeth whitening is generally safe and effective, but it may not be suitable for everyone. Some contraindications for teeth whitening include:

Sensitive teeth: If you have sensitive teeth or gum tissue, teeth whitening may cause discomfort or irritation.

Enamel defects: If you have enamel defects or thin enamel, teeth whitening may cause the teeth to become more sensitive or may not be effective.

Gum disease: If you have gum disease or other oral health problems, teeth whitening may not be recommended until the problems are addressed.

Certain medications: Some medications, such as tetracycline, can cause teeth discoloration that may not respond to teeth whitening.

Those who are allergic to peroxide-containing products.

Patients with poor hygiene

Pregnant or lactating women

Children under the age of 16

Teeth whitening is generally safe when performed by a dental professional or when using over-the-counter products as directed. However, if the bleaching agent is ingested or applied improperly, it can cause side effects such as tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and burns to the gums and soft tissue. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your dentist or the manufacturer of the whitening product to minimize the risk of side effects.

Teeth whitening will not change the color of dental veneers, crowns, bridges, or composite fillings. If you have these types of restorations, you may need to have them replaced or refinished to match your newly whitened teeth.

No, teeth whitening is not permanent and the results will gradually fade over time. The length of time the results last will depend on the type of whitening method used and a person's lifestyle habits, such as smoking and consuming staining foods and drinks. To maintain the results of teeth whitening, it is important to follow a good oral hygiene routine and avoid consuming foods and drinks that can stain the teeth.