Most dentists offer a variety of teeth whitening services. While there is some controversy about the effectiveness of LED light, proponents claim it makes the bleaching action of the peroxide faster and more efficient. LED lights, particularly blue lights, are sometimes used in conjunction with teeth whitening kits. They also give minimal results, but they are a good way to keep up on teeth whitening in between other types of treatments. Whitening mouthwashes or rinses contain a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. You can achieve good results with teeth whitening kits, often removing stains and whitening teeth up to four or more shades. Whitening kits are trays that you fill with a mild hydrogen peroxide gel and then apply to your teeth for a specified length of time, generally 20 minutes to an hour per session. They can whiten teeth two to four shades if used regularly and precisely. Whitening strips are convenient and easy to use. Whitening gels are difficult to apply precisely without a tray, but if used carefully they can be quite effective. Their results are minimal, but they can remove light staining. Whitening toothpastes have mild abrasives to scrub away surface stains. If you want to whiten your teeth at home, you have plenty of options. You can still improve the appearance of your teeth by removing stains and lightening enamel, but you cannot change the color of your dentin.ĭentists often recommend veneers or crowns in cases where the discoloration is extreme.īestReviews What types of teeth whitening products are available? At-home teeth whitening Unfortunately, dentin cannot be lightened. This allows the inner layer of dentin - the hard material surrounding and protecting the pulp and root of each tooth - to show through.ĭentin is normally yellow or brown, so as your enamel thins the exposed dentin causes your teeth to appear discolored. The aging process thins your dental enamel. Luckily, surface stains are the easiest discoloration to remove. Coffee, tea, red wine, soda, and cigarette smoke are the most common culprits, although other dark or acidic foods can also discolor teeth over time. Your teeth have a hard outer coating of enamel, and this enamel is prone to staining. Other causes of yellowed, brownish, or grayish teeth include genetics, certain medications, excessive fluoride, tooth grinding, dental trauma, and tooth decay. There are two basic reasons why teeth change color - stains and age. A yellowed or discolored smile is a common problem.