Teeth whitening is a dental procedure that lightens the color of teeth. It can be done for cosmetic reasons to improve the appearance of a smile, or for medical reasons to treat discoloration caused by factors such as smoking, drinking coffee or tea, or taking certain medications. There are a number of different teeth whitening methods available, including over-the-counter products, professional in-office treatments, and a combination of both.
Professional teeth whitening is typically more effective than over-the-counter products, but it is also more expensive. In-office teeth whitening treatments typically involve the use of a bleaching agent that is applied to the teeth and activated with a light or laser. This process can take several hours, and it may be necessary to repeat the treatment several times to achieve the desired results.