Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that lightens and removes stains or discoloration from your teeth, helping to enhance your smile.

Tooth discoloration can be caused by:

• Foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored sodas.
• Smoking or chewing tobacco.
• Aging, which naturally wears down enamel over time.
• Certain medications or medical conditions.
• Poor oral hygiene or plaque buildup.

• In-office whitening: Performed by a dentist, offering fast and dramatic results using professional-grade whitening agents.
• Take-home whitening kits: Custom trays and professional whitening gel provided by your dentist for gradual results at home.
• Over-the-counter products: Whitening strips, toothpastes, and gels, though these are less effective and may take longer to show results.

In-office whitening typically takes about 1–2 hours. Depending on the level of staining, some patients may require multiple sessions for optimal results.

Yes, when done under the supervision of a dentist. Professional whitening systems are safe and minimize risks like gum irritation or tooth sensitivity. Overuse of at-home products or unregulated kits, however, can damage enamel or gums.

Teeth whitening may cause temporary tooth sensitivity or mild gum irritation, but these effects typically subside within a day or two. 

Results can last 6 months to 2 years, depending on your lifestyle and oral care habits. Avoiding staining foods and drinks, not smoking, and maintaining good oral hygiene can help prolong the results.

Teeth whitening is not suitable for everyone. It may not be recommended if:

• You have active cavities or gum disease.
• You’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You have restorations (crowns, veneers, or fillings) that won’t whiten like natural teeth.
  A consultation with your dentist can determine if whitening is right for you.

• Professional whitening: Provides faster, safer, and more effective results with stronger whitening agents and custom care.
• Over-the-counter products: May take weeks to show results and are less effective on deep stains.

• Brush and floss daily.
• Use a whitening toothpaste or touch-up treatments as recommended by your dentist.
• Avoid foods and drinks that stain, such as coffee, tea, and wine.
• Rinse your mouth with water after consuming staining substances.
• Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups

When performed correctly, professional whitening does not damage enamel. Overuse of unregulated or abrasive whitening products can weaken enamel, so it’s essential to follow your dentist’s advice.

Teeth whitening works well on extrinsic (surface) stains caused by food, drinks, and tobacco. Intrinsic stains (inside the tooth) or discoloration from trauma, medications, or fluorosis may not respond as well. Alternative treatments like veneers may be recommended for these cases.

• In-office whitening provides noticeable results immediately after treatment.
• Take-home whitening kits may show results within a week or two of consistent use.

For the first 24–48 hours after whitening, avoid staining foods and drinks, such as:

• • Coffee, tea, and red wine.
  • Dark-colored sodas.
  • Berries, tomato sauce, and soy sauce.
    Additionally, avoid smoking or using tobacco products.