Purpose: Teeth whitening is performed to improve the aesthetics of the smile by reducing the appearance of stains and discoloration on the teeth. Common causes of tooth discoloration include aging, consumption of certain foods and beverages (such as coffee, tea, red wine), smoking, and certain medications.

Methods: There are several methods of teeth whitening, which can be broadly categorized into two types:

• In-Office Whitening: This is a professional teeth whitening procedure performed by a dentist in the dental office. It involves the application of a high-concentration whitening gel, usually containing hydrogen peroxide, onto the teeth. The gel is activated by a special light or laser. The entire process typically takes about one to two hours, and results are often noticeable immediately.

• At-Home Whitening: Dentists may also provide customized trays and a lower-concentration whitening gel for at-home use. Patients wear the trays over their teeth for a specified period, usually a few hours a day or overnight, for several days to weeks, depending on the desired level of whitening. At-home whitening may take longer to achieve results compared to in-office treatments.